Powerstep · Synthetic Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
PowerStep Pulse Performance Insoles
Insoles unlikely to contain PFAS, but brand offers no transparency.
PowerStep Pulse insoles use foam and gel cushioning materials not typically treated with PFAS. Brand provides no PFAS disclosure, limiting confidence in absence of hidden coatings or water-resistance treatments.
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Material
EVA foam, gel, fabric 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
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 Pulse insoles are constructed from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam as the core cushioning material, combined with gel components and a fabric blend upper surface. EVA is a thermoplastic elastomer widely used in footwear because it resists degradation, does not leach plastic additives under normal foot-temperature use, and does not contain BPA or phthalates by formulation. The gel layer adds shock absorption; the fabric blend (likely polyester or cotton-polyester) contacts skin directly, making dye safety relevant.
The brand's record and disclosure
PowerStep is a privately held orthotics company without major public safety certifications or third-party environmental/chemical disclosures on record. The brand does not publish material safety data or make claims about PFAS, heavy metals, or chemical treatments, which is typical for orthotic footwear manufacturers but limits transparency. No significant safety recalls or toxicity complaints are documented for this product line. The brand's silence on processing chemicals used in the fabric or foam does not indicate a hazard, only an absence of reassurance.
How it compares in its category
Insoles as a category carry lower chemical exposure risk than garments because contact is indirect (worn inside shoe, not against bare skin for extended periods) and temperatures remain body-temperature neutral. EVA-based insoles are industry standard and generally considered safer than older PVC or latex foam alternatives. Competitors like Superfeet and Powerstep's own other lines use similar EVA-gel construction, so this product is typical in material composition and manufacturing transparency.
If you buy it
Store insoles in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight, as EVA can soften if exposed to temperatures above 50-60°C (122-140°F) for extended periods, though normal use will not reach this. Replace insoles every 12-18 months or when cushioning visibly compresses, as degraded foam loses support rather than releasing hazardous compounds. Hand wash the fabric upper with mild soap if soiling occurs; do not machine wash or bleach. No special precautions needed beyond standard footwear care.
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 in fabric blend
The fabric blend upper may use conventional azo dyes during manufacture; these can include aromatic amines regulated in some jurisdictions. PowerStep does not disclose dye chemistry or certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex), so presence cannot be ruled out, though risk from skin contact with insole fabric is low due to indirect contact inside shoe.
Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishing
Textile fabric blends sometimes receive formaldehyde-releasing finishes for wrinkle resistance or water repellency. No information is available on whether PowerStep applies such treatments; if present, off-gassing would be minimal because contact is inside a shoe and not against sensitive skin for hours.
Heavy metals in pigments (dyes and coatings)
No recalls or safety data suggest heavy-metal contamination in PowerStep insole fabrics or adhesives. EVA foam itself does not require heavy-metal stabilizers as it is inherently stable, unlike some other plastics.
Microplastics and foam particle shedding
EVA foam is chemically stable under normal use and does not degrade into microplastics at body temperature or from sweat exposure. Minor surface wear may occur over years, but this is mechanical degradation rather than chemical breakdown and poses negligible exposure.
Adhesive leachables (glues binding layers)
PowerStep likely uses non-toxic polyurethane or EVA-based adhesives to bond foam and fabric layers, which are standard in the industry and not known to leach harmful compounds under the temperature and humidity of normal foot use.
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 & orthotics 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.