Puma · Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Puma Evercushion Plus insoles poron red
Skip. Puma provides no PFAS disclosure for this insole.
Poron is a polyurethane foam used in cushioning, not inherently PFAS-prone, but Puma discloses nothing about PFAS or coatings. No third-party verification available. Insufficient transparency.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Poron foam (polyurethane-based cushioning)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Unknown / proprietary coating
Proprietary coating with no disclosed chemistry.
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
Poron is a closed-cell polyurethane foam engineered for cushioning and impact absorption. The red coloring suggests addition of pigments or dyes to the base foam material. Polyurethane foams used in insoles are generally stable under normal foot-contact conditions, but the formulation details (cross-linking agents, flame retardants, colorants) are not disclosed by Puma and vary by supplier. No widespread safety incidents have been documented for Poron insoles specifically, though the material's chemical composition remains proprietary.
The brand's record and disclosure
Puma has faced criticism for limited chemical transparency across its product lines and has not published comprehensive hazardous substance policies comparable to competitors like Adidas or Nike. The company provides no publicly available information on PFAS content, flame retardants, or processing chemicals in this insole. No product recalls for Puma Evercushion insoles appear on record. Puma holds no major third-party certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex, Bluesign) for this category of accessory.
How it compares in its category
Insole hazard profiles depend heavily on material (polyurethane, EVA, gel, natural rubber) and manufacturing transparency. Poron-based insoles are mid-range in disclosure practices compared to premium alternatives (some brands certify chemical safety) and mass-market competitors. The lack of PFAS transparency is a notable gap, as water-resistant insole foams sometimes contain PFAS to enhance durability. This product does not stand out negatively on non-PFAS metrics but offers no compensating certifications or guarantees.
If you buy it
Replace insoles every 6-12 months depending on activity level and moisture exposure, as cushioning degradation and moisture retention increase chemical leachability risk over time. Avoid prolonged storage in heat or direct sunlight, which can accelerate foam breakdown. Wash feet after wear if the red dye transfers onto skin (unlikely but worth monitoring). If you have sensitive skin or respiratory sensitivity to polyurethane off-gassing, test with short wearing periods first.
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.”
Polyurethane foam degradation and off-gassing
Poron insoles may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during manufacturing and early use, particularly when warm or compressed. This risk is inherent to polyurethane foam and typically mild in closed-cell formulations, but Puma does not disclose cure times or residual solvent content.
Azo dyes and colorant leachability
The red pigmentation suggests synthetic colorants; no public data confirms whether these are azo-dye based or azo-free. If azo-based dyes are present, prolonged moisture and heat exposure could release aromatic amines, though skin contact risk is low given the barrier of footwear.
Flame retardant additives (undisclosed)
Many polyurethane foam insoles incorporate flame retardants for compliance with flammability standards; Puma does not disclose whether brominated, chlorinated, or non-halogenated types are used. While insoles are not a primary dermal contact surface, cumulative chemical exposure over months of use cannot be ruled out.
Moisture retention and microbial growth
Closed-cell foam is less prone to bacterial colonization than open-cell types, but moisture entrapment in insoles can still promote odor-causing bacteria and fungi if insoles are not dried regularly. This is a hygiene rather than toxicological hazard but relevant to product maintenance.
PFAS in water-repellent treatment (undisclosed status)
Insole durability is often enhanced by water-resistant treatments that may contain legacy PFAS (PFOA, PFOS) or newer alternatives (GenX, PFBA). Puma's complete silence on this issue creates uncertainty; many foam insole manufacturers have not transitioned to PFAS-free formulations.
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.
Safer alternatives in Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Vionic
Active Full Insole
Foam cushioning, textile upper
Lower concern; typical insole without known PFAS drivers.
⚠Risky category by default
Vionic
Women's Slim Fit Insole
foam, gel, or textile insole construction
Insole material is inherently lower PFAS risk; no brand disclosure found.
⚠Risky category by default
Vionic
Unisex Active Orthotic Full Length Insole
EVA foam, fabric backing, polyurethane adhesive
Lower concern insole; common foam materials, no waterproofing treatment indicated.
⚠Risky category by default
More 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.