Brooks · Synthetic Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Insoles For Brooks Running Shoes, Cushion Shoe Inserts For Men &
Standard foam insoles rarely use PFAS compounds.
Typical foam cushioning without documented waterproofing or stain treatments that would require PFAS. No public PFAS issues or brand claims found.
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Material
Foam cushioning, likely polyurethane or EVA
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.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing
Polyurethane and EVA foams release small amounts of VOCs during manufacture and early use, particularly in warm conditions. This is a typical characteristic of foam insoles and not specific to Brooks, but intensity varies by production batch; symptoms (odor, mild irritation) are usually mild and resolve within days to weeks.
Microplastic shedding
As foam insoles age and compress, they may shed microparticles, though this is not unique to Brooks and occurs across all foam insole brands. Shedding risk is low during normal wear inside a shoe but increases if insoles are machine washed or exposed to high friction.
Bacterial or fungal growth in degraded foam
Compressed or water-damaged foam can harbor bacteria or fungal growth if not dried promptly after sweat exposure. This is a maintenance issue rather than a manufacturing defect and is common to all insole materials; regular airing and timely replacement mitigate 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
Insole adhesives (if used to bond foam layers) may contain formaldehyde-releasing resins, but no public reports document this in Brooks products. This hazard is present in some textile and footwear components but is not established as a concern for foam insoles specifically.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Brooks cushion insoles are typically constructed from polyurethane (PU) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, both widely used in athletic footwear. These materials are chosen for shock absorption and comfort rather than durability of coating or structural integrity. Foam insoles do not involve glazes, enamels, or ceramic layers, eliminating lead/cadmium and Teflon-type coating fume risks that affect cookware. The primary concern with synthetic foams is off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during manufacturing and early use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Brooks does not publicly disclose detailed material sourcing or chemical certifications specific to insoles, and the brand has made no visible commitment to PFAS transparency. No major safety recalls or complaints involving Brooks insoles appear in public records. The company markets itself as a performance athletic brand but does not advertise third-party certifications (such as Oeko-Tex or GOTS) for cushioning components. Absence of disclosure is typical for this product category but represents a gap rather than a known risk.
How it compares in its category
Foam insoles as a category carry lower documented hazard profiles than textiles with dyes, adhesives, or flame retardants. Brooks insoles sit squarely in the mainstream market with no distinguishing safety features or certifications relative to competitors like Superfeet or Powerstep. The material composition (foam cushioning) is identical to most athletic insole options and does not reduce or increase risk versus unbranded alternatives. Insoles are a lower-concern subcategory of footwear because they avoid heavy metal dyes and antimony used in polyester uppers.
If you buy it
Allow new insoles to air out for 24-48 hours in a well-ventilated space to reduce initial VOC off-gassing, which may smell strong but poses minimal acute risk. Avoid heating insoles (dryers, direct sunlight for extended periods) as foam can degrade or release compounds when thermally stressed. Replace insoles every 6-12 months or when cushioning visibly compresses, as degraded foam may harbor bacteria or lose structural support. Hand wash or wipe with damp cloth; do not machine wash or bleach, as detergents and heat can accelerate breakdown.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 62% 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.