New Balance · Sports Performance Undergarments
New Balance Men's Cushioned Low Cut Moisture Wicking Socks
Lower concern; no water-repellent coating treatment typical for low-cut cushioned socks.
Standard cushioned athletic socks with moisture-wicking. No waterproofing or stain resistance mentioned, reducing PFAS coating risk. New Balance makes no PFAS claims.
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Material
Cotton blend with synthetic moisture-wicking fibers, no stated water-resistant treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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
These socks blend cotton with synthetic moisture-wicking fibers (likely polyester or nylon based on typical New Balance construction). Cotton is relatively low-hazard but the synthetic component raises questions about dye chemistry and fiber processing. The lack of stated water-resistant or antimicrobial treatment suggests no intentional fluorochemical or antimicrobial-silver coating, which reduces chemical exposure compared to performance socks marketed as water-repellent or odor-resistant.
The brand's record and disclosure
New Balance has not published a public PFAS policy or restricted chemical list comparable to some competitors (e.g., Patagonia, Allbirds). The brand does not routinely disclose third-party chemical testing for apparel. This silence is not unusual for heritage athletic brands and does not indicate a known problem, but it reflects a lack of transparency. No recalls or published chemical violations have been documented for New Balance socks.
How it compares in its category
Cushioned low-cut moisture-wicking socks are a mainstream category with few published hazard distinctions. Most competitors (Nike, Adidas, Smartwool) use similar cotton-synthetic blends without water-repellent coating treatment at this price tier. Socks labeled water-resistant or anti-odor at premium prices carry higher PFAS and antimicrobial-chemical risk. New Balance's unmarked formulation is typical and poses no known disadvantage relative to generic alternatives.
If you buy it
Wash socks in warm water with standard detergent; hot water is not necessary for this blend and may degrade elastic over time. Do not machine-dry on high heat, as polyester can degrade faster at sustained high temperatures. Replace socks when elastic fails or heel cushioning compresses visibly, typically every 6-12 months with regular wear. No special care triggers chemical concern; standard laundry practice is sufficient.
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.”
Azo dyes in synthetic fibers
Cotton-synthetic blends may contain azo dyes used for color fastness. New Balance does not disclose dye chemistry or compliance with OEKO-TEX or similar standards. Risk is low for skin contact on socks but reflects unknown formulation.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishing
Cotton-blend athletic socks may receive formaldehyde-based wrinkle-resist or shrink-control finishes during manufacturing. No product documentation confirms or denies this treatment. Residual formaldehyde off-gassing is typically minimal after initial washing.
Antimony in polyester fiber
Antimony trioxide is a common polyester catalyst but is firmly bound in the polymer chain and does not migrate to skin. No established hazard for finished apparel or skin contact has been documented.
Microplastic shedding during wear or wash
All synthetic-blend socks shed microfibers during washing and wear. This is an environmental concern but does not pose direct chemical hazard to the wearer. Washing bags or cold-water cycles reduce shedding but do not eliminate it.
Heavy metals in colorants
Reputable athletic brands typically use compliant dyes and pigments, though New Balance does not publish heavy-metal testing. No documented contamination of New Balance apparel with lead or cadmium has been reported.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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 sports performance undergarments 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.