Nike · Golf Balls & Golf Gloves
Nike Tech Extreme VIII Golf Glove
Golf glove waterproofing likely contains PFAS; Nike discloses nothing.
Golf gloves typically receive water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatments that commonly use PFAS. Nike does not publicly disclose PFAS presence or absence in this product.
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Material
synthetic leather/textile with water-repellent coating finish
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 Nike Tech Extreme VIII uses synthetic leather (likely polyurethane or PVC) over a textile base with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. That water-repellent coating is the waterproofing layer, and historically, most golf glove water-repellent coating treatments relied on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to achieve water shedding without bulking up the glove. The synthetic leather backing reduces but does not eliminate potential leaching of plasticizers or degradation byproducts, especially with sweat and repeated washing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nike has faced sustained criticism for opacity on PFAS use in apparel and footwear, particularly in water-resistant product lines. The company has not published a timeline for PFAS phase-out in golf gloves or confirmed whether Tech Extreme VIII uses PFAS-free water-repellent coating alternatives. This silence contrasts with competitors (e.g., some Callaway and Titleist glove lines) that have begun disclosing or switching to non-fluorinated water treatments. Nike's general apparel transparency remains below industry leaders on chemical inputs.
How it compares in its category
Premium golf gloves (Titleist, Callaway, FootJoy) compete on fit and durability; most premium lines still use PFAS-based or unknown water-repellent coating finishes. Some newer brands advertise PFAS-free waterproofing using wax or silicone-based treatments, though durability data is limited. The Nike Tech Extreme VIII is mid-to-premium priced and known for grip retention and sweat absorption, not uniquely risky, but not ahead of the category in chemical transparency.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water with mild soap; avoid prolonged soaking or high heat, which accelerates coating and synthetic leather degradation. Replace when grip slips or the leather cracks, typically 12-24 months for frequent golfers. Store dry in a cool place; UV exposure and moisture will degrade the water-repellent coating and synthetic substrate. If concerned about PFAS exposure, contact Nike directly to ask whether this glove uses fluorinated or non-fluorinated water treatments, silence warrants skepticism.
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 synthetic leather / textile bonding
No recalls or reports specific to Nike Tech Extreme VIII golf gloves. Polyurethane or PVC synthetic leather typically requires adhesives and resin cross-linkers; if used, off-gassing is usually minimal in finished form, but direct skin contact over hours (e.g., during long rounds) is a minor pathway if formaldehyde-releasers are present. No public test data available for this product.
Azo dyes in textiles
Golf gloves are usually dyed with standard disperse or acid dyes; azo dyes are not known to be problematic in this application. No established safety concern or recall history for Nike or this product line. Risk is present only if dyes contain restricted amines, which would trigger EU/China import restrictions, unlikely for a major brand.
Plasticizer leaching from synthetic leather (PVC, polyurethane)
If the synthetic backing uses PVC, it may contain phthalates or alternative plasticizers to maintain flexibility. Sweat and warmth (18+ holes in sun) can accelerate leaching onto skin. Polyurethane is lower risk but can degrade and leach degradation byproducts. No specific test data available for Nike Tech Extreme VIII; risk is present but not quantified.
Antimony in synthetic fibers (if polyester blend)
Golf glove textiles often include polyester for durability. Antimony trioxide is sometimes used as a polyester catalyst and can migrate in trace amounts with heat and moisture. Nike does not disclose fiber composition or antimony levels for this glove. Skin contact over extended wear creates a minor long-term exposure pathway.
Coating degradation and microfiber shedding over time
Synthetic leather gloves shed microfibers when the coating or top layer wears, especially at stress points (palm seams, finger tips). This is a known issue in polyurethane and PVC apparel with heavy use. No specific Nike recall, but complaint reports exist for similar glove products. Shedding increases with age and washing; disposed microfibers may enter waterways.
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.
Safer alternatives in Golf Balls & Golf Gloves
Bridgestone
Men's Pair Golf Gloves
Leather, synthetic leather, or textile blend
Lower PFAS concern, but brand provides no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Bridgestone
Soft Grip Golf Glove
Leather, synthetic grip material, textiles
Lower concern. Golf glove without known waterproofing or Teflon-family coating treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
Bridgestone
Lady Golf Glove
Synthetic leather or leather with standard stitching
Golf glove with typical materials, lower concern profile.
⚠Risky category by default
More golf balls & golf gloves 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.