Nike · Running & Athletic Shoes
Nike Men's Vomero 18 GTX OFF WHITE/BLACK-SMOKEY BLUE
GTX waterproofing likely contains PFAS; Nike discloses nothing. Skip if concerned.
Nike Vomero 18 GTX uses Gore-Tex, a Gore product known to use PFAS in waterproof membranes. Nike makes no PFAS disclosures for this shoe.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Mesh, synthetic leather, rubber sole with Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Nike Men's Vomero 18 GTX OFF BLUE is made of, ingredients and materials
The Vomero 18 GTX uses mesh (synthetic, likely polyester or nylon blend), synthetic leather overlays, and a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane laminated to the shoe lining. Gore-Tex membranes are engineered to repel water and are the primary waterproofing layer in this shoe. The rubber sole is a separate component. None of these materials inherently leach lead, cadmium, or formaldehyde under normal wear, but the mesh and synthetic leather may be dyed with azo dyes or treated with finishing chemicals during manufacturing.
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.
Azo dyes in mesh and synthetic leather
No specific safety alerts exist for the Vomero 18, but synthetic mesh and polyurethane leather dyed in overseas facilities may contain azo dyes that could release aromatic amines under conditions of friction or sweat. This is a general textile manufacturing concern, not a documented issue with this model.
Synthetic leather degradation and microparticle shedding
Polyurethane or PVC synthetic leather can degrade with age and friction, potentially shedding microparticles. This is cosmetic and durability-related rather than a direct health hazard, but accelerated wear in high-moisture conditions may increase shedding.
PFAS
Gore-Tex membranes typically contain PFAS compounds (primarily Teflon-type coating and related Teflon-family coating) to achieve water repellency. This is graded separately as 20/100 safety. Nike does not disclose PFAS content or confirm low-PFAS alternatives for this model.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Standard textile manufacturing may involve formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or sizing. No testing or recall data for the Vomero 18 suggests contamination. Nike's manufacturing partners are expected to comply with apparel chemical restrictions, though public verification is limited.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polyester mesh
Antimony trioxide is a common catalyst in polyester production and can be present in trace amounts in synthetic fabrics. No safety concerns have been raised for this shoe model. Dermal absorption from intact garments is not established as a hazard.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Nike does not publicly disclose PFAS content in individual shoe models or confirm whether Gore-Tex in its footwear contains PFAS. The brand has faced criticism for lack of transparency on PFAS "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in waterproofed apparel, though it has committed to reducing fluorinated chemicals by 2025. No specific recalls or established contamination reports for the Vomero 18 are on record. Nike's textile certifications typically cover dyeing and labor standards, not legacy chemical hazards.
How it compares in its category
This is a premium running shoe with Gore-Tex waterproofing, placing it in the mid-to-high price tier. Most waterproof athletic shoes from major brands use similar Gore-Tex or comparable fluorinated membrane technology, meaning PFAS exposure is widespread in the category, not unique to Nike. Non-waterproofed alternatives eliminate the PFAS concern but sacrifice water resistance. Nike's transparency on chemical composition is roughly equivalent to competitors like Adidas and New Balance.
If you buy it
Wash the shoe in cool water with mild soap; avoid machine drying, which can degrade the Gore-Tex membrane and synthetic leather. Do not use solvents, bleach, or heat sources. The synthetic leather may crack or peel after 1-2 years of heavy use, which is typical for this material class and does not pose a hazard. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If PFAS is a concern, consider non-waterproofed running shoes or models with mechanical waterproofing (sealed seams only).
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
- Nike has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Nike Men's Vomero 18 GTX OFF WHITE/BLACK-SMOKEY BLUE?
- Canvas upper, rubber sole
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes in canvas
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Canvas, rubber sole
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes and synthetic dyes
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Mesh upper, Fresh Foam midsole, rubber outsole
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes and color-based toxins
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore running & athletic shoes 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.