Hoka One One · Waterproof Boots
HOKA ONE Men's ONE KAHA GTX
GTX membrane often contains PFAS; brand silent on content.
Hoka One One does not disclose PFAS use in this waterproof hiking shoe. Gore-Tex GTX membranes traditionally rely on Teflon-type coating, a Teflon-family coating. No public testing or PFAS-free certification available.
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Material
textile with GTX waterproof membrane
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What HOKA ONE Men's ONE KAHA GTX is made of, ingredients and materials
HOKA ONE KAHA GTX pairs textile uppers (likely polyester and nylon blends) with a Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable membrane laminated to the fabric. The GTX membrane is a Teflon-family coating film designed to shed water while allowing vapor transmission. Teflon-family coating membranes are the industry standard for premium waterproof hiking boots but are known to contain or shed PFAS compounds during manufacture and use. The textile shell may also contain polyester-based dyes and finishing resins typical of performance apparel.
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 membranes are laminated to the textile and contain Teflon-type coating or related Teflon-family coating. PFAS compounds are used in manufacture and may leach or shed during use and washing, particularly in humid or sweaty conditions inside the boot.
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Textile dyes and finishing resins used in polyester-nylon blends may include formaldehyde-releasing compounds for wrinkle resistance or color setting. No specific testing for this model is on record; typical levels in hiking footwear are below health-alert thresholds but may offgas slightly on first use.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in polyester and nylon
Synthetic textile dyes in performance footwear may include azo compounds, which are subject to EU and some voluntary industry restrictions but remain in use. Risk is low if boots are rinsed before wear and are not in contact with sensitive skin for extended periods without ventilation.
Membrane degradation and leaching over time
Gore-Tex and similar laminated membranes degrade with age, UV exposure, and washing, potentially releasing microscopic fragments or additives. Replacement is recommended after 3-5 years of regular use to minimize this risk and maintain waterproofing.
What’s reassuring
Antimony in polyester fiber
Antimony trioxide is used as a catalyst in polyester manufacture and may be present in trace amounts in the fabric. No specific recall or health alert has been issued for HOKA footwear; residual levels in wear apparel are generally considered non-bioavailable.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
HOKA One One (owned by Deckers Brands) does not publicly disclose PFAS content or phase-out commitments for its footwear lines as of available records. The brand has not published sustainability reports addressing PFAS in waterproof membranes or textiles. Deckers' parent company has made limited environmental commitments on textile chemicals, but HOKA-specific PFAS policy or third-party certifications (such as bluesign or GOTS) are not documented for this model. This silence contrasts with some outdoor brands that now disclose membrane composition or pursue PFAS-free alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Most premium waterproof hiking boots use Gore-Tex or equivalent Teflon-family coating membranes, placing the KAHA GTX in a high-PFAS-risk category shared by competitors like Salomon, La Sportiva, and Merrell. A smaller subset of brands offer PFAS-free waterproof options using polyurethane or ceramic membranes, though these trade durability and packability. HOKA's textile construction and finishing appear standard for the category; formaldehyde resins, azo dyes, and antimony in polyester are not uniquely elevated for HOKA versus peers. The PFAS concern is the primary differentiator, not additive hazards.
If you buy it
Wash boots in cool water by hand before first use to reduce loose PFAS or dyes. Air dry completely away from heat or direct sunlight; do not machine wash or tumble dry, which can damage the GTX membrane and accelerate breakdown. Reproof the waterproof coating annually with a fluorocarbon-based spray repellent (which itself may contain PFAS) or switch to PFAS-free repellent options if concerned. Inspect seams, the membrane, and sole attachment for degradation; the membrane lifespan is typically 3-5 years of regular use. If you have skin sensitivity, allow textiles to off-gas for several days before extended wear.
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
- Hoka One One 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.