Pinnacle · Synthetic Athletic Insoles
PowerStep Pinnacle High Insoles
Lower concern insole, but brand silent on PFAS and coatings.
PowerStep Pinnacle insoles use foam cores typical of shoe inserts, materials less prone to PFAS than coated textiles. Brand provides no PFAS disclosure or testing data, leaving coating composition unclear.
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Material
foam insole, likely EVA or polyurethane core
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
PowerStep Pinnacle insoles are constructed from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam or polyurethane foam core, materials chosen for cushioning and arch support. These foams are stable polymers that do not readily leach chemicals into skin contact under normal wear. The risk of chemical migration is low because insoles sit inside shoes where moisture and temperature remain moderate, unlike cookware or food storage items that experience heat cycling.
The brand's record and disclosure
PowerStep (owned by Pinnacle) does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or PFAS testing results on consumer-facing channels. The brand has no major recalls or public health controversies on record for this insole line. Absence of disclosure is not the same as absence of safety, but transparency around foam sourcing and any water-repellent treatments would strengthen consumer confidence.
How it compares in its category
EVA and polyurethane insoles are industry standard and generally considered lower-risk than gel insoles (which can contain uncapped polymers) or leather/textile insoles (which may harbor flame retardants or formaldehyde resins). PowerStep Pinnacle positions itself in the mid-market orthopedic segment where material safety expectations are modest compared to medical-grade custom orthotics.
If you buy it
Store insoles in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight, which can degrade foam over time. Replace every 12 to 18 months or when cushioning visibly compresses, as degraded foam loses support and may shed microparticles. Do not machine wash; clean with a damp cloth and allow to air dry. Ensure shoes fit correctly to prevent excessive pressure on the insole material.
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.”
Microplastics from foam degradation
EVA and polyurethane foams can shed small particles as they compress and age with normal wear. The amount shed directly into the foot or sock is likely minimal but not quantified; risk is lower than in textiles that directly contact skin.
Formaldehyde in textile covering (if present)
PowerStep Pinnacle specs do not indicate a fabric top layer; most versions appear to use bare foam or a thin synthetic coating. No formaldehyde-resin finishing is documented for this product line.
Antimony in polyester reinforcement
Antimony is used as a catalyst in some polyester production but is not a documented concern in rigid foam insoles. No evidence of polyester reinforcement in PowerStep Pinnacle orthotics.
Unreacted isocyanates in polyurethane (if polyurethane core)
Polyurethane foams can retain trace unreacted isocyanates if manufacturing was incomplete; finished consumer products rarely pose inhalation risk. PowerStep does not disclose manufacturing details or isocyanate off-gassing testing.
Moisture and bacterial growth in insole
Foam insoles absorb sweat and can harbor bacteria or fungi if not dried regularly. This is a hygiene issue rather than a chemical safety issue; proper cleaning and replacement prevent odor and skin infections.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 62% 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 synthetic athletic insoles 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.