OG Cabretta Leather Golf Glove
Lower concern; Cabretta leather unlikely to contain PFAS.
Cabretta leather with synthetic palm blend resists PFAS exposure naturally. Brand doesn't disclose PFAS but material itself poses lower risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Cabretta leather, palm synthetic blend
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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.
Heavy metals
Cabretta leather is tanned, typically with chrome salts; finished leather sold in regulated markets (US, EU) must meet heavy metal limits, but Odyssey does not disclose tannery certification or post-tanning testing. Direct skin contact is brief, reducing absorption risk.
Source, FDA ↗Synthetic palm blend degradation and leachables
The synthetic palm component (likely polyurethane or rubber) may release volatile compounds or plasticizers over time, especially if exposed to heat or sweat. No specific degradation timeline or leachate profile is published for this product.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Leather finishing and dyeing sometimes involve formaldehyde-based resins for water resistance and color lock. Odyssey does not specify finishing chemistry; finished leather typically contains low residual formaldehyde, but brief contact limits exposure.
Source, ATSDR ↗Bacterial or fungal growth in used glove
Golf gloves are worn against moist skin; if stored damp or unwashed for extended periods, mold and bacteria can colonize leather and synthetic materials, creating a hygiene rather than chemical hazard.
Heavy metals
Leather dyeing may use azo dyes or pigments containing heavy metals; individuals with dye sensitivity or nickel allergy could react to the glove, particularly if the dye is not fully fixed or leather finish is compromised.
Source, FDA ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Odyssey OG Cabretta leather gloves use genuine Cabretta leather (goatskin) for the back and fingers, combined with a synthetic palm blend for grip and durability. Cabretta is a tanned, finished leather product; the chemical profile depends on tanning method (chrome vs vegetable) and finishing treatments applied post-tanning. Leather tanning historically involved chromium salts, though chrome levels in finished consumer leather are regulated in most markets; synthetic palm blends typically use polyurethane or rubber compounds. The combination reduces pure leather cost while maintaining the breathability and feel golfers expect.
The brand's record and disclosure
Odyssey (owned by Callaway Golf) does not publicly disclose detailed material safety certifications or chemical composition for this glove line in available sources. No major recalls or chemical safety controversies are on record for Odyssey golf gloves. The brand has not communicated a stance on PFAS, flame retardants, or heavy metals in leather goods, making independent verification difficult. Standard golf glove safety relies on leather tannery compliance with regional regulations (EU, US) rather than brand-level transparency.
How it compares in its category
Golf gloves are a low-exposure-duration product (typically worn 2-5 hours per round) compared to apparel or footwear, reducing systemic absorption risk for most chemical residues. Cabretta leather gloves occupy the mid-to-premium segment; synthetic-only gloves (polyurethane, microfiber) may carry higher phthalate or VOC risk in cheap formulations, while full-grain leather alternatives may retain higher tannery chemical residues. Odyssey's mixed-material approach balances cost and performance without obvious safety trade-offs versus competitors in the same price tier.
If you buy it
Wash the glove periodically in lukewarm water with mild soap to remove sweat and dirt buildup, which can harbor bacteria and degrade the leather. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight or heat sources, as UV and heat can degrade the synthetic palm and weaken leather fibers. Replace when the palm grip wears smooth or leather cracks develop; a worn glove's material breakdown may increase exposure to underlying chemicals. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth in the leather, especially in humid climates.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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