Merrell · Waterproof Hiking Socks
Merrell Moab Hiking Quarter Socks
Avoid until Merrell discloses whether water-repellent coating uses PFAS chemicals.
These merino wool hiking socks feature moisture-wicking and water-repellent treatment, but Merrell won't say if the water-repellent coating finish contains PFAS. Without brand transparency or testing, elevated uncertainty exists.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
merino wool blend with water-repellent coating treatment (likely fluorocarbon-based)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Merrell Moab Hiking Quarter Socks is made of, ingredients and materials
Merrell Moab Quarter Socks are a merino wool blend (typically 50-60% merino, balance synthetic polyester or nylon) treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish. The water-repellent coating is the critical unknown, most outdoor socks use fluorocarbon-based treatments (C6 or C8 PFAS compounds) to achieve water resistance without washing out quickly. Merrell has not publicly disclosed whether this product uses PFAS-based or fluorocarbon-free water-repellent coating technology. The wool component is generally low-risk; synthetic fibers themselves pose minimal hazard in socks.
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.
PFAS
Water-repellent coating treatment chemistry not disclosed by Merrell. Fluorocarbon PFAS compounds are the industry standard for merino wool socks and migrate into sweat/skin contact during wear. No acute toxicity from wearing, but bioaccumulation risk over years of use and laundering.
Source, ATSDR ↗Synthetic fiber shedding (microfibers)
Polyester or nylon component of the blend sheds microfibers during washing and wear. Volume is minimal in socks compared to fleece, but repeated laundering increases shedding. Environmental release occurs; no direct health risk to wearer.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Merino wool and synthetic blends may use formaldehyde-based dyes or wrinkle-resist finishes during manufacturing. Merrell does not publish formal certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX) for this product line, so residual formaldehyde cannot be ruled out, though levels are typically very low in finished socks.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes
Restricted azo dyes are prohibited in EU textile regulations and increasingly by mainstream manufacturers. No evidence of azo dye use in Merrell Moab socks, but no third-party testing disclosed. Merino wool typically uses synthetic dyes with lower concern for certain hazards, but verification is absent.
Antimony in polyester
Polyester catalyst residues (antimony trioxide) can remain in synthetic fibers at trace levels. Merrell does not specify polyester sourcing or catalyst type. Risk is negligible in finished socks, but not independently verified for this product.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Merrell (owned by Wolverine Worldwide) has made limited public commitments on PFAS elimination in textiles. The company does not maintain transparent chemical disclosure for individual sock products on its website or sustainability reports. No recalls or safety controversies have been documented for this specific sock model. Merrell's parent company committed to phasing out PFAS in manufacturing by 2030, but no interim milestones or chemistry verification for current products is publicly available.
How it compares in its category
Merino wool hiking socks are standard performance gear; Merrell's Moab line is mid-range in price and reputation. Competitors like Darn Tough (US-made, minimal water-repellent coating reliance on PFAS) and Icebreaker (New Zealand merino, less aggressive water-proofing) offer alternatives with better transparency. Some brands (e.g., SmartWool) use wax-based or silicon water-repellent coating coatings instead of fluorocarbons, reducing PFAS exposure. Most mainstream hiking socks in this category use fluorocarbon water-repellent coating by default; the Moab socks are not unusual in that regard.
If you buy it
Wash socks in cold water and mild detergent; water-repellent coating treatments degrade with hot water and abrasive washing. Air dry to preserve both wool integrity and coating longevity. Socks typically last 1-2 years with regular hiking use; replace when elasticity fails or heel/toe thin. If PFAS exposure concerns you, contact Merrell directly requesting water-repellent coating composition; silence may indicate conventional fluorocarbon chemistry.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% 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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Merrell Moab Hiking Quarter Socks?
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2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Merino/premium wool blend, no water-resistant coating mentioned
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes (synthetic reinforcement and color)
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Merino wool blend (primary fiber); no reported water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) or stain…
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Formaldehyde / VOCs
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore 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.