Brooks · Running & Athletic Shoes
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes mesh textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
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Material
Mesh textile upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
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.
Foam midsole off-gassing or degradation products
EVA and polyurethane foams can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during manufacturing and early use, and may leach or off-gas compounds as the material ages under heat or UV. The Adrenaline GTS midsole is not treated with known toxic additives on record, but off-gassing is inherent to foam chemistry. Ventilation during initial wear reduces inhalation; degraded midsole material should not be i
Bacterial or fungal colonization in worn shoe
Mesh uppers and foam midsoles trap moisture and sweat; if not dried thoroughly between wears, they can harbor bacteria and fungi that cause odor and potentially skin irritation. This is a use and maintenance issue, not a manufacturing defect. Regular cleaning and air-drying mitigate this risk.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Mesh textiles can be treated with formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or flame retardancy, but Brooks does not advertise such finishes on the Adrenaline GTS upper, and athletic mesh is not typically subjected to these treatments. No recall or complaint record exists for this product.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in synthetic textiles
Mesh uppers may be dyed with azo compounds, which can break down to aromatic amines under sweat and friction. No testing or incidents are on record for this specific model; Brooks does not publicly disclose dye chemistry. Risk is not elevated above generic athletic shoe baseline.
Heavy metals
Mesh textiles may contain antimony as a polyester catalyst or heavy metals in pigments. No published test results or recalls implicate the Adrenaline GTS. This hazard class is not actively monitored by consumer safety bodies for shoes in this category.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Adrenaline GTS 10 upper is mesh textile, midsole is foam (likely EVA or polyurethane blend), and outsole is rubber. Mesh textiles in shoes are woven or knitted synthetics that do not typically undergo heavy chemical finishing; they breathe and dry quickly, reducing conditions for bacterial or fungal growth. Foam midsoles are engineered polymers chosen for cushioning and durability, not for surface coatings that degrade or leach. Rubber outsoles are vulcanized elastomer with few known leaching concerns under normal wear.
The brand's record and disclosure
Brooks has not issued a public PFAS statement and does not disclose PFAS test results on this model. The brand has no major recalls or controversies on record for formaldehyde, azo dyes, or heavy metals in athletic footwear. Brooks is not known for aggressive chemical disclosure comparable to leaders in the category, but also not flagged by safety organizations for systematic quality failures in shoe materials.
How it compares in its category
Running shoes in this price and performance tier (cushioned, daily-wear stability shoe) typically use similar mesh, foam, and rubber stacks. Brooks Adrenaline GTS sits in the mainstream segment; specialty eco-brands or premium lines may offer third-party material certification or explicit PFAS/flame retardant policies, but the Adrenaline GTS material profile is broadly comparable to competitors like ASICS Gel-Cumulus or New Balance Fresh Foam. No established material advantage or disadvantage versus peers.
If you buy it
Clean mesh uppers regularly with mild soap and water to prevent odor and bacterial buildup; air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight, which can degrade foam faster. Foam midsoles compress over 300-500 miles; replace shoes when cushioning noticeably declines or upper seams separate, as continued wear on degraded midsole increases injury risk. Store in a cool, dry place; avoid prolonged exposure to heat (car interiors, radiators) which may accelerate polymer breakdown. No special chemical treatment or waterproofing coating is applied, so the shoe is not intended for submersion or prolonged water immersion.
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
- Brooks has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More running & athletic shoes grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.