Nike · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Walking Shoes Nike Women's Motiva Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex typically contains PFAS; Nike discloses nothing. Skip if concerned.
Gore-Tex waterproof membrane is historically associated with PFOA and other PFAS for water repellency. Nike provides no PFAS disclosure or commitment for this model.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Gore-Tex waterproof membrane with textile 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.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Motiva pairs a Gore-Tex membrane (polytetrafluoroethylene-based) with synthetic textile uppers, likely polyester or nylon. Gore-Tex's waterproof function depends on fluorochemical treatments that repel water and oil; these are distinct from the base Teflon-type coating polymer. The textile upper may include dyes, finishes, and adhesives common to mass-market athletic footwear. No public data shows this specific model uses heavy metal dyes or formaldehyde-resin finishes, but Nike does not disclose chemistry per shoe.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nike has not published chemical inventories or restricted-substance lists specific to individual shoe models. The company does not list PFAS use in Gore-Tex or acknowledge fluorochemical content in product descriptions. Nike has faced criticism for lack of supply-chain transparency but has not faced major recalls for heavy metals or formaldehyde in footwear in recent years. Third-party testing of Nike shoes has not revealed widespread lead or cadmium in uppers, but absence of published data is not absence of risk.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof walking shoes universally use either PFAS-based treatments (Gore-Tex, eVent) or silicone-based alternatives (rare, more expensive). Non-waterproof synthetic textile shoes avoid PFAS but lose the weather protection this model advertises. Nike's Motiva is mid-market pricing; competitors like Salomon and Merrell offer similar Gore-Tex models with equally opaque PFAS disclosure. If PFAS exposure is a primary concern, no mass-market waterproof shoe meaningfully reduces it.
If you buy it
Wash uppers gently with cool water and mild soap to remove dirt and excess dyes; avoid hot water or prolonged soaking. Do not machine wash or dry-clean, as heat and solvents can degrade Gore-Tex and potentially mobilize finishes. Replace when tread wears below 2 mm or Gore-Tex loses water beading (typically 1-2 years of regular use). Store in a cool, dry place; do not leave in direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV can degrade synthetic textiles.
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 and heavy metal mordants in synthetic textiles
No published testing of Nike Motiva uppers has detected lead, cadmium, or restricted azo compounds. Industry standard practice in mass-market athletic footwear minimizes these, but Nike does not certify this model to OEKO-TEX or similar third-party standards.
Formaldehyde-release resins in fabric finishes and adhesives
Formaldehyde use in shoe manufacturing is documented industry-wide, particularly in water-resistant finishes. Nike does not disclose finish chemistry for the Motiva; no specific recalls or complaints are on record.
Antimony in polyester textile components
Antimony is a potential catalyst residue in polyester yarn. Levels in finished footwear are typically low and dermal migration is not established as a health risk under normal use. Nike does not test or disclose antimony content.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from glues and coatings
New athletic shoes commonly off-gas VOCs (odor) during the first 1-2 weeks. Ventilation during break-in will reduce exposure. Gore-Tex membranes themselves do not off-gas significantly, but adhesives used to bond layers may contribute.
Skin sensitization from synthetic upper dyes or finishes
Individuals with sensitive skin or dye allergies may experience irritation from untested synthetic textiles. Breaking in the shoe gradually and ensuring dry feet will minimize risk. No specific allergen warnings are published for this model.
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.