Columbia Men's Redmond II Mid Waterproof Shoe
Unknown waterproof treatment, no PFAS disclosure from Columbia.
Columbia does not publicly disclose PFAS or waterproof treatment specifics for this shoe. Waterproof footwear commonly uses water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS; contact brand for details.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
textile upper, rubber sole, waterproof coating unspecified
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Columbia Men's Redmond II Mid Waterproof is made of, ingredients and materials
The Redmond II has a textile upper (likely polyester or nylon blend), rubber sole, and an unspecified waterproof coating or treatment. The waterproofing mechanism is the critical unknown here. Columbia does not publicly name the chemistry of its waterproof finishes across this product line, meaning the coating could involve PFAS (fluorocarbon-based), silicone, or other polymers. Textile uppers themselves carry minimal inherent toxicity risk but can absorb and retain whatever finish is applied.
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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.
PFAS
Columbia does not disclose the waterproof finish chemistry. Industry context (hiking shoes, mid-price point) suggests fluorocarbon-based treatment is likely, but this is not confirmed. PFAS in waterproof coatings can migrate into sweat and contact with skin over time, and degraded coating particles may be inhaled during wear or cleaning.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microparticle inhalation
As waterproof coatings age, they can crack, peel, or shed microparticles during cleaning or wear. If the coating is fluorocarbon-based, inhaled fragments could carry trace PFAS. Regular inspection and prompt replacement when visible degradation occurs limits this exposure pathway.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No specific recall or published test of the Redmond II for formaldehyde-releasing finish resins. Standard textile hiking shoes undergo minimal formal-dehyde-heavy processing compared to casual apparel, but pre-purchase washing is still a reasonable precaution if chemical sensitivity is a concern.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in polyester or nylon upper
Columbia does not publish dyestuff restrictions for this model. Polyester and nylon uppers can be dyed with azo compounds (some of which are restricted in the EU but permitted in North America). No specific reports of concern for the Redmond II, but the risk is present in the material class.
Heavy metals
Rubber soles on hiking footwear are generally low-concern if not overheated. No published testing or recalls for the Redmond II sole. Avoid prolonged heat exposure (car dashboards, direct flame) to minimize off-gassing of volatile organic compounds from rubber.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Columbia has no published PFAS phase-out commitment or public waterproof chemistry disclosure specific to footwear. The brand does not appear on lists of companies with transparent PFAS policies (such as the Cradle to Cradle Material Health Assessment or similar certifications). This silence is notable because major outdoor brands (Salomon, Arc'teryx, some Patagonia lines) have begun naming alternatives or commitments. Columbia's lack of transparency on waterproof treatments is a documented gap in the outdoor apparel sector.
How it compares in its category
Mid-hiking shoes in this price range (typically $100-150 USD) almost universally use fluorocarbon or PFAS-variant waterproofing because alternatives (silicone membrane, wax, wool) are costlier or less durable. The Redmond II is not an outlier in this respect; it represents the industry standard of opacity on waterproof chemistry. Shoes with disclosed non-fluorocarbon waterproofing (merino wool blends, silicone-coated fabrics) are fewer and typically premium-priced.
If you buy it
Avoid washing the shoe in hot water or machine drying, as heat can degrade polymer coatings and potentially increase leaching or off-gassing. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; waterproof coatings degrade with UV exposure and humidity cycling. Inspect the seams and upper for cracking or peeling every 6 months; once the waterproof layer visibly fails, the shoe's water-resistance is compromised. Clean with cool water and mild soap, then air-dry at room temperature. Replace when the upper shows permanent creasing or sole traction is worn below 1 mm.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Columbia has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.