Pinnacle · Synthetic Athletic Insoles
PowerStep Pinnacle Low Insoles
Lower concern. Foam insoles typically don't use PFAS, but confirm materials with brand.
PowerStep Pinnacle insoles are primarily EVA foam. No public PFAS claims or certifications found. Contact the brand to confirm all component materials are PFAS-free.
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Material
EVA foam, synthetic materials
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 Low Insoles are constructed from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam, a closed-cell polymer commonly used in footwear inserts for cushioning and arch support. EVA does not naturally require flame retardants, heavy metal pigments, or antimony additives typical of polyester textiles, making it chemically simpler than many apparel items. The synthetic materials in the insole structure, adhesives and any covering fabrics, are the primary points where contaminants like formaldehyde resins or azo dyes could theoretically enter, though EVA itself is inert once cured.
The brand's record and disclosure
PowerStep and its parent company (Pinnacle) maintain a silent stance on PFAS and detailed material disclosures; no public certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, bluesign) or third-party testing results are readily available for this product line. No recalls or safety controversies tied to chemical contamination have been documented for PowerStep insoles in public records. The brand focuses marketing on biomechanical performance rather than safety transparency, which limits ability to verify manufacturing controls.
How it compares in its category
Insole products fall into a lower-risk subset of footwear because they are not dyed textiles and see limited dermal contact compared to socks or shoe uppers. EVA foam insoles are generally safer than rigid plastic or metal inserts that might leach heavy metals, and safer than gel or liquid-filled alternatives that carry containment failure risks. Many competitors (Superfeet, Powerstep, Dr. Scholl's) use similar EVA compositions without published chemical concerns, making this product typical of the category rather than exceptional.
If you buy it
Keep insoles dry and store in a cool, ventilated space to slow foam degradation and microbial colonization. Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 50°C (122°F), as EVA can soften and degrade. Replace insoles every 12 to 18 months or when compression visibly reduces cushioning or they develop odor, which signals bacterial or fungal growth. Wash feet regularly and allow insoles to air-dry fully after use to minimize moisture-related breakdown and odor.
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 adhesives or fabric coverings
EVA foam itself does not contain formaldehyde, but adhesives bonding any textile facing or toe caps may include formaldehyde-releasing resins. Off-gassing is typically minimal in closed-shoe environments but possible if insoles are used in high-heat, poorly ventilated conditions.
Azo dyes in synthetic textile covering
If the insole surface layer includes a synthetic fabric cover, it may be dyed with azo dyes, which can release carcinogenic amines under UV light or high humidity. No specific testing for this product is on record; risk depends on dye supplier practices.
Microplastics from EVA degradation
EVA foam degrades over time through mechanical wear and UV exposure, shedding microplastic particles. These remain in the shoe or may contribute to environmental loading when insoles are discarded; no direct health risk from inhalation or ingestion during normal wear, but replacement every 12, 18 months limits accumulation.
Bacterial and fungal colonization if moisture trapped
EVA foam wicks but does not fully dry quickly in sweaty shoes. Prolonged moisture retention can promote bacterial biofilms and fungal growth, causing odor and potential skin irritation or athlete's foot aggravation, especially in predisposed users. This is a hygiene issue rather than a chemical hazard but is common to all foam insoles.
Lead or cadmium in colorant pigments
No reports of heavy metal contamination in PowerStep Pinnacle insoles or similar EVA insole products. Pigments used in EVA are typically organic or approved mineral oxides, but brand does not publish supplier certifications to confirm.
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 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.