Spenco · Synthetic Athletic Insoles & Orthotics
Insole, Spenco Sport Cushion Womens 5-11, Implus
Lower PFAS concern. Standard foam insole without clear water-resistant treatment.
Spenco Sport insoles use foam cushioning without disclosed waterproofing or stain treatments. No PFAS disclosure provided by brand.
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Material
Foam cushioning, textile upper
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Insole, Spenco Sport Cushion Womens 5-11 is made of, ingredients and materials
Spenco Sport Cushion insoles use closed-cell foam cushioning (typically ethylene-vinyl acetate or polyurethane foam) with a textile covering. Foam insoles do not involve glazes, enamels, or ceramic coatings that pose lead/cadmium risk, and closed-cell foam minimizes surface area for leaching. The textile upper may contain minor finishing chemicals, but insole-foot contact is indirect and brief relative to apparel worn against skin for hours.
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Textile upper may contain formaldehyde-based finishes common in low-cost apparel textiles for shape retention and wrinkle resistance. Direct skin contact is minimal (insole worn inside shoe), but off-gassing during warm storage is theoretically possible. No recalls or complaints on record for this product.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in colored textile
If the textile covering is dyed (common in colored insole variants), azo dyes may be present. These can break down to aromatic amines under sweat and friction, though risk is low due to low direct skin contact and minimal sweat migration to insole upper. No reported incidents in this product line.
Foam degradation and microparticle shedding
Closed-cell foam will compress and may shed fine particles with age, especially if exposed to heat or moisture. Inhalation risk is low (particles lodge in shoe), but prolonged use of degraded insoles increases exposure. Not a chemical hazard but a physical integrity concern.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) off-gassing
Foam cushioning and textile adhesives may release minor VOCs, especially when new or when exposed to heat. Ventilation inside a shoe is limited, but insole use is intermittent (not continuous wear). No strong evidence of unacceptable VOC levels in this product category.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Antimony in polyester components
If any polyester reinforcement is present, antimony trioxide (catalyst) may be used. No public documentation of antimony levels or concerns in Spenco insoles; this is a theoretical risk only if polyester backing is confirmed.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Spenco (Implus Corporation) does not publish detailed chemical disclosure or sustainability certifications specific to this insole line. The brand has no publicly recorded recalls or regulatory actions tied to chemical hazards in this product category. Spenco does not explicitly address formaldehyde resins, azo dyes, or antimony in polyester in available marketing or safety documentation, which is typical for the insole market but means third-party verification is unavailable.
How it compares in its category
Foam insoles are among the lower-risk footwear components; they lack the dye-heavy textile constructions of shoes or the metal hardware that can leach. Competitors like Superfeet and Dr. Scholl's operate under similar opacity regarding chemical inputs. Spenco's lack of premium eco-certification (e.g., Oeko-Tex) is standard in mass-market insoles and does not indicate unusual hazard, only absence of third-party vetting.
If you buy it
Store insoles in a cool, dry place away from direct heat to prevent foam degradation and potential off-gassing of minor volatiles. Replace every 6-12 months or when cushioning visibly compresses, as degraded foam loses support and may shed microparticles. Hand-wash with mild soap and water if needed; avoid prolonged soaking. Monitor for any skin irritation; if rash develops, discontinue and rinse feet with clean water.
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
- Spenco has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More synthetic athletic insoles & orthotics 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.