Merrell · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Kid Merrell Moab Speed 2 Low Waterproof
Waterproof kids shoe; Merrell silent on PFAS in water-repellent coating treatment.
Merrell does not disclose PFAS use or absence in waterproofing treatments for this shoe. Waterproof apparel commonly uses water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS, but specific treatment chemistry is unconfirmed here.
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Material
Textile upper with waterproof coating/membrane
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
clothing is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Moab Speed 2 Low uses a textile upper combined with a waterproof membrane (likely polyurethane-based laminate) and a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating on the fabric surface. The water-repellent coating treatment is where PFAS chemicals are typically applied to achieve water shedding without soaking through. Textile uppers themselves pose minimal acute risk if undyed or using standard azo dyes; the main concern is the chemical finish system used to achieve waterproofing and its durability over the shoe's life.
The brand's record and disclosure
Merrell, owned by Wolverine Worldwide, has not published transparent PFAS phase-out commitments or full disclosure of water-repellent coating chemistry for this model as of available public records. The company does not appear on major PFAS-free certification lists (e.g., OEKO-TEX, bluesign). Wolverine has faced pressure from environmental groups on PFAS in footwear but has not released detailed chemical inventories for kids' lines, which is a notable gap given children's exposure sensitivity.
How it compares in its category
Kids waterproof footwear typically uses PFAS-based water-repellent coating or newer fluorine-free alternatives; this Merrell sits in the mainstream market segment without transparency, placing it below brands that have adopted PFAS-free water-repellent coating or carry third-party certifications. Competitors like Salomon and some Keen models now market PFAS-free waterproofing, making this shoe's silence a relative disadvantage. For a kids' product, lack of disclosure is more concerning than for adult footwear due to children's developing systems and hand-to-mouth contact.
If you buy it
Wash the shoe before first wear to reduce surface finishes and loose particles. Avoid high heat (dishwasher, direct heat drying, or prolonged sunlight storage), which can degrade coatings and potentially release volatile compounds. Inspect the waterproof membrane annually for cracks or peeling; once compromised, replacement is safer than repair. Limit machine washing and prefer cool hand-wash with mild soap; aggressive laundering accelerates water-repellent coating breakdown and may increase leaching of treatment chemicals.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
PFAS in water-repellent coating
Waterproof kids shoes almost always use legacy fluorinated water-repellent coating unless explicitly stated otherwise. Merrell's silence on this product's water-repellent coating chemistry and brand's lack of public PFAS phase-out means conventional (PFAS-containing) treatment is probable. Children's exposure via skin contact and potential mouth contact carries developmental risk.
Formaldehyde in fabric finishes
Textile dyeing and finishing processes may introduce formaldehyde-releasing resins for wrinkle resistance or color fastness. No specific reports for this model exist, but children's textiles warrant scrutiny. Dermal contact and inhalation from new shoe off-gassing pose the main risk.
Azo dyes and heavy metal mordants
Standard textile dyeing may use azo dyes (which can break down to carcinogenic amines) and heavy metal mordants (cadmium, chromium) for color fixing. No recalls or hazard alerts for this Merrell model are on record, but absence of certification (e.g., STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX) means unverified.
Polyurethane membrane degradation and chemical leaching
Polyurethane laminates can hydrolyze and degrade over time, especially with sweat exposure and humidity, potentially releasing oligomers and residual catalysts. In waterproof kids shoes subjected to active wear and moisture, integrity loss over 1-2 years is common. Degradation may increase leaching of waterproofing chemicals into contact with skin.
Antimony in polyester components
If polyester is used in backing or structural layers, antimony trioxide (flame retardant catalyst) may be present. No specific data for this shoe exists, and footwear antimony contamination is less commonly reported than in apparel, but not ruled out.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More hiking shoes & trail runners grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.