Odyssey · Golf Balls & Golf Equipment
OG Cabretta Leather Golf Glove
Lower concern. Cabretta leather unlikely to contain PFAS.
Cabretta leather golf gloves are made from natural leather and synthetic palm materials, not typically treated with PFAS-based water repellents. Odyssey provides no PFAS disclosure, but the material itself carries lower risk than coated technical fabrics.
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Cabretta leather, palm synthetic blend
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
other 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
Odyssey OG Cabretta leather gloves use genuine Cabretta leather (goatskin) for the back and fingers, combined with a synthetic palm blend for grip and durability. Cabretta is a tanned, finished leather product; the chemical profile depends on tanning method (chrome vs vegetable) and finishing treatments applied post-tanning. Leather tanning historically involved chromium salts, though chrome levels in finished consumer leather are regulated in most markets; synthetic palm blends typically use polyurethane or rubber compounds. The combination reduces pure leather cost while maintaining the breathability and feel golfers expect.
The brand's record and disclosure
Odyssey (owned by Callaway Golf) does not publicly disclose detailed material safety certifications or chemical composition for this glove line in available sources. No major recalls or chemical safety controversies are on record for Odyssey golf gloves. The brand has not communicated a stance on PFAS, flame retardants, or heavy metals in leather goods, making independent verification difficult. Standard golf glove safety relies on leather tannery compliance with regional regulations (EU, US) rather than brand-level transparency.
How it compares in its category
Golf gloves are a low-exposure-duration product (typically worn 2-5 hours per round) compared to apparel or footwear, reducing systemic absorption risk for most chemical residues. Cabretta leather gloves occupy the mid-to-premium segment; synthetic-only gloves (polyurethane, microfiber) may carry higher phthalate or VOC risk in cheap formulations, while full-grain leather alternatives may retain higher tannery chemical residues. Odyssey's mixed-material approach balances cost and performance without obvious safety trade-offs versus competitors in the same price tier.
If you buy it
Wash the glove periodically in lukewarm water with mild soap to remove sweat and dirt buildup, which can harbor bacteria and degrade the leather. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight or heat sources, as UV and heat can degrade the synthetic palm and weaken leather fibers. Replace when the palm grip wears smooth or leather cracks develop; a worn glove's material breakdown may increase exposure to underlying chemicals. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth in the leather, especially in humid climates.
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.”
Heavy metals in leather tanning (chromium, cobalt)
Cabretta leather is tanned, typically with chrome salts; finished leather sold in regulated markets (US, EU) must meet heavy metal limits, but Odyssey does not disclose tannery certification or post-tanning testing. Direct skin contact is brief, reducing absorption risk.
Synthetic palm blend degradation and leachables
The synthetic palm component (likely polyurethane or rubber) may release volatile compounds or plasticizers over time, especially if exposed to heat or sweat. No specific degradation timeline or leachate profile is published for this product.
Formaldehyde in leather finishing resins
Leather finishing and dyeing sometimes involve formaldehyde-based resins for water resistance and color lock. Odyssey does not specify finishing chemistry; finished leather typically contains low residual formaldehyde, but brief contact limits exposure.
Bacterial or fungal growth in used glove
Golf gloves are worn against moist skin; if stored damp or unwashed for extended periods, mold and bacteria can colonize leather and synthetic materials, creating a hygiene rather than chemical hazard.
Dye or pigment allergens (azo dyes, heavy metal pigments)
Leather dyeing may use azo dyes or pigments containing heavy metals; individuals with dye sensitivity or nickel allergy could react to the glove, particularly if the dye is not fully fixed or leather finish is compromised.
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 golf balls & golf equipment 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.