Sorel Revel Rd Women's Waterproof Lace Boot
Waterproof boot; PFAS coating chemistry undisclosed by brand.
Sorel does not specify water-repellent coating treatment chemistry for this boot. Waterproof leather footwear commonly uses PFAS-based treatments, but no lab data or brand disclosure confirms presence or absence here.
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Material
Leather upper, synthetic lining, waterproof treatment unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What Sorel Revel Rd Women's Waterproof Lace is made of, ingredients and materials
The Revel Rd combines a leather upper with synthetic lining and an unspecified waterproof treatment. Leather itself is relatively stable chemically, but the synthetic lining and waterproofing chemistry are where hazards concentrate. Waterproof footwear in this price range typically uses fluorochemical or polyurethane coatings; SOREL does not publicly disclose which, making exposure assessment difficult. The synthetic lining may contain plasticizers or flame retardants depending on the polymer type.
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 synthetic lining or leather finishing
Synthetic linings and leather finishing can employ azo dyes which may release carcinogenic amines under sweat, moisture, or heat. No specific testing of this model is on record; risk depends on dye source and tannery practices.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Synthetic textile linings and shoe adhesives sometimes contain formaldehyde releasers as preservatives or bonding agents. SOREL does not disclose formaldehyde testing or limits for this boot.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in polyester lining
If the synthetic lining is polyester, it may contain antimony trioxide as a catalyst or flame retardant. Antimony is a heavy metal; leaching risk is low in casual use but increases with moisture and perspiration contact.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from waterproof coating and lining
Undisclosed waterproof treatments and synthetic linings typically off-gas VOCs during storage and initial wear, particularly in enclosed spaces. Intensity and duration depend on the specific chemistry and curing process.
Microplastic shedding from synthetic lining wear
Synthetic textile linings degrade over time and with laundering or friction; this contributes to microplastic release. Risk increases as the boot ages and the lining breaks down.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
SOREL (owned by Columbia Sportswear) has not disclosed whether waterproofing treatment contains PFAS or published testing data for this model. The brand does not prominently advertise chemical-free or low-chemical lines. Industry-wide, footwear brands have faced pressure on PFAS in water-resistant products, but SOREL has remained silent on its chemistry and sourcing practices. This absence of transparency is notable for a premium-priced boot.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof leather boots typically rely on chemical coatings rather than construction alone; this product is standard in that respect. Competitors like Merrell and Keen have begun disclosing or reducing PFAS use, making SOREL's silence a relative weakness. Non-fluorinated water-resistant alternatives (waxed leather, silicone-based treatments) exist but are less common at this price point. The synthetic lining is typical for boots in this category and poses moderate chemical exposure risk.
If you buy it
Store in a dry, well-ventilated space to avoid off-gassing concentration from the synthetic lining and waterproof coating. Avoid prolonged indoor heat (radiators, dryers) which can accelerate release of volatile compounds from the treatment. Clean with cool water and mild soap rather than heat or solvents that may degrade the waterproof layer. Replace or resole when the lining shows wear, as exposed synthetic material can deteriorate and shed microfibers.
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
- SOREL has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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- Volatile organic compounds (VOC) off-gassing from adhesives
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- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes (leather/textile coloring)
4 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
More waterproof boots 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.