FootJoy · Golf Balls & Equipment
FootJoy Golf StaSof Glove
Water-treated glove; PFAS risk unknown without disclosure.
Leather with water-resistant treatment. FootJoy doesn't explain coating chemistry or PFAS content.
The better-graded swap
Precept
Bridgestone Precept Laddie Extreme Golf Balls
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Leather with water-resistant treatment
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.
Cadmium
Leather gloves are typically chrome-tanned; chromium salts (especially Cr(VI)) can be present in poorly controlled tanning. FootJoy does not disclose tanning method or test results. Direct skin contact during extended wear (golf rounds) means low but non-zero absorption risk, especially if glove is damp or abrasive.
Source, ATSDR ↗PFAS
Synthetic water repellents (acrylates, silicones, or volatile organic compounds) are standard in leather finishing but not itemized by FootJoy. Some manufacturers have shifted to non-PFAS polymeric barriers, but without disclosure it is unclear whether this glove uses older Teflon-family coating chemistry or newer alternatives.
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Formaldehyde-based cross-linkers and binders are common in industrial leather finishing to improve durability and water resistance. No product specification sheet from FootJoy confirms absence. Exposure is mainly dermal; inhalation risk is low during normal use but possible if glove is stored in sealed containers or immediately after manufacturing.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and particulate shedding
Water-resistant finish on leather can crack, peel, or shed microparticles with age and repeated flexing (inherent to golf glove use). Sweat, detergent residues, and UV exposure accelerate breakdown. Particles inhaled or ingested are minimal in typical use, but glove longevity is a proxy for finish stability.
Skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis from tanning residues or finish chemicals
Leather tanning and finishing can leave residual sulfates, salts, or unreacted dyes that contact skin directly. Incidence is low in mainstream brands but underreported; individuals with atopic dermatitis or chemical sensitivities are at higher risk, especially during warm/sweaty play when dermal absorption is increased.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
FootJoy StaSof gloves are constructed from leather (likely cowhide) with a water-resistant surface treatment applied to maintain moisture barrier and durability during play. The "SofGrip" or similar water-resistant finish is the functional layer of concern; leather itself is stable, but the chemical treatment used to achieve water repellency is not publicly disclosed by FootJoy. Leather tanning and finishing processes can introduce heavy metals (chromium, especially in chrome-tanned leather) and synthetic polymers or fluorochemicals as water barriers.
The brand's record and disclosure
FootJoy (Acushnet Holdings) does not publicly disclose the specific chemistry of its water-resistant treatments on golf gloves, including whether PFAS or alternative durable water repellents are used. The brand has not sought third-party certifications (e.g., Leather Working Group environmental audit, bluesign, OEKO-TEX) that would verify heavy metal or chemical safety in tanning/finishing. No major recalls or chemical controversies are on record for this specific glove model, but the silence on treatment chemistry is a transparency gap relative to competitors like Callaway or TaylorMade in apparel safety disclosures.
How it compares in its category
Golf gloves are typically leather (cowhide, sheepskin) with water-resistant finishes; StaSof positions itself in the mid-to-premium comfort segment. Most major brands do not detail water-treatment chemistry; this product is representative of industry norm (low disclosure) rather than an outlier. Synthetic alternatives (nylon, microfiber gloves) eliminate tanning hazards but introduce plasticizer and VOC risks; leather gloves with certified tanning (e.g., some European brands) offer more verifiable safety.
If you buy it
Wash gloves by hand in cool water with mild soap; avoid hot water or machine washing, which can degrade water-resistant treatment prematurely. Store in a dry place away from direct heat or sunlight; do not dry-clean (chemical solvents may strip or damage finish). Replace when grip deteriorates, seams separate, or water resistance fails (typically 1-3 years for regular use). If you have sensitive skin or chemical sensitivities, wear a moisture-wicking liner glove underneath to reduce direct contact with tanning residues or finish chemicals.
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
- FootJoy has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Golf Balls & Equipment
Vice Golf
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synthetic polymer core with urethane/elastomer cover
PFAS unlikely. Brand silent on composition details.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Bridgestone
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Leather, synthetic leather, or textile blend
Chromium in leather tanning residue
Limited concern
Azo dyes in colored leather or synthetic components
Limited concern
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Lower PFAS concern, but brand provides no transparency.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Bridgestone
Lady Golf Glove
Synthetic leather or leather with standard stitching
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from synthetic leather
Limited concern
Golf glove with typical materials, lower concern profile.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More golf balls & equipment 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.