Lowa Men's Z-8S GTX C
Hiking boot with GORE-TEX; PFAS status undisclosed by brand.
GORE-TEX waterproofing typically uses Teflon-type coating (PFAS), but Lowa provides no transparency. Independent testing on this specific model unavailable. Consider contacting Lowa directly about PFAS content if concerned.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Leather upper, GORE-TEX membrane lining, rubber sole
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Lowa Men's Z-8S GTX C is made of, ingredients and materials
The Z-8S GTX C pairs a leather upper with a GORE-TEX membrane lining and rubber sole. GORE-TEX is a Teflon-family coating membrane engineered for water repellency and breathability, which inherently involves fluorinated compounds; the extent of PFAS in the finished membrane is not disclosed by either Lowa or GORE-TEX to consumers. Leather itself carries minimal chemical concern at the material level, though tannins and dyes used in processing can include heavy metals in lower-quality hides. The rubber sole is a commodity material with no established hazard profile for typical outdoor footwear use.
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 Teflon-family coating-based and known to contain perfluorinated compounds. Neither Lowa nor W.L. Gore publicly quantifies PFAS content per shoe. Exposure is dermal and minimal during wear but microfiber shedding is possible, particularly with age and washing.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in leather and fabric
Leather uppers and textile linings may contain azo dyes used in tanning and dyeing. No specific test data for this model is available. Leather sourced from Tier 1 suppliers typically follows EU standards that restrict carcinogenic azo dyes, but confirmation is not publicly available for Lowa.
Heavy metals
Leather processing can introduce chromium, lead, or cadmium depending on tanning method (chrome tanning is standard in European boots). No material declaration or test results are published by Lowa for this product. Risk is low if leather is from certified tanneries, but source is not disclosed.
Source, FDA ↗Formaldehyde / VOCs
Shoe construction uses adhesives for sole bonding and seam sealing that may contain formaldehyde-releasing compounds. Off-gassing is typically minimal after the break-in period (1-2 weeks). No adhesive specification is disclosed.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastic shedding from synthetic lining
The GORE-TEX lining and any synthetic reinforcements can shed microfibers during wear and washing. Environmental impact is documented for textiles; direct health risk to wearer is not established but represents cumulative plastic exposure.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Lowa does not publicly disclose PFAS content, manufacturing restrictions, or transition timelines away from GORE-TEX or other fluorinated treatments. The brand has no published sustainability report, PFAS commitment, or third-party certifications (e.g., Bluesign, OEKO-TEX) visible in mainstream sourcing. This silence is typical of traditional European hiking boot makers but stands in contrast to brands that have begun naming alternatives or phasing PFAS use.
How it compares in its category
Most performance hiking boots in this price and use tier rely on GORE-TEX or similar proprietary membranes, making PFAS exposure nearly universal in waterproof footwear. Some brands (Salomon, La Sportiva, Garmont) have begun labeling PFAS-free or lower-PFAS alternatives, but these remain niche. The Z-8S GTX C is mainstream within its category; choosing it does not uniquely expose you to PFAS versus competitors, but it also does not offer differentiation away from the hazard.
If you buy it
Clean and dry the boot promptly after wet use to prevent salt or mineral accumulation and mold in the membrane. Avoid machine washing or prolonged soaking; hand clean with mild soap and cool water. Replace insoles and inspect the rubber sole and seams annually for wear; GORE-TEX membrane lifespan typically matches the structural life of the boot (5-10 years) under normal use. Store in a cool, dry place; do not leave damp or in direct sunlight for extended periods.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% 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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