Merrell · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Merrell Men's Agility Peak 6 GTX
GORE-TEX likely contains PFAS; Merrell discloses nothing about it.
GORE-TEX waterproof membrane typically uses legacy PFOA-based chemistry or modern PFAS alternatives. Merrell provides no public statement on PFAS content or water-repellent coating treatment of this hiking shoe.
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Material
textile upper with GORE-TEX waterproof 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 Agility Peak 6 GTX pairs a textile upper (likely polyester and nylon blends) with a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane laminated to the interior. GORE-TEX is a microporous Teflon-family coating that traditionally relies on PFAS-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) chemistry to function; newer formulations may use alternatives, but Merrell does not specify which. The textile upper may also carry a secondary water-repellent coating treatment on the outer surface, typically fluorine-based for performance footwear at this price point.
The brand's record and disclosure
Merrell (owned by Wolverine World Wide) has not publicly committed to PFAS-free manufacturing or provided ingredient disclosure for this model. The brand has faced no major recalls or regulatory actions specific to chemical hazards in recent footwear lines. However, Merrell's silence on GORE-TEX sourcing and water-repellent coating chemistry is consistent with industry-wide opacity; competitors like Salomon and ASICS offer similar transparency levels. No independent certifications for chemical safety (e.g., Bluesign, OEKO-TEX) are marketed for this shoe.
How it compares in its category
This is a mainstream performance hiking shoe using industry-standard waterproofing technology. Most competitors in the same price and category (Nike ACG, Salomon Speedcross, Hoka Speedgoat) employ identical or similar GORE-TEX systems with comparable PFAS exposure risk. Non-waterproof or membrane-free alternatives (Altra, Topo Athletic) eliminate the waterproof-layer chemical burden but sacrifice weather protection. Full chemical transparency remains rare across the hiking footwear sector.
If you buy it
Wash upper textiles gently by hand in cool water to minimize microfiber shedding and preserve coatings; avoid machine washing and high heat drying. Replace when the GORE-TEX laminate delaminates or the sole shows significant wear (typically 400-600 miles), as degraded waterproofing may release particulates. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to slow water-repellent coating breakdown. Do not repeatedly treat with aftermarket fluorine-based water-repellent coating sprays; reapplication compounds cumulative PFAS exposure.
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.”
Formaldehyde resins in textile dyes and finishes
Polyester and nylon textiles in outdoor footwear often receive formaldehyde-based finishing resins to improve wrinkle resistance and dye fixation. No specific test data for this model is public, but off-gassing is most active within the first few weeks of use and declines with ventilation.
Azo dyes (heavy-metal carriers)
Merrell does not disclose dye sources or azo-free certifications for this shoe. Industry standard for mid-range outdoor footwear does not exclude azo dyes, though exposure risk from dyes on skin contact is low compared to ingestion hazards in other product categories.
Microfiber shedding from synthetic textiles
Synthetic uppers in athletic footwear shed microfibers with wear, especially when laundered. This is not brand-specific; it reflects the material class. Merrell provides no guidance on limiting shedding during care or end-of-life disposal.
Adhesive/solvent residues and VOC off-gassing
The lamination of GORE-TEX to the textile upper and sole assembly typically uses polyurethane or epoxy adhesives. Initial off-gassing may occur in sealed storage or warm conditions; airing the shoe before first wear reduces exposure.
PFAS in waterproof membrane and water-repellent coating finishes
See separate PFAS assessment (20/100). GORE-TEX and secondary water-repellent coating coatings on this shoe almost certainly contain PFAS; Merrell's silence prevents confirmation of reformulation status or intent to transition to PFAS-free alternatives.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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.