Merrell · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Merrell Men's Moab 3
Hiking shoe with waterproof treatment; PFAS status unclear from brand.
Merrell does not disclose PFAS use in the Moab 3. Waterproof hiking shoes typically use water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS, but Merrell's specific formulations are undisclosed. No independent testing data available.
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Material
Nubuck leather upper, polyurethane midsole, 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 Moab 3 upper combines nubuck leather (treated animal hide) with a polyurethane midsole and an internal waterproof membrane. The nubuck itself poses minimal chemical risk if untreated, but the waterproof treatment and polyurethane components are where concern arises. Merrell does not publicly specify which waterproof membrane or coating is used, leaving PFAS presence uncertain. Polyurethane degradation under UV light and repeated flexing can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over the shoe's lifespan.
The brand's record and disclosure
Merrell has not publicly committed to PFAS-free waterproofing or disclosed the specific chemistry of its waterproof membranes. The brand does not maintain a dedicated chemical safety or transparency page comparable to competitors like Salomon or some outdoor brands that voluntarily report restricted substance lists. No major product recalls or chemical contamination incidents are on record for Merrell footwear, but the lack of proactive disclosure is notable in an industry increasingly scrutinized for waterproof chemistry.
How it compares in its category
The Moab 3 is a mid-range hiking shoe typical of mainstream outdoor footwear in terms of material complexity. Many competitors (Salomon, La Sportiva, Garmont) similarly use synthetic waterproof membranes without full transparency. A few premium brands now offer PFAS-free waterproofing options, though cost is higher. The Moab 3's nubuck upper is more durable and breathable than synthetic leather but requires more maintenance than fully synthetic alternatives.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources above 65°C (150°F) to minimize polyurethane off-gassing and membrane degradation. Clean with a soft brush and mild soap; avoid waterproofing re-treatments unless absolutely necessary, as aftermarket products may contain PFAS or other chemicals. Nubuck requires occasional conditioning with a nubuck-specific product to prevent cracking. Replace or resole when tread wears significantly or waterproof integrity visibly fails (water no longer beads on upper).
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.”
Waterproof membrane chemistry (undisclosed, possible PFAS)
Merrell does not disclose whether the internal waterproof treatment uses fluorinated compounds (PFAS) or alternatives. Industry standard for this price point historically relies on PFAS-based coatings, but confirmation is unavailable from the brand.
Polyurethane midsole VOC off-gassing
Polyurethane footwear is documented to release volatile organic compounds, especially when new or exposed to heat. Off-gassing typically diminishes within weeks but may cause odor or indoor air quality concerns if shoes are stored in sealed spaces or worn in enclosed areas immediately after purchase.
Azo dyes in nubuck leather and polyurethane coloring
Nubuck leather and polyurethane components may be dyed with azo compounds, which can break down into carcinogenic aromatic amines under sweat or moisture conditions. No specific ban on azo dyes in Merrell products is documented, and the company does not publicly restrict their use in footwear.
Formaldehyde resins in leather tanning and adhesives
Nubuck leather may contain residual formaldehyde from chrome or aldehyde tanning processes, and shoe adhesives often contain urea-formaldehyde resins. Levels are typically low in finished footwear, but off-gassing can occur in the first weeks of use, particularly in warm, humid conditions.
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding from worn polyurethane
As the polyurethane midsole and any top-coatings degrade with age and flexing, microplastic particles may shed into soil and waterways. This is a material-class issue inherent to synthetic footwear, not specific to Merrell, but replacement timing affects total environmental burden.
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.