Dr. Scholl's · Synthetic Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Dr. Scholls Women's Athletic Series Sport Insoles
Higher concern. Moisture-wicking treatment chemistry is not stated.
These insoles have a moisture-wicking treatment, but Dr. Scholl's does not disclose its chemistry. The brand has no PFAS statement on record. water-repellent coating treatments on athletic insoles have historically used PFAS.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
foam, gel, fabric with moisture-wicking treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Dr. Scholls Women's Athletic Sport Insoles is made of, ingredients and materials
Dr. Scholl's Sport Insoles use a layered foam construction (typically EVA or polyurethane foam base) with gel cushioning and a moisture-wicking fabric top layer. The moisture-wicking treatment on athletic insoles is commonly applied with PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals") to repel sweat and water, which creates durability but raises chemical exposure concerns. The foam and gel layers themselves are not inherently hazardous but degrade over time with compression and heat exposure, potentially releasing microparticles.
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.
PFAS
Waterproof athletic insoles commonly use PFAS-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings; Dr. Scholl's has not disclosed chemistry for this product. Skin absorption risk is low during normal use but increases with sweating and prolonged contact.
Source, ATSDR ↗Foam and gel microparticle shedding
EVA and polyurethane foam degrade under repeated compression and moisture; worn insoles may shed tiny particles. Risk is localized to foot contact and unlikely to cause harm, but replacement intervals matter.
Thermal degradation of foam cushioning
Prolonged exposure to heat (e.g., in a hot car or near high-temperature washers) can break down EVA/polyurethane and release volatile compounds. Normal foot temperature (ambient plus minor friction) poses minimal risk.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public reports of formaldehyde-based finishes in Dr. Scholl's insoles, but moisture-wicking fabrics sometimes use formaldehyde-based cross-linkers; brand does not disclose this detail.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in colored fabric layers
Black or colored insole fabrics could use azo dyes, which can release carcinogenic amines; however, no specific recalls or contamination reports exist for this product line, and foot contact is low-exposure.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Dr. Scholl's (Reckitt subsidiary) has not publicly disclosed specific PFAS use or water-repellent chemistry for this product line, and the company has made no commitment to phase out PFAS in athletic footwear accessories. The brand does not carry third-party certifications (Bluesign, OEKO-TEX) that would indicate chemical screening. No major recalls or safety actions on record for this specific insole product.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream athletic insole brands (Superfeet, Powerstep, Spenco) similarly use moisture-wicking treatments that likely contain PFAS or similar synthetic chemicals; Dr. Scholl's pricing and availability are typical for the mass-market segment. Certified alternatives (e.g., OEKO-TEX-labeled cork or wool-based insoles) exist but cost more and have fewer gel-cushioning options. Dr. Scholl's disclosure gap is consistent with the broader industry norm rather than an outlier.
If you buy it
Replace insoles every 6-12 months with heavy use (athletics, sweating) to avoid compressed foam breakdown and microparticle shedding. Hand wash or air dry only; do not machine wash or expose to heat above 50C (120F), which accelerates degradation. Store in a cool, dry place and inspect for visible crumbling or delamination. If you have persistent skin sensitivity or sweat reactions, test on a small area first or consider PFAS-free alternatives like natural-fiber insoles.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 62% 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. Scholls Women's Athletic Series Sport Insoles?
Cotton Insole
- Cotton with possible latex or synthetic backing
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- Adhesive/backing composition (unknown)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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Addias Men's Ortholite Comfort Insoles
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- EVA foam, mesh textile lining
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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.