Saucony · Running & Athletic Shoes
Men's Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX
GTX membrane likely contains PFOA/PFOS; consider non-waterproof alternative.
Saucony does not disclose PFAS use. Gore-Tex (GTX) waterproof lining typically relies on Teflon-type coating-based chemistry. Textile upper itself lower concern, but membrane is likely PFAS-containing.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
textile upper with GTX (Teflon-type coating-based) waterproof membrane
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Men's Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX is made of, ingredients and materials
The Peregrine 16 GTX uses a textile upper (likely polyester or nylon blend) bonded to a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing. Gore-Tex is a Teflon-type coating-based laminate that relies on fluorochemical treatments to repel water; these treatments historically contained PFOA/PFOS, now phased to alternatives like GenX, which share similar persistence concerns. The textile upper receives standard dye fixatives, water-repellent finishes, and possibly antimicrobial treatments during manufacturing. PFAS compounds in the membrane will not leach into feet under normal wear, but degradation or washing may release microparticles.
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Textile uppers typically receive formaldehyde-releasing finishes for color fastness and water resistance. No specific testing or recalls are on record for Saucony Peregrine models, but the hazard is inherent to synthetic textile footwear manufacturing.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes
Polyester or nylon textiles may be dyed with azo colorants; some azo dyes can cleave to release aromatic amines (known allergens and suspected carcinogens). Saucony does not disclose whether restricted azo dyes are excluded; most major brands now avoid banned azo dyes, but disclosure is limited.
Antimony in polyester
If the upper is polyester (likely), the fiber may contain antimony oxide as a catalyst. Antimony is not leached by foot sweat under normal conditions, but chronic wear or washing may release trace amounts. No specific data exist for this shoe model.
Teflon-type coating fume risk from membrane degradation
Gore-Tex membranes are stable under normal wear and do not off-gas Teflon-type coating at body temperature. However, deliberate heating (e.g., machine drying, direct sunlight in a hot car) can degrade Teflon-type coating and potentially release fluorine-containing byproducts. This is a known (though rare) hazard in Teflon-type coating-membrane footwear if mishandled.
Adhesive and glue residues
The bond between textile upper and Gore-Tex membrane uses urethane-based adhesives; off-gassing typically occurs within the first week of wear and dissipates. No specific reports of dermatitis or respiratory issues are on record for this model, but sensitivity to adhesive fumes is documented in some users of similar products.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Saucony does not publicly disclose detailed chemical inventories, restricted substance lists, or PFAS phase-out timelines for its footwear lines. The brand has not announced commitments to PFAS-free waterproofing alternatives, unlike some competitors who now use polyurethane or waxed fabrics. No major product recalls or chemical controversies are on record for Saucony trail shoes, but the absence of transparency is notable given widespread PFAS concerns in athletic footwear.
How it compares in its category
Trail running shoes with Gore-Tex membranes are standard across premium brands (Salomon, La Sportiva, Merrell, ASICS). All use similar Teflon-type coating-based waterproofing; PFAS exposure is not unique to Saucony. Non-waterproof trail shoes or those using waxed-fabric or polyurethane-laminate alternatives carry lower PFAS load but sacrifice weather protection. Saucony's pricing and durability are competitive; the chemical trade-off is systemic to the product category, not brand-specific.
If you buy it
Wash the shoes in cool water only; hot water accelerates membrane degradation and may increase particle shedding. Avoid machine drying or direct heat. Replace or retire shoes when the upper tears, seams separate, or the midsole compresses; worn membranes are less effective barriers and more prone to shedding microparticles. Store in a cool, dry place to extend membrane life. If PFAS cumulative exposure is a concern (e.g., multiple PFAS-containing products), prioritize non-waterproof alternatives or request PFAS-free options from Saucony directly.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 65% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Saucony has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Men's Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX?
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4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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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.