Women's Nucleo High II GTX vs Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof: which is safer?
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
La Sportiva
Women's Nucleo High II GTX
PFAS grade
F 20/100
Overall grade
F 0/100
Verdict
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Hazard flags
⚑ 4
Material
Gore-Tex membrane (polytetrafluoroethylene-based waterproof layer)
Confidence
45%
LikelyMicroplastic shedding from Gore-Tex membrane
PossibleFormaldehyde-releasing finish resins in textiles
PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) from adhesives and coatings
Our pick
Merrell
Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
PFAS grade
F 20/100
Overall grade
F 16/100
Verdict
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Hazard flags
⚑ 1
Material
Leather upper, synthetic lining, water-repellent coating-treated waterproof membrane
Confidence
45%
Possiblewater-repellent coating chemistry (PFAS or alternative)
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 →
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