Lowa Men's Innox Evo II GTX Hiking Shoes
Gore-Tex likely contains PFAS; Lowa provides no disclosure on treatment.
Lowa Innox Evo II uses Gore-Tex, a Teflon-family coating membrane historically made with PFAS. Lowa discloses nothing about PFAS content or alternative materials in their supply chain.
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Material
Leather/textile upper with Gore-Tex membrane waterproof lining
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Lowa Men's Innox Evo II GTX Hiking Shoes is made of, ingredients and materials
The Innox Evo II GTX combines a leather and textile upper with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane lining. Gore-Tex is a Teflon-family coating membrane engineered for water resistance and breathability, a design that historically relies on PFAS-based chemistry for water-repellent surface treatment. The leather and textile components are subject to tanning, dyeing, and finishing processes that may introduce formaldehyde-releasing resins, azo dyes, and heavy-metal mordants depending on supplier and Lowa's specifications.
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 have long relied on Teflon-family coating and PFAS-based chemistry for water and oil repellency. Lowa's silence on this confirms no independent verification or PFAS-free variant is marketed. Direct skin contact with the lining during wear exposes users to potential dermal uptake, though the membrane is typically covered by sock or skin contact is limited.
Source, ATSDR ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Leather tanning and textile finishing often employ formaldehyde-releasing resins for water resistance, mildew prevention, and dye fixation. Lowa does not publish finish specifications or certifications (e.g., STeP, BLUESIGN) that would exclude this chemistry. Off-gassing is highest when new; diminishes over weeks of wear and airing.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Leather and polyester-blend uppers may use azo dyes, which can break down into carcinogenic amines under sweat, heat, or UV exposure. Heavy-metal mordants (chromium, lead, cobalt) are common in chrome tanning and dyeing. No testing or certification data are public for this model.
Source, FDA ↗Antimony in polyester textile components
If the mesh or backing textiles are polyester (common in hiking shoe uppers), they may contain antimony as a polymerization catalyst. Antimony is not listed as a priority hazard in footwear safety guidance but accumulates with chronic skin contact and can irritate sensitive skin.
Coating degradation and waterproof performance loss over time
Gore-Tex linings are durable but not permanent. The PFAS-based water-repellent finish can degrade after 2-5 years of heavy use or improper washing, leading to membrane wetting and loss of breathability. Once compromised, the shoe's ability to shed water declines sharply; replacement is typically the only remedy.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Lowa has not publicly disclosed PFAS use or water-repellent treatment chemistry on this model or the Gore-Tex membrane source. The company has not published a chemical disclosure policy or PFAS phase-out commitment as of available public information. No recalls or formal safety controversies are on record for this specific shoe model. Absence of disclosure does not confirm safety; it indicates limited transparency on a known hazard class in outdoor footwear.
How it compares in its category
Most Gore-Tex hiking shoes carry the same PFAS-in-membrane concern; few outdoor brands disclose it. Non-Gore-Tex waterproof alternatives (e.g., fabric-lined with silicone or wax treatments, or brands using PFAS-free water repellents) exist but are less common and often trade durability or breathability. Leather and synthetic hiking shoes without Gore-Tex lining or with lower-risk membranes are available at comparable price points; the Innox Evo II sits in the mainstream performance category where PFAS exposure is typical, not exceptional.
If you buy it
Wear them outdoors on dry days first to assess fit before extended use. Clean regularly with mild soap and water to remove dirt and salts; avoid machine washing and high heat (air dry only). Do not apply additional waterproofing sprays unless verified PFAS-free, as they compound exposure. Inspect the Gore-Tex seams and membrane yearly; once the lining delaminates or perforates, the shoe's waterproof integrity fails and replacement becomes necessary. These shoes are repairable by a skilled cobbler if uppers degrade, which may extend usable life and reduce replacement frequency.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Lowa has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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