PULSE Maxx Orthotic Running Shoe Insert vs Pulse Performance Insoles: which is safer?
These two grade almost identically. Pick on price and preference; neither has a PFAS edge.
Powerstep
PULSE Maxx Orthotic Running Shoe Insert
PFAS grade
Good 65/100
Overall grade
Good 57/100
Verdict
Skip
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
Foam, fabric, and elastomer blend
Confidence
72%
PossiblePolyurethane foam degradation and volatile release
PossibleSkin sensitization from uncertified materials
Powerstep
Pulse Performance Insoles
PFAS grade
Good 65/100
Overall grade
Good 57/100
Verdict
Skip
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
EVA foam, gel, fabric blend
Confidence
72%
PossibleAzo dyes in fabric blend
PossibleFormaldehyde resins in fabric finishing
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Polyurethane foam degradation and volatile release and Skin sensitization from uncertified materials on the Powerstep 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 Powerstep.
- The Powerstep is Foam, fabric, and elastomer blend where the Powerstep is EVA foam, gel, fabric blend, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.
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