Brooks · Synthetic Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Brooks (insoles Only) For Men's Adrenaline Gts 24 Running Size12
Undisclosed water-repellent coating-treated insoles carry typical waterproof coating risk.
Foam with moisture-wicking fabric likely treated for water repellency to manage sweat. Brand says nothing about PFAS, and water-repellent coating in athletic insoles often means legacy PFAS.
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Material
foam cushioning with moisture-wicking fabric, likely water-repellent coating-treated textile layer
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating chemicals
Brooks does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry; may include PFAS or PFAS-free alternatives. Direct skin contact via moisture-wicking layer is continuous. Risk is low during normal use but increases with damage to top layer or deterioration over time.
Polyurethane foam degradation and off-gassing
New polyurethane foam may emit trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for the first few days; airing out new insoles in a ventilated space for 24-48 hours before use minimizes this. Off-gassing is not hazardous at the levels expected but detectable via odor.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No documented formaldehyde use in Brooks insole fabric layers. Athletic insoles typically avoid formaldehyde-based finishes (common in apparel) due to foot-contact proximity, but testing records for this specific product are not publicly available.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in moisture-wicking fabric
Brooks' apparel and insoles comply with OEKO-TEX or similar standards that restrict harmful azo dyes. No safety violations on record. Actual dye chemistry is not disclosed but presumed compliant with EU and US textile safety limits.
Antimony in polyester (if present)
Insole fabric may contain polyester components; if so, antimony trioxide is a standard catalyst. Antimony migration into sweat is negligible at normal wearing temperatures. No contamination recalls documented for Brooks insoles.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 insoles use polyurethane or EVA foam cushioning with a moisture-wicking fabric top layer, likely treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating to resist sweat and washing. Foam cushioning itself is chemically stable during normal foot contact; the water-repellent coating treatment is the primary chemical exposure point. The insole is a removable component, so material contact is direct and prolonged.
The brand's record and disclosure
Brooks (Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary) has not publicly disclosed PFAS use or testing for footwear components, which is typical for athletic brands not specifically targeting PFAS-free marketing. The brand maintains general compliance with CPSIA and EU textile standards but does not publish ingredient transparency reports for insoles. No recalls or safety violations related to insole chemistry have been documented for Brooks footwear.
How it compares in its category
Replacement insoles from major athletic brands (Nike, Asics, Adidas) share identical material profiles, polyurethane foam with water-repellent coating-treated fabrics. Brooks is in the middle tier for disclosure; some premium brands (e.g., Superfeet) offer PFAS-free or untreated options, while budget insoles rarely disclose materials. This product is standard industry chemistry without distinguishing safety markers.
If you buy it
Hand wash insoles in cool water with mild soap rather than machine washing to preserve water-repellent coating; air dry completely before reinserting. Foam degrades gradually over 6-12 months with daily running use; replace when cushioning feels noticeably flattened or you experience arch discomfort. Store in a dry location; avoid prolonged heat exposure (over 45C/113F) which can degrade foam structure. Discontinue use if visible cracking or separation occurs.
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.
Better-graded alternatives in Synthetic Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Powerstep
Pulse Performance Insoles
EVA foam, gel, fabric blend
Azo dyes in fabric blend
Limited concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
These insoles likely skip PFAS, but the brand says nothing about it.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Powerstep
PULSE E
foam insoles, textile upper
Azo dyes in textile coloring
Limited concern
Foam degradation and microparticle shedding
Limited concern
Foam and textile insoles with no coating or water-repellent finish on record.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Powerstep
PULSE Maxx Orthotic Running Shoe Insert
Foam, fabric, and elastomer blend
Polyurethane foam degradation and volatile release
Limited concern
Skin sensitization from uncertified materials
Limited concern
PFAS concern is unlikely, though brand silence limits certainty.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
More synthetic athletic insoles & orthotics 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.