Garmont Nebraska II GTX
GORE-TEX likely contains PFAS; brand silent on chemicals.
Garmont does not disclose PFAS use or absence for this boot. GORE-TEX waterproof membranes typically contain Teflon-family coating linked to PFAS; independent lab testing would be needed to confirm levels.
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Material
Leather upper, GORE-TEX membrane lining
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Garmont Nebraska II GTX is made of, ingredients and materials
The Nebraska II GTX pairs a leather upper with a GORE-TEX membrane lining for waterproofing and breathability. Leather itself is a processed animal hide with minimal inherent chemical hazard in the final product, but the membrane is the critical concern, GORE-TEX is a proprietary Teflon-family coating laminate engineered for water and wind resistance, and Teflon-family coating manufacturing and finished laminates have long been associated with PFAS "forever chemicals" (PFAS). The sole and any adhesives, dyes in the leather, and synthetic reinforcements are secondary exposure routes.
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
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.
PFAS
GORE-TEX is a Teflon-family coating product; PFAS contamination in GORE-TEX membranes and laminates is well-documented in research literature. Garmont has not disclosed testing, source, or mitigation, placing this boot in the high-concern category for PFAS exposure during wear and disposal.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Leather tanning can involve chromium (Cr III is standard; Cr VI is a carcinogen and banned in EU, where Garmont is based). No tannery certification (LWG, SLG) is publicly identified for this model. Residual chrome or other heavy metals in the leather could leach into skin during wear in warm, moist conditions inside the boot.
Source, FDA ↗Adhesive and synthetic reinforcement off-gassing
Polyurethane, polyester, and other synthetic reinforcements and adhesives in boot construction may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or formaldehyde during the break-in period and in warm conditions. No off-gassing data or low-VOC certifications are available for this model.
Coating and membrane degradation over time
GORE-TEX membranes on footwear are subject to delamination and loss of waterproofing, particularly in heavy-use conditions. This is a durability rather than an acute toxicity hazard, but degradation can increase water ingress and microbial growth inside the boot if not dried promptly.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes in synthetic components
Synthetic overlays, mesh panels, or reinforcements may be dyed with azo compounds, which can release carcinogenic amines under friction or in acidic/alkaline sweat. No reports specific to this model exist, but the risk is standard in multi-material hiking boots without Bluesign or OEKO-TEX certification.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Garmont is a smaller, established Italian boot and footwear maker without prominent public commitments to chemical transparency or PFAS phase-out. No independent certifications such as Bluesign, OEKO-TEX, or Cradle to Cradle are noted for this model, and no chemical disclosure statements or supply-chain testing reports are available in public records. The brand has not publicly stated a position on PFAS reduction or GORE-TEX alternatives, which is typical of mid-tier outdoor footwear brands that have not faced direct consumer or regulatory pressure on the issue.
How it compares in its category
Hiking boots with GORE-TEX are standard in the mid-to-premium segment; most major competitors (Salomon, Merrell, La Sportiva, Scarpa) use identical or equivalent Teflon-family coating membranes. Some brands now offer alternative breathable, waterproof linings (e.g., eVent, or proprietary non-fluorinated polymers), though availability and cost vary widely. Leather uppers in this class carry lower chemical concern than synthetic uppers, which may contain azo dyes or antimony-based colorants; Garmont's leather sourcing and tanning standards are not publicly documented.
If you buy it
Inspect stitching, seams, and edging for signs of glue bleeding or uneven adhesive application before first wear. Store in a cool, dry place; avoid prolonged heat (>50°C / 122°F), which can degrade GORE-TEX adhesion or release volatiles from synthetic glues. Clean with cool water and a soft brush; do not machine wash or dry-clean. Replace insoles if they compress or odor develops; retire the boot if the membrane develops visible tears, as water ingress will destroy the membrane bond.
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
- Garmont has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.