Waterproofing Company · Stain-Resistant Footwear
LaCrosse Waterproofing Spray Leather & Textile 4fl oz
Skip until brand discloses PFAS content or chemistry.
LaCroix waterproofing spray applies a water-repellent coating to leather and textiles but provides no disclosure of PFAS or chemical composition. Without third-party testing or brand transparency, PFAS risk remains unknown.
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Material
proprietary waterproofing spray coating for leather and textiles
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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
LaCrosse Waterproofing Spray uses a proprietary fluorinated or silicone-based coating system designed to repel water and stains on leather and textile fibers without altering breathability or feel. The exact active ingredient formulation is not publicly disclosed by the brand. Waterproofing sprays in this category typically contain fluorochemicals (PFAS or alternatives) or volatile silicones as the water-repellent agent, suspended in a solvent carrier that evaporates during application.
The brand's record and disclosure
LaCrosse (a subsidiary of Rocky Brands) has not published detailed ingredient transparency or PFAS statements for this product line. The brand does not appear on third-party waterproofing chemical registries or certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex, GOTS). This silence is notable because waterproofing chemistry is a known vector for persistent fluorinated compounds; major competitors (e.g., Nikwax, some Scotchgard formulations) have begun disclosing PFAS-free alternatives, which LaCrosse has not emphasized.
How it compares in its category
Most spray-on waterproofers for leather and textiles fall into two camps: older fluorinated PFAS formulas (widely used pre-2020) and newer fluorine-free or silicone-based alternatives. LaCrosse's lack of disclosure places it in the ambiguous middle ground; it may contain legacy PFAS chemistry or may not, but the brand offers no way for consumers to verify. Transparent competitors like Nikwax explicitly market PFAS-free wax and silicone options.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated outdoor space or garage to minimize inhalation of carrier solvents. Test on a hidden area first to confirm no discoloration or stiffening of the material. Allow 24 hours for full cure before wearing or storing. Reapply every 6-12 months depending on use and water exposure. Do not use on items intended for infants or young children unless the chemical profile is confirmed safe.
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.”
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from solvent carrier
Waterproofing sprays require a volatile solvent to disperse and deposit the active coating. Inhalation during application can cause respiratory irritation, headache, and dizziness. LaCroiss does not disclose VOC content or solvent type on the label.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
No public data suggests LaCrosse includes formaldehyde resins or releasers. This is less common in spray-on waterproofers than in textile finishes, but cannot be ruled out without ingredient disclosure.
Skin and respiratory sensitization from undisclosed active ingredients
Because the proprietary waterproofing agent is not named, allergenic or irritant potential cannot be fully assessed. Users with chemical sensitivities or respiratory conditions face unknown exposure.
Microplastic or polymer accumulation on fabric
Modern waterproofing sprays do not typically shed microplastics; coatings bond to fibers and cure. No recall or report history for LaCrosse on this vector.
Bioaccumulation risk if PFAS-based (unconfirmed)
If the spray contains fluorinated PFAS (common in older waterproofing chemistry), repeated application and laundry runoff contribute to bioaccumulating environmental and human exposure. The brand's silence prevents risk stratification.
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 Stain-Resistant Footwear
Merrell
Leather Lotion 4.0 oz
Leather conditioning lotion, composition unspecified
Limited transparency. No PFAS disclosure from Merrell.
⚠Risky category by default
Gecko
Angelus Reptile & Exotic Skin Cream and Conditioner
Leather conditioner and cream product
Topical cream with no known PFAS triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
Gecko
Vaccari Boots Reptile Boot Cleaner
Cleaning product for reptile leather boots
No PFAS info available. Contact brand before purchase.
⚠Risky category by default
More stain-resistant footwear 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.