Dr. Scholl's · Synthetic Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Dr. Scholl's Performance Sized to Fit Running Insoles
Wait for Dr. Scholl's to explain their waterproof coating chemistry.
Running insoles with foam cushioning and water-resistant topcoat, but Dr. Scholl's won't say what chemicals coat them or if PFAS is involved.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
foam cushioning with durable topcoat finish
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Dr. Scholl's Performance Running Insoles is made of, ingredients and materials
Dr. Scholl's Performance insoles use polyurethane or EVA foam cushioning topped with a durable synthetic topcoat finish designed to repel moisture and extend wear life. The topcoat composition is not publicly disclosed by the brand, which is the primary concern, waterproofing treatments on footwear commonly rely on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to achieve water resistance, but Dr. Scholl's has not confirmed or denied this. The foam base itself is generally considered chemically stable during normal use, though degradation accelerates with sweat, heat, and prolonged moisture exposure.
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.
Coating leachates (fluorinated or non-fluorinated polymers)
The topcoat finish chemistry is undisclosed. If water-resistant via PFAS, direct foot contact over months could expose skin to slow migration; if polyurethane-based, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may off-gas, especially in warm, humid conditions inside a shoe.
Polyurethane foam degradation and isocyanate residues
Polyurethane foam manufacturing leaves trace isocyanate residues that can migrate, particularly under moisture and heat (e.g., inside a sweaty shoe). This risk increases as the foam ages and breaks down, typically after 6-12 months of use.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing
EVA or polyurethane insoles release volatile compounds, especially when new and when exposed to warmth from foot activity. Enclosed shoe environment concentrates these vapors near skin; ventilation and time minimize this, but sensitivity varies by individual.
Bacterial or fungal growth from moisture retention
Foam insoles that are not dried promptly trap sweat and create environments for microbial growth, which is not a chemical hazard but generates metabolic byproducts and odor. This is user-dependent (maintenance failure rather than product defect) but common in humid climates or with high-activity users.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Dr. Scholl's does not publicly test or report on heavy-metal content (e.g., cadmium, lead) in topcoat colorants or binding agents. No recalls or published contamination events exist for this product, but lack of testing does not equal absence of risk.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Dr. Scholl's (Reckitt subsidiary) does not publicly disclose material safety data, PFAS use, or third-party certifications for this product line. The brand has not published statements on fluorinated waterproofing agents or commitments to phase them out. No recalls specific to chemical contamination in this insole line have been documented in FDA or CPSC databases. This silence around coating chemistry is standard for the mass-market insole category but represents a significant transparency gap.
How it compares in its category
Mass-market foam insoles (Superfeet, Powerstep, Spenco) typically do not disclose topcoat chemistry either, making Dr. Scholl's representative of industry norms rather than a leader. Premium or eco-certified alternatives (Vionic with endorsements, or niche brands certified by third parties) more often declare material composition and avoid fluorinated treatments. Dr. Scholl's positions itself on price and availability rather than material transparency, so expectations for disclosure should be low.
If you buy it
Keep insoles dry between uses and allow 24 hours air-drying after wear; moisture traps degradation byproducts against skin. Replace every 6-12 months depending on activity frequency, as foam compression and topcoat wear increase leaching risk and reduce support. Do not machine wash or expose to direct heat above 60°C (140°F), which accelerates topcoat breakdown. If you notice odor, discoloration, or tackiness developing, discard immediately rather than waiting for scheduled replacement.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 55% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Dr. Scholl's has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Dr. Scholl's Performance Sized to Fit Running Insoles?
Cotton Insole
- Cotton with possible latex or synthetic backing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Adhesive/backing composition (unknown)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
Addias Men's Ortholite Comfort Insoles
- Ortholite cushioning foam, polyurethane base
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyurethane
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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- EVA foam, mesh textile lining
- Azo dyes in mesh textile
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore 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.