Altra Women's Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX
GTX membrane waterproofing likely contains PFAS; Altra has not disclosed.
Altra hiking boots use Gore-Tex (Teflon-type coating-based) waterproof lining, a known PFAS application. No brand disclosure or third-party PFAS testing available for this model.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
textile upper with GTX waterproof membrane
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Altra Women's Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX is made of, ingredients and materials
The Olympus 6 upper is a textile blend (exact fiber composition not specified in standard product materials) bonded to a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane. Gore-Tex membranes are polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon-type coating) based and historically incorporate PFAS compounds to achieve water-repellency and breathability. The textile itself is the primary contact surface; the GTX layer sits beneath it. Degradation of either layer over time or high heat exposure can alter leaching behavior, though direct skin contact with the membrane is limited by the textile upper.
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 Teflon-type coating membranes historically contain PFAS to achieve water-repellency and durability. Altra has not disclosed whether this model uses legacy PFAS-containing GTX or any newer low-PFAS variant. Skin contact with PFAS in the membrane is indirect due to textile upper coverage, but wear and degradation may increase migration over time.
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Textile upper may contain formaldehyde-based resins used in dye fixation or water-resistant finishes (distinct from the GTX membrane). Altra does not publicly disclose finishing chemistry. Exposure risk is low but not zero; formaldehyde releasers are common in lower-cost outdoor apparel.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in colored textile
If the upper uses synthetic or blended fibers with colored dyes, restricted azo dyes are possible though uncommon in major brand footwear. Altra does not specify dye types or certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex) for this model. Risk is low for this brand tier but not fully ruled out.
Antimony in polyester (if present)
If the textile upper contains polyester (common in hiking boot textiles), antimony oxide may be used as a catalyst. Concentration in finished textile is typically low and migration to skin is minimal. Altra's material composition is not detailed enough to confirm polyester presence or antimony use.
Coating or membrane degradation over time
Gore-Tex membranes and textile bond failures are documented in long-term wear of hiking boots. As the GTX layer or textile deteriorates, waterproofing is lost and direct contact with any residual PFAS or finishing compounds in the upper may increase. Regular inspection and replacement when delamination appears is essential.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Altra has not published a PFAS disclosure policy or commitment to phase out PFAS-containing waterproof treatments on its footwear. The company's publicly available sustainability and safety statements do not address PFAS or PFC (perfluorinated compound) use. This silence is notable in a category where many competitors (Salomon, Merrell, some Keen models) have begun disclosing or eliminating PFAS treatments. Altra's lack of transparency on this issue limits consumer ability to compare their PFAS risk profile.
How it compares in its category
Women's hiking boots with Gore-Tex or similar Teflon-type coating membranes are the standard for waterproofing in this segment, so PFAS exposure from the membrane is near-universal in performance footwear. However, brands like Salomon, La Sportiva, and some Keen lines have begun offering PFAS-free or PFAS-reduced alternatives using wax-based or alternative membrane systems, or have committed to timelines for conversion. Altra's silence on PFAS contrasts with these competitors' disclosures and suggests no active substitution program. Price and fit are more differentiated than PFAS hazard within this category.
If you buy it
Wash textile uppers in cool water (not hot, which may accelerate any coating degradation) and air dry away from direct heat. Do not machine dry or use a dryer; sustained heat can degrade both the textile and underlying GTX membrane. Replace the boots if the textile shows separation from the membrane, seam failure, or visible delamination, as waterproofing loss and potential increased leaching can occur. Store in a cool, dry place; PFAS compounds in the membrane are more stable at room temperature than at elevated heat and humidity.
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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