Performance Sized to Fit Running Insoles vs Pulse Performance Insoles: which is safer?
PowerStep Pulse Performance Insoles is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Dr. Scholl's
Performance Sized to Fit Running Insoles
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleCoating leachates (fluorinated or non-fluorinated polymers)
PossiblePolyurethane foam degradation and isocyanate residues
PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing
Our pick
Powerstep
Pulse Performance Insoles
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleAzo dyes in fabric blend
PossibleFormaldehyde resins in fabric finishing
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Coating leachates (fluorinated or non-fluorinated polymers), Polyurethane foam degradation and isocyanate residues, Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing and Bacterial or fungal growth from moisture retention on the Dr. Scholl's and not on the Powerstep.
- We flag Azo dyes in fabric blend and Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishing on the Powerstep and not on the Dr. Scholl's.
- The Dr. Scholl's is foam cushioning with durable topcoat finish where the Powerstep is EVA foam, gel, fabric blend, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- The gap is 45 points, wide enough that this is not a close call, and the Powerstep is the one to buy.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More synthetic athletic insoles & orthotics: see the full ranking