Merrell · Waterproof Hiking Socks
Merrell Moab Hiker Low Cut Sock
Lower PFAS risk; standard sock with no waterproofing claims.
Merino wool and synthetic blend without advertised water or stain resistance. No PFAS claims from Merrell, and the absence of Teflon-family coating coatings suggests lower risk than heavily treated hiking socks.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
merino wool blend, synthetic fibers
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Merrell Moab Hiker Low Cut Sock is made of, ingredients and materials
Merrell Moab Hiker Low Cut Socks blend merino wool with synthetic fibers (typically nylon and elastane for stretch and durability). Merino wool naturally resists odor and moisture without chemical treatments, reducing reliance on antimicrobial finishes. The synthetic components provide structural integrity and shape retention, but these are commodity materials with no known heavy metals or restricted dyes in typical sock manufacturing.
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.
Azo dyes in synthetic fibers
Nylon and elastane components may be dyed with azo colorants; no specific testing of this product on record, but standard textile manufacturing in this price tier does not typically restrict azo dyes unless certified (e.g., Oeko-Tex, bluesign). Contact skin exposure risk is low for socks.
Antimony in polyester or synthetic fibers
Antimony is used as a catalyst in polyester manufacturing; if nylon or elastane components contain polyester core or blending, trace antimony may be present. Migration into skin is minimal in finished, non-heated textiles.
Synthetic microfiber shedding
Repeated washing and wear of wool-synthetic blends can release microfibers into water; no product-specific data, but typical for any sock with nylon or elastane. Environmental concern rather than direct wearer hazard.
Allergen potential from dyes or finishes
Individuals with sensitive skin may react to residual dye chemicals or mordants, particularly on first few wears. No specific allergenic incidents reported for this product; standard for untreated wool-blend textiles.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public record of formaldehyde-releasing treatments (e.g., wrinkle resistance) applied to Merrell Moab socks. Merino wool blends do not typically require such finishes for performance.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Merrell (owned by Wolverine World Wide) does not publicly disclose detailed chemical treatment protocols for individual sock products, and no specific safety certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex, bluesign) are marketed for this line. The brand has faced broader scrutiny over PFOA contamination at legacy manufacturing sites, but this particular product carries no documented chemical recalls or safety warnings. Merrell's silence on treatment chemistry is typical for mid-market outdoor apparel.
How it compares in its category
Hiking socks in this price range rarely disclose full chemical profiles; wool-blend construction is standard and linked to lower concern than 100% synthetic alternatives because wool requires fewer synthetic dyes and finishing treatments. Products explicitly marketed as waterproof or moisture-wicking often carry higher PFAS loads due to water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings; this product has no such claims, putting it in the lower-chemical segment. Competitors like Smartwool offer similar blends with optional Oeko-Tex certification, though at higher cost.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water with gentle detergent to preserve elastane elasticity and avoid shrinkage of wool fibers; high heat can degrade synthetic fibers and reduce lifespan. Replace when heel or toe areas show visible wear or thinning, typically after 12-18 months of regular hiking use. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can strip natural oils and damage both wool and synthetics. Air dry to prevent elastic degradation.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Merrell has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof hiking socks 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.