Altra Men's Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX
Skip until brand discloses PFAS status of Gore-Tex treatment.
Altra does not publicly disclose PFAS content in this hiking shoe. Gore-Tex waterproof membranes typically contain Teflon-family coating associated with PFAS exposure risk.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
fabric upper with Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Altra Men's Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX is made of, ingredients and materials
The Olympus 6 uses a fabric upper (likely nylon or polyester blend) bonded to a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing. Gore-Tex is a Teflon-type coating-based film that requires fluorochemical treatment to function as a water-repellent breathable barrier. The outsole is typically rubber compound, and the lining may be synthetic textile. The waterproofing mechanism itself, not a surface coating you can remove, is the source of the PFAS concern.
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Gore-Tex waterproof technology relies on fluorochemical treatment; Altra provides no disclosure of PFAS per- or polyfluoroalkyl compound content, type, or concentration in this model. Exposure risk is indirect (skin contact with treated fabric) and environmental (disposal/washing runoff).
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Synthetic fabric uppers and linings may be treated with formaldehyde-based resins for durable water repellency or wrinkle resistance. Altra does not disclose finishing chemistry; off-gassing risk is low given leather/synthetic hybrid construction and air exposure, but not ruled out.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in fabric and lining
Colored nylon or polyester textiles in the upper and interior lining may use azo dyes, which can release carcinogenic amines under sweat or heat. No certifications (OEKO-TEX, Bluesign) are claimed for this model in publicly available materials.
Adhesive and seam sealant degradation
Waterproofing relies on bonded seams and Gore-Tex lamination; as adhesives age, they may delaminate or leach low-molecular-weight components. Risk increases with age, heat exposure, or prolonged wet conditions; this is a durability rather than acute safety issue but affects long-term integrity.
What’s reassuring
Flame retardants
No flame retardant treatment is noted or expected in hiking boot linings. This hazard is not a concern for this product category unless lining is explicitly marketed with flame resistance.
Source, EPA ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Altra does not publicly disclose PFAS content or fluorochemical treatment details for its footwear lines. The brand has not issued statements on PFAS phase-out or substitution plans, and no third-party testing results are available for this model. This silence is notable given that major outdoor footwear brands (Salomon, Arc'teryx) have begun transparency initiatives on PFAS in Gore-Tex products.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof hiking boots almost universally use either Gore-Tex or similar fluorochemical-treated membranes (Pertex, eVent, similar Teflon-type coating variants), so this product is not unusual in relying on PFAS. Non-waterproof alternatives exist (canvas, untreated leather boots) but sacrifice performance in wet conditions. Altra's positioning in the mainstream hiking segment means PFAS-free options at equivalent price and waterproofing are limited.
If you buy it
Wash boots by hand in cool water after use; avoid machine drying or heat sources. Inspect seams and the Gore-Tex layer annually for splits or delamination, which can compromise waterproofing and accelerate replacement cycles. Do not expose to harsh drying methods (direct sun, heaters) as this can degrade adhesives and seals. Replace when waterproofing visibly fails, typically after 2-5 years of regular use depending on care and terrain.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Altra has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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