Jason Markk · Fabric Stain Guard Sprays
Jason Markk Repel & Refresh Shoe Care Bundle
Water-repellent shoe care; brand won't disclose PFAS status.
Jason Markk Repel & Refresh treats shoes with water-repellent formula whose contents stay private. The brand won't disclose PFAS ingredients or provide testing data.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
water-repellent shoe treatment formulation
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What Jason Markk Repel Shoe Care Bundle is made of, ingredients and materials
Jason Markk Repel & Refresh is a water and stain repellent spray designed for footwear, typically based on either silicone compounds, hydrocarbon solvents, or fluorochemical polymers (which would introduce PFAS). The exact active ingredient list is not fully disclosed by the brand on retail packaging or their website, making independent hazard assessment difficult. Water-repellent coatings on shoes often require either PFAS-based chemistry (most effective but persistent) or volatile organic compound (VOC) solvents (which off-gas during and after application). The opaque formulation is the core safety concern here.
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.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in spray solvent
Water-repellent sprays typically use VOC solvents or propellants to deliver active ingredients. Jason Markk does not disclose VOC content or solvent type, but spray-applied shoe treatments commonly contain these. Inhalation during application poses respiratory irritation risk; adequate ventilation during use is necessary.
Undisclosed chemical formulation
The brand's refusal to publicly specify whether the repellent is PFAS-based, silicone-based, or hydrocarbon-based prevents independent safety assessment. This opacity makes it impossible to rule out other fluorinated compounds or hazardous solvents beyond PFAS.
Respiratory/skin contact from spray application
Consumer reports on shoe care spray products in general indicate occasional mild respiratory irritation and skin sensitization from direct contact with undiluted formulation. Jason Markk's specific irritancy profile is not published, but spray delivery inherently increases inhalation and skin exposure risk compared to liquid or cream alternatives.
Allergic sensitization to fragrance or solvents
Many shoe care products include fragrance compounds to mask solvent odor. Jason Markk's formula may contain fragrance allergens; the brand does not list fragrance ingredients or provide hypoallergenic variants. Individuals with solvent sensitivity or fragrance allergies should avoid or patch-test first.
Off-gassing during drying period
Spray repellents release residual solvents and propellants into indoor air during the drying phase (24-48 hours post-application). Applying indoors or in poorly ventilated spaces could expose household members to chemical vapors; outdoor or well-ventilated application significantly reduces this risk.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Jason Markk, a shoe care brand founded in 2009, does not publicly disclose whether their Repel & Refresh formula contains PFAS or alternative chemistries. The brand has not published ingredient lists, safety data sheets, or statements regarding PFAS avoidance or use. No independent recalls or safety controversies are on record for this specific product. This silence on a known consumer concern (PFAS in water-repellent products) represents a significant transparency gap compared to brands that explicitly state PFAS-free formulations.
How it compares in its category
Competing shoe repellent products vary widely, some brands (Crep Protect, Scotchgard) also do not publicly disclose PFAS status, while others market PFAS-free alternatives using wax or silicone bases. Jason Markk's lack of transparency places it in the middle of the pack, neither worst-in-class nor leading on disclosure. The product is popular among sneaker enthusiasts, suggesting effective water-repellency, but effectiveness without transparency on chemistry is a trade-off.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to minimize inhalation of spray propellants and solvents. Allow the treated shoe to dry fully (typically 24-48 hours) before wearing, as this reduces residual chemical contact with skin. Reapply according to product instructions, typically every 3-6 months depending on wear and weather exposure. Do not apply to the shoe interior or insoles; restrict use to exterior uppers and midsoles. Before widespread use, test on a discreet area to ensure the formula does not discolor or damage your specific shoe material.
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
- Jason Markk has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Jason Markk Repel & Refresh Shoe Care Bundle?
- wax-based waterproofing
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Respiratory irritation or fume inhalation during application
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- mink oil paste, natural oil-based conditioner
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Microbial growth (natural oil rancidity)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Wax-based leather protector
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from solvents
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore fabric stain guard sprays 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.