Brooks · Synthetic Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Brooks Cushion Support Shoe Insole Replacement 11.5-12
Standard foam insoles rarely use PFAS compounds.
Foam or gel replacement insoles without water-resistant coatings reported. Brooks offers no public PFAS disclosure but material type carries minimal risk.
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Material
foam insole, likely EVA or polyurethane foam
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
Closed-cell foam insoles may incorporate small amounts of formaldehyde-based binders or glues in lamination layers, though levels in replacement insoles are typically far lower than in finished shoe construction. Off-gassing at body temperature (37°C in shoe environment) is expected to be minimal but not zero.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastics
Polyurethane and EVA foam insoles shed microscopic particles with normal wear and compression; this is documented across the insole category. Quantities are small and confined to shoe environment, with negligible inhalation or ingestion risk in typical use, though long-term environmental impact from discarded insoles is a sustainability concern.
Source, EPA ↗Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
New foam insoles may emit low levels of VOCs during initial use as residual solvents from manufacturing evaporate; ventilation and air exposure for 24-48 hours before wearing can reduce this. This is typical for foam products and dissipates quickly in well-ventilated footwear.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Azo dyes and colorant stability
Gray and white pigmentation in Brooks insoles are standard formulations; no recalls or known migration of colorants into skin have been documented. Azo dyes in foam substrates present minimal skin contact risk unless insole is worn directly against broken skin.
Heavy metals
Brooks replacement insoles are not known to contain cadmium, lead, or antimony in colorants based on available public records. Standard inorganic pigments used in foam insoles do not pose heavy metal leaching risk under normal foot-wear conditions.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Brooks Cushion Support replacement insoles are foam-based, most likely EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) or polyurethane closed-cell foam, both widely used in footwear without major safety concerns when formulated properly. These materials provide cushioning and do not off-gas significantly at room temperature in foot-worn conditions. The gray/white colorant is typically inorganic or azo-based pigment, standard in athletic footwear; no known contamination issues are documented for Brooks branded insoles.
The brand's record and disclosure
Brooks (owned by Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary Wolverine World Wide) maintains modest sustainability commitments but does not publish detailed chemical composition or third-party safety certifications for individual insole products. The brand has not faced recalled insoles or documented chemical safety failures in replacement footbed products. Disclosure on manufacturing standards for foam composition is limited, reflecting typical industry opacity rather than a specific red flag.
How it compares in its category
Replacement insoles occupy a low-risk category within apparel/footwear; they avoid many hazards associated with finished shoes (adhesives, leather treatments, dye fixatives). Brooks replacements are comparable to Superfeet, Powerstep, and Scholl branded alternatives. None of these products routinely disclose full chemical compliance beyond basic material type, making direct comparison difficult but also indicating absence of category-specific scandals.
If you buy it
Store in a dry environment; do not expose to prolonged heat (above 60°C) as foam may degrade. Replace when compression becomes noticeable (typically 6-12 months of regular use) to maintain cushioning efficacy. Hand wash if soiled; air dry fully. No special handling is required beyond typical footwear care. Not intended for use in extreme heat or with chemical treatment.
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.