Saucony · Running & Athletic Shoes
Women's Saucony Ride TR2 GTX
GTX waterproofing often uses PFAS; Saucony silent on this.
Saucony Ride TR2 GTX uses Gore-Tex, a laminated membrane traditionally reliant on PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments. Brand provides no PFAS disclosure or commitment regarding this footwear.
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Material
Textile with GTX waterproof membrane
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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.
PFAS
Gore-Tex fabric is not confirmed PFAS-free by Saucony or Gore for this product. PFAS use in Teflon-type coating-based membranes is well-documented in footwear; the exact formulation and PFAS concentrations in this shoe are not publicly available.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in textile
Synthetic dyes used in polyester or nylon uppers may include azo compounds, some of which are restricted in the EU but not banned in the US. Saucony does not disclose dye chemistry for this model; testing would be required to confirm presence or absence.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Synthetic textile finishes (water resistance, wrinkle resistance, antimicrobial treatments) may contain or release formaldehyde. No formaldehyde content limits are stated in product documentation; off-gassing typically decreases after initial wear and ventilation.
Source, ATSDR ↗Membrane delamination and microplastic shedding
As the GTX laminate ages and separates, microscopic synthetic particles may shed. This is a mechanical wear issue rather than a chemical hazard, but contributes to microplastic load if shoes are washed frequently in machines.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No recalls or public reports of lead, cadmium, or other heavy metal contamination in this shoe model. Adhesives and inks are not disclosed; standard industry compliance with apparel restrictions (lead content) applies.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Ride TR2 GTX combines a textile upper (likely polyester or nylon blend) with a Gore-Tex (GTX) waterproof membrane laminated to the interior. Gore-Tex's waterproofing historically relied on Teflon-type coating-based chemistry, which often includes fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to achieve water repellency and breathability. The textile itself may contain dyes, finishes, and coatings applied during manufacturing; exact formulations are not publicly disclosed by Saucony for this model.
The brand's record and disclosure
Saucony has not published a public statement, commitment, or timeline regarding PFAS phase-out or use in waterproof footwear. The company does not disclose waterproofing chemistry in product specifications or material safety documentation available to consumers. No major recalls or formal hazard warnings specific to this shoe model are on record, but the absence of disclosure reflects a broader industry pattern rather than confirmation of safety.
How it compares in its category
Most GTX-equipped athletic footwear carries the same PFAS exposure profile as this model, since GTX is a widely licensed material standard. Non-GTX waterproof alternatives (sealed seams with water-resistant coatings, or waxed textile layers) avoid PFAS-based membrane technology but may sacrifice breathability or durability. Saucony's lack of transparency on this issue is consistent with most mainstream athletic brands; few have committed publicly to PFAS-free waterproofing.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water and air dry; heat (machine dryer, direct sun) can degrade the GTX membrane and potentially accelerate any coating breakdown. Replace when waterproofing noticeably fails, seams separate, or tread wears significantly, typically 300-500 miles of use. Store in a dry place; mold or mildew growth under the membrane is possible if shoes are left damp for extended periods. If PFAS exposure is a priority concern, inquire directly with Saucony's customer service about alternative waterproof models or request more detailed material chemistry before purchase.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% 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.
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More 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.