Spenco Review, Is Spenco Non-Toxic?
PFAS Authority is a scoring system, not a laboratory. We do not test products ourselves. Grades are model-based, built from published ingredients, materials, certifications, brand disclosures and third-party lab results where they exist. See the rubric.
Across 7 graded products, Spenco averages Good (65/100). On disclosure, the brand says nothing publicly about PFAS. None of its products grade Good or better yet. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab results.
Graded and flagged Poor and Bad, we’d swap these
Spenco
Propel Performance Insoles
foam cushioning, gel, fabric blend
Azo dyes in topsheet fabric
If the fabric blend contains synthetic dyes (common in polyester/nylon blends), azo dyes…
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Fabric components may be treated with formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or…
Polyurethane foam degradation over time
Polyurethane foam naturally breaks down with age and use, releasing fine particles. This…
Gel layer contamination if damaged
If the gel compartment cracks or ruptures during use, the gel material may contact skin…
Insoles use standard foam and gel; no known PFAS triggers found.
⚠Risky category by default
Spenco
Trim To Fit Sport Cushion Insole
Foam cushioning, textile upper cover
Foam off-gassing and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
New foam insoles may release mild VOCs (odor) during the first few days or after…
Degradation and microparticle shedding from foam
Over time, foam insoles naturally compress and may shed fine particles into socks or…
Lower concern; sport insole has no known PFAS-prone features.
⚠Risky category by default
Spenco
Polysorb Cross Trainer Insole
Polysorb foam cushioning, composition not fully disclosed
Formaldehyde / VOCs
The polyester or nylon fabric bonded to Polysorb foam may contain formaldehyde-based…
Azo dyes in fabric
Colored polyester or nylon covers may use azo dyes, which can degrade under sweat and…
Foam degradation and microparticle release
Polyurethane and polyolefin foams used in insoles can break down over 6 to 12 months of…
Chemical off-gassing (VOCs) from adhesives
Adhesives bonding the foam to the fabric cover may release volatile organic compounds…
Insole foam likely avoids PFAS, but no brand transparency exists.
⚠Risky category by default
Spenco
Propel + Carbon Performance Insoles
Foam cushioning, carbon layer, textile top
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester or cotton-blend textile tops may be treated with formaldehyde-based resins for…
Azo dyes in textile coloring
The textile surface is typically dyed; if synthetic azo dyes are used, they can release…
Polyurethane foam degradation and off-gassing
Polyurethane foam can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during initial use and over…
Antimony in polyester textile backing
Polyester textiles sometimes use antimony trioxide as a catalyst or flame retardant. If…
Lower concern; insole design lacks PFAS-typical coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Spenco
Plantar Fascia Insole
Foam cushioning, textile upper, no disclosed coating
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from foam off-gassing
EVA and polyurethane foams can release trace VOCs, especially when new or exposed to…
Microplastic shedding from foam degradation
As foam cushioning compresses and breaks down over 6-12 months, microscopic particles can…
Adhesive toxicity from foam-to-textile bonding
Contact adhesives used to laminate foam to textile can contain organic solvents, but…
Lower concern with no PFAS-typical features; brand stays silent on composition.
⚠Risky category by default
Spenco
Medical RX Insole | Green
Foam, rubber, textile composite insole
Foam degradation and microparticle shedding
Closed-cell foam insoles gradually compress and break down with use. While shedding into…
Adhesive or bonding agent residues
Foam and rubber layers are bonded with industrial adhesives that may off-gas volatile…
Mold or bacterial growth if not maintained
Damp insoles stored in closed shoes create an environment for microbial growth…
Lower concern; standard insole materials aren't typical PFAS risks.
⚠Risky category by default
Spenco
Gel Comfort Insoles
Gel cushioning with foam/textile upper
Foam degradation and microparticle shedding
Polyurethane and EVA foams naturally degrade with time and repeated compression…
Allergic sensitization from materials
Individuals with latex sensitivity or polyurethane/silicone sensitivities may experience…
Lower concern; gel and foam bases are unlikely PFAS sources.
⚠Risky category by default
Every grade uses the same public rubric. How grades work →