Brooks · Synthetic Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Brooks Cushion Support Replacement Insoles Navy Blue Tr-3 Tr-4 10ar Mens 10
Typical foam insole materials rarely contain PFAS.
Replacement insoles with EVA foam or similar cushioning without added PFAS. Brooks hasn't tested for PFAS but this material rarely contains it.
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Material
Foam cushioning, textile cover
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
The textile cover may be treated with formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or shape retention during manufacturing. Direct skin contact with unwashed new insoles could pose low-level exposure; off-gassing is typically minimal with insoles compared to larger garments.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in textile cover
The blue color of these insoles likely uses synthetic dyes; azo dyes can include aromatic amines that are carcinogenic if ingested or absorbed in large quantities. Risk is very low during normal use on feet with intact skin, but should be considered if insoles contact broken skin or are washed and liquid contacted with hands frequently.
Microplastics
Over extended use, the foam cushioning breaks down physically, potentially shedding small particles. These particles remain primarily within the shoe environment and are not inhaled; direct ingestion risk is negligible for replacement insoles.
Source, EPA ↗Allergic sensitization to dyes or adhesives
Individuals with sensitive skin or contact dermatitis history may react to dyes, glues used to bond foam to textile, or residual finishing chemicals. Risk is low for most users but can be tested by wearing for short periods first and monitoring for rash or itching.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Antimicrobial additives in textile or foam
Brooks does not publicly disclose antimicrobial treatment of these insoles. If present, common additives like triclosan or silver compounds are generally recognized as low concern in topical contact at low concentrations, though some research suggests unnecessary antimicrobial use in textiles provides marginal benefit.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Brooks Cushion Support insoles consist of a foam cushioning core (typically ethylene-vinyl acetate or polyurethane foam) wrapped in a textile cover, designed to provide arch support and shock absorption. The foam materials themselves are chemically stable during normal use and not known to leach harmful compounds into skin during typical wearing conditions. The textile cover is a woven or knit fabric that sits against the foot; its chemical safety depends on dyes, finishes, and any antimicrobial treatments applied during manufacturing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Brooks is a major athletic footwear company owned by Berkshire Hathaway and generally maintains transparent manufacturing standards. The company does not publish detailed chemical disclosure statements for insole components specifically, and has not issued public statements on PFAS use in replacement insoles. No recalls or safety controversies specific to Brooks insoles have been reported in public safety databases. The brand's overall footwear safety record is unremarkable, with standard industry practices rather than leading transparency.
How it compares in its category
Replacement insoles across athletic brands (Nike, ASICS, Superfeet, Powerstep) share similar construction, foam core with textile facing. Brooks insoles are mid-market in terms of documented quality and durability; they are not positioned as premium medical-grade insoles (which sometimes carry additional certifications) but compete in the standard performance replacement category. No evidence suggests Brooks insoles differ materially in chemical safety profile from competitors at this price and quality tier.
If you buy it
Replace insoles every 12-18 months with regular athletic use, as foam compression reduces cushioning effectiveness and worn textile can harbor bacteria. Wash by hand with mild soap and air dry completely; do not machine wash or expose to direct heat, as both can degrade foam and textile. Check for visible separation of cover from foam or flattening as replacement signals. Store in a cool, dry place and consider rotating between multiple pairs to extend lifespan.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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 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.