Easton · Sports Equipment Padding
Easton Adult Original Catcher's Knee Savers
Catcher's gear likely treated for water resistance; PFAS risk uncertain.
Neoprene or foam padding designed for athlete protection and water resistance. Easton provides no public PFAS disclosure, though water-resistant treatment is likely.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Neoprene or foam padding with likely water-resistant coating
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
Catcher's gear is routinely treated for water resistance to withstand sweat and field water; the specific fluorochemical(s) used in Easton products are not disclosed. Direct skin contact during use is the primary exposure route, with absorption risk unknown but likely low during normal wear.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No documented formaldehyde contamination has been reported for Easton athletic gear. However, neoprene and polyester textiles may be treated with formaldehyde-releasing agents during dye fixation; this is standard industry practice but levels in finished athletic products are typically well below consumer safety thresholds.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes (synthetic dyes)
No specific reports of banned azo dyes in Easton products. Polyester and nylon components are dyed using industrial processes; manufacturers in most major markets are required to avoid azo dyes that cleave to release carcinogenic amines, though enforcement varies by region.
Antimony in polyester
Antimony is a catalyst residue commonly found in polyester fibers at trace levels (typically 100-300 ppm). Migration into skin during repeated sweating is not established as a health risk at these concentrations in athletic apparel.
Neoprene off-gassing
High-quality neoprene used in Easton products is not known to off-gas volatile organic compounds under normal wear conditions. Off-gassing is mainly a concern in poorly manufactured or recycled neoprene stored in sealed, warm environments; proper ventilation during storage mitigates any theoretical risk.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Easton catcher's knee savers are primarily neoprene (synthetic rubber) or closed-cell foam with fabric facing, typically polyester or nylon. Neoprene itself is chemically inert and does not leach toxic compounds under normal use. However, the water-resistant or water-repellent coating applied to such athletic gear (common in all catcher's equipment) is the key unknown; these coatings frequently contain PFAS compounds to achieve durability during repeated sweat and water exposure on the field. The fabric components may also be treated with dyes, and polyester face fabric may contain trace antimony as a catalyst residue, though antimony levels in finished textiles are typically lower than amounts associated with known hazards.
The brand's record and disclosure
Easton (owned by EssexOutdoors, a subsidiary of Peak Sport International) does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or PFAS/fluorochemical disclosure policies for apparel lines. No specific product recalls related to chemical safety for this knee saver model are documented in public records. Easton has not signed BLUESIGN or similar third-party chemical management certifications for its apparel, and the company has not made public commitments to phase out PFAS in athletic gear, placing it in the middle tier of transparency compared to high-disclosure outdoor brands.
How it compares in its category
Catcher's knee protection is a specialized category with few direct competitors (Rawlings, Wilson, MacGregor). Most products in this segment use neoprene or EVA foam with some form of water treatment. Easton's knee savers are mid-market in durability; they are not marketed as premium professional-grade (which might justify higher cost and scrutiny) nor as budget budget models. Comparable products from major sporting goods brands typically do not disclose PFAS treatment either, making this product roughly average in terms of transparency and likely exposure risk.
If you buy it
Wash knee savers in cool water after heavy use to remove sweat and dirt; hot water may degrade any water-resistant coating and is unnecessary. Do not machine dry or expose to direct heat or sunlight for prolonged periods, as neoprene can crack and coatings can delaminate. Replace when padding compresses, loses shape, or covering fabric tears, typically after one full season of regular use. Air dry flat or hang in a well-ventilated space; store in a cool, dry location to extend material life and limit any off-gassing.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Easton has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Sports Equipment Padding
Easton
Universal Padding Fit Kit
foam padding, elastic straps
Polyurethane foam off-gassing (VOCs)
Limited concern
Adhesive leachables
Limited concern
Elastic synthetic fiber irritation
Limited concern
Foam fragmentation and inhalation
Moderate concern
Low risk product, though brand discloses nothing on PFAS.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Easton
Pro Style Shock Absorbing Pad
Foam padding, likely EVA or polyurethane
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Azo dyes in shell fabric
Limited concern
Adhesive volatiles (VOC/off-gassing)
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from foam breakdown
Limited concern
Lower concern; foam padding unlikely PFAS source, but no disclosure confirmed.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
MacGregor
Shock Absorbing Base
foam or elastomer cushioning in shoe base
Foam degradation and off-gassing
Limited concern
Adhesive and binder leachables
Limited concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Unknown material composition.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
More sports equipment padding 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.