Nike · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Nike Men's SFB Air Field Ukiah R GTX
Unknown PFAS risk. GTX waterproofing commonly uses fluorochemicals.
Nike does not publicly disclose PFAS use or avoidance for this boot. The Gore-Tex GTX membrane typically relies on fluorochemical treatments, a known PFAS source in waterproof footwear.
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Material
Textile upper with GTX 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 SFB Air Field Ukiah R GTX uses a textile upper paired with Gore-Tex (GTX) waterproof membrane technology. Gore-Tex membranes traditionally rely on Teflon-type coating (polytetrafluoroethylene) and fluorochemical treatment to repel water while remaining breathable. The shoe's synthetic/textile construction avoids some hazards of treated leather, but the waterproof layer's fluorochemical composition is the primary safety consideration. Nike does not publicly disclose whether this specific model uses next-generation Teflon-type coating formulations or older fluorochemical finishes.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nike has not published a PFAS phase-out commitment or transparency report specific to footwear waterproofing. The brand maintains general sustainability statements but remains silent on fluorochemical alternatives in GTX products. No major PFAS-related recalls or lawsuits are publicly associated with Nike footwear to date. This absence of disclosure makes it impossible to confirm whether newer low-PFAS GTX versions are used in this model or older formulations persist.
How it compares in its category
Most tactical and outdoor boots in Nike's price range use GTX or similar Teflon-type coating-based membranes; non-fluorinated waterproofing alternatives exist but are less common in military-style footwear. Competitors like Salomon and Merrell offer some Teflon-type coating-free options, though availability is limited. This shoe is typical for its segment, meaning waterproofing hazard sits within industry norms rather than being unusually high or low. Choosing a non-waterproofed textile boot would eliminate fluorochemical exposure but sacrifice performance in wet conditions.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat; do not machine wash or expose the GTX membrane to prolonged high temperatures, which can degrade the coating and potentially release particles. Replace the shoe within 3-5 years of regular use, as membrane degradation increases with age and may compromise waterproofing integrity. Avoid conditioning products marketed for Gore-Tex unless explicitly approved; many can clog the membrane. Clean gently with a damp cloth and allow air drying to extend the lifespan and maintain barrier function.
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.”
Fluorochemicals in GTX waterproof membrane
Gore-Tex membranes typically contain Teflon-type coating and fluorochemical water repellents. Nike has not disclosed whether this model uses legacy formulations or newer lower-PFAS versions. Exposure risk is primarily occupational (manufacturing) or end-of-life disposal; consumer skin contact is minimal during normal wear.
Azo dyes in textile upper
No public record of restricted azo dyes in Nike textile uppers; the brand adheres to EU and global restrictions on carcinogenic azo colorants. Standard Nike footwear does not carry known azo dye violations.
Formaldehyde in textile treatments
Nike textiles are not known to use formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle-resistance or sizing in this product category. Industry standard avoidance reduces this risk, though no explicit certification is on record for this specific model.
Antimony in polyester components
Antimony is used as a catalyst in some polyester production but typically remains bound in the polymer matrix and does not leach during normal wear. No recalls or reports link Nike footwear polyester to antimony exposure.
Coating degradation releasing particles
GTX membranes and their fluorochemical finishes degrade over time with use, heat, and mechanical stress. Degraded coatings may shed particles; replacement within 3-5 years mitigates this. No quantified risk data is available for consumer inhalation of GTX particles from worn footwear.
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.