Garmont · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Dragontail MNT Evo GTX Approach Shoes
Gore-Tex likely contains PFAS, brand remains silent on composition.
Garmont's Dragontail uses Gore-Tex for waterproofing, a Teflon-family coating membrane typically treated with PFAS. The brand makes no public PFAS disclosure.
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Material
Textile upper with Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Dragontail MNT Evo GTX Approach Shoes is made of, ingredients and materials
The Dragontail MNT Evo GTX uses a textile upper paired with Gore-Tex waterproof laminate, a microporous membrane bonded to fabric backing. Gore-Tex itself does not contain Teflon-type coating (Teflon), but the lamination process and adhesives used in Gore-Tex products often require Teflon-family coating chemistry or fluorinated surfactants during manufacture, which typically means PFAS compounds are present in the final membrane or residual in the shoe. Textile uppers are standard for hiking shoes and carry lower chemical risk than synthetic overlays if dyes and finishes are responsibly applied.
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Textile uppers may use formaldehyde-based resins for water repellency, wrinkle resistance, or dimensional stability, particularly in seams and linings. Garmont does not advertise formaldehyde-free finishes. Low outgassing is expected after initial curing, but no third-party testing data for this shoe is available.
Source, ATSDR ↗Adhesive volatiles (VOC) from Gore-Tex lamination
The lamination bond between textile and Gore-Tex membrane involves polyurethane or reactive adhesives that may off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as residual isocyanates or solvents during the first few weeks of wear. Airing new shoes outdoors before prolonged use reduces this risk. No recalls or complaints specifically tied to this shoe exist.
Gore-Tex membrane delamination and microparticle shedding
Gore-Tex laminates can separate after 1-2 years of heavy use or exposure to harsh conditions, potentially releasing small membrane fragments. This is not a chemical toxicity issue but a durability and microplastic concern. Proper storage and gentle cleaning extend lifespan and reduce shedding risk.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes in textile upper
Garmont does not disclose dye sourcing or compliance with OEKO-TEX or Bluesign standards for this model. Standard disperse dyes used in polyamide and polyester textiles can include azo compounds, but no confirmed cases of restricted azo dyes (carcinogenic amine releases) in Garmont footwear have been reported. Risk is low if standard EU/US textile regulations are followed.
Heavy metals
Hiking footwear typically uses low-toxicity azo and reactive dyes; lead and cadmium in textile colorants are regulated under EU REACH and US textile standards. No documented violations by Garmont in public records. Risk is minimal if brand follows standard EU manufacturing compliance.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Garmont is an established Italian footwear brand with a modest transparency record. The company does not publicly commit to PFAS phase-out or independent testing disclosure for its products, nor does it publish ingredient lists or chemical safety statements for waterproof membranes. No major safety recalls or formal regulatory actions against Garmont products have been widely documented, but the lack of proactive composition transparency is typical of mid-tier outdoor brands and reflects minimal consumer-facing accountability on PFAS.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream waterproof hiking shoes (Salomon, Merrell, La Sportiva) rely on similar Gore-Tex or equivalent Teflon-type coating-free membranes (like eVent or newer fluorine-free hydrophobic films), all of which carry PFAS exposure risk during manufacture, though some brands are transitioning to labeled PFAS-free alternatives. The Dragontail's textile upper is less concerning than synthetic rubber or plastic-heavy designs. Compared to entry-level approach shoes, this model sits in mid-range durability and performance; the waterproofing trade-off is typical across the category.
If you buy it
Wear the shoe in dry or low-moisture environments when possible to reduce leaching from Gore-Tex under high water pressure or heat stress. Avoid machine washing or prolonged submersion; hand-clean with cool water and air-dry away from direct heat. Inspect fabric for loose threads or delamination over 12-18 months of use; once the Gore-Tex membrane separates or the upper degrades, replacement is warranted because repair rarely restores waterproofing. Store in a cool, dry place to slow adhesive degradation.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Garmont has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More hiking shoes & trail runners 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.