Salomon · Running & Athletic Shoes
Salomon Sneakers Xt-6 GTX
GTX membrane likely contains PFAS; Salomon discloses nothing.
Salomon Xt-6 GTX uses Gore-Tex waterproofing, which historically relies on PFAS-based coatings. Salomon provides no public PFAS disclosure or testing data for this model.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
textile with GTX Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Salomon Sneakers Xt-6 GTX is made of, ingredients and materials
The XT-6 GTX uses Gore-Tex, a microporous membrane bonded to textile uppers (likely polyester or nylon blend) that repels water while allowing vapor transmission. Gore-Tex itself is manufactured using Teflon-type coating (polytetrafluoroethylene) and Teflon-family coating chemistry, which historically requires PFAS processing agents in membrane production. The textile shell and lining are standard synthetic fibers; the waterproof laminate is where chemical exposure concentrates.
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.
Teflon-type coating/Teflon-family coating membrane coating
Gore-Tex waterproof laminate requires Teflon-type coating and Teflon-family coating chemistry; likely manufactured with PFAS processing aids. No public data on residual PFAS content in finished XT-6 GTX boots. Salomon has not disclosed membrane sourcing or PFAS status.
Azo dyes in textile uppers and dyes
Polyester/nylon hiking boot uppers commonly use synthetic azo dyes for color; some formulations can release aromatic amines under sweat/moisture. No specific testing data for Salomon XT-6 dyes on record. EU ZDHC and REACH guidelines limit but do not eliminate azo risk in outdoor footwear.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Synthetic textile uppers may contain formaldehyde-based wrinkle-resistant or water-repellent finishes applied before lamination. No product-specific testing available. Off-gassing typically minimal in finished footwear but possible during break-in in warm conditions.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polyester
Polyester fibers (likely component of XT-6 uppers) may contain antimony trioxide as a catalyst residue; levels in finished textiles are usually below regulatory concern but not always disclosed. Salomon provides no material composition transparency for this product.
Laminate delamination and coating degradation
Gore-Tex membranes can separate from textile backing with age, improper washing, or heat exposure; this releases microscopic synthetic polymer fragments and may expose adhesive residues. User reports on XT-6 durability vary; longevity depends heavily on care.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Salomon (owned by Amer Sports) provides minimal public disclosure on PFAS use or phase-out timelines. The company has not published a PFAS elimination roadmap as of recent public records, unlike some competitors (Patagonia, Arcteryx). Salomon has ISO 14001 environmental certification at some facilities but does not offer product-level chemical transparency reports for footwear. This silence on waterproof membrane chemistry is typical for the performance outdoor sector but represents a disclosure gap.
How it compares in its category
Most premium hiking boots with breathable waterproof membranes (Salewa, The North Face, Merrell) use similar Teflon-type coating-based technology; alternatives not linked to PFAS (wax-treated canvas, ceramic-coated synthetics) exist but sacrifice breathability and durability in wet conditions. The XT-6 GTX is mid-to-premium tier; it trades chemical exposure risk for proven weather performance. Non-membrane waterproof options (rubber-soled hikers, oil-treated leather) carry different tradeoffs but avoid Teflon-family coating chemistry.
If you buy it
Wear before committing, test fit and comfort over 2-3 indoor walks. Avoid machine washing; hand-rinse upper and air-dry completely to prevent membrane degradation and reduce any leaching from coatings. Inspect seams and laminate annually; if peeling or delamination occurs, treat with Gore-Tex repair tape or replace. Store in cool, dry place away from heat sources. Replace when tread wears significantly or waterproofing visibly fails, typically 1-3 years depending on use intensity.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Salomon has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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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.