FootJoy · Golf Balls & Equipment
FootJoy StaSof Golf Glove
Lower PFAS concern; untreated leather/fabric glove.
Leather and synthetic palm with fabric backing. FootJoy makes no waterproofing or PFAS claims.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Leather and synthetic leather palm; fabric backing
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.
Heavy metals
Leather tanning can leave chromium or other heavy metal traces depending on tannery standards. FootJoy does not disclose tanning method or metal testing. Direct skin contact during use is brief, limiting dermal absorption risk, but glove sweat moisture could theoretically mobilize residues. Modern regulated tanneries keep levels low, but independent verification is unavailable for this product.
Source, FDA ↗Azo dyes in colored synthetic or fabric components
The synthetic leather and fabric backing may be dyed with azo dyes, which can be allergenic. FootJoy does not specify whether dyes comply with restricted azo standards (banned in EU textiles). Risk is low for most users but elevated for those with sensitive skin or dye allergies.
Glue or adhesive leachables at seams
Seams bonding leather, synthetic, and fabric may use polyurethane or solvent-based adhesives. Under sweat exposure, minor leaching of uncrosslinked oligomers is theoretically possible but undocumented for this product. Glove replacement every 1-2 seasons minimizes cumulative exposure.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Synthetic leather (polyurethane/PVC) off-gassing or degradation
No reports of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from StaSof gloves. However, if the synthetic backing degrades from sun exposure or sweat over time, it may shed microplastics. This is a low-probability scenario during normal golf use but more likely if gloves are stored in hot cars repeatedly.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Fabric components (backing, binding) may contain formaldehyde-based resins used in textile finishing. FootJoy has not disclosed formaldehyde testing or compliance with REACH/CPSIA limits. Formaldehyde release into sweat is minimal for golf gloves due to brief contact, but sensitive individuals may experience skin irritation.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
FootJoy StaSof uses genuine leather on the palm (high durability, naturally water-resistant) paired with synthetic leather and fabric on the back of the hand. Leather itself poses minimal chemical leaching risk under normal use, though the tanning process historically involved heavy metals like chromium; modern tanneries in developed supply chains use controlled processes. The synthetic palm layer (likely polyurethane or PVC-based) is a concern only if degraded or heated excessively, which is unlikely during golf.
The brand's record and disclosure
FootJoy (Acushnet Holdings) has not published detailed chemical transparency reports or sustainability certifications specific to glove manufacturing. No recalls or regulatory actions on StaSof gloves for chemical contamination are on record. The brand maintains no publicized stance on formaldehyde, heavy metal limits, or synthetic leather sourcing, which is typical for traditional golf equipment makers but limits independent verification of supply-chain safety.
How it compares in its category
Golf gloves are lower-risk than apparel worn against skin for extended periods because they contact hands briefly and are often removed between shots. StaSof's leather-forward construction presents lower concern for off-gassing of volatile organics compared to fully synthetic alternatives. Competitors using identical leather-synthetic blends (Titleist, Callaway) face identical hazard profiles; no glove category leader has established material safety advantage.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent leather cracking and synthetic degradation. Wash with mild soap and water only; avoid solvents or heat drying. Inspect the palm and synthetic backing annually for tears or discoloration, which may signal material breakdown. Replace after 1-2 seasons of regular play or if seams separate, as worn gloves lose grip and may shed fibers.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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.
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.