PFAS score
Merrell · Waterproof Boots
Merrell Men's Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX waterproofing historically uses PFOA-based processes; Merrell makes no PFAS disclosure, caution warranted.
This hiking boot uses GORE-TEX membrane, a widely known Teflon-family coating fabric traditionally manufactured with PFAS chemistry, though newer formulations may use alternatives. Merrell provides no public statement on PFAS content or whether this specific model uses legacy or next-gen GORE-TEX.
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Material
GORE-TEX membrane (polytetrafluoroethylene base) + nylon/mesh upper
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.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 42% 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.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Boots
Allbirds
Men's Cruiser Mid Explore Shoes
Sugarcane-based foam, wool blend, natural rubber sole
Lower PFAS concern due to natural material focus; no water-repellent coating treatment disclosed.
⚠Risky category by default
Mephisto
Men's Leonardo
Leather upper, rubber/synthetic sole
Lower concern for a leather dress shoe; no known water-repellent coating typical of this product category.
⚠Risky category by default
Mephisto
Men's Fosco Leather Boots
Leather upper; rubber sole
Lower PFAS concern for classic leather boots; no treatment features flagged, but brand offers no disclosure.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof boots 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.