The North Face · Waterproof Boots
The North Face Women's Fastpack Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
High uncertainty from waterproof treatment. The North Face discloses nothing.
These boots use a synthetic waterproof treatment typical of hiking footwear, historically built on PFAS-based water-repellent coating. The North Face doesn't disclose whether their waterproofing uses PFAS or safer alternatives. Lab testing isn't available.
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Material
Synthetic upper (likely nylon/polyester blend) with water-repellent coating waterproof treatment, rubber/synthetic sole
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Fluorinated water repellent treatments commonly contain PFOA, PFOS, or related compounds. The North Face does not disclose water-repellent coating chemistry; assumption of conventional fluorinated water-repellent coating is precautionary but reasonable for waterproof boots at this price point.
Source: ATSDR ↗Adhesive off-gassing (if present in midsole/sole bonding)
Boot soles are typically heat-bonded or glued to uppers using urethane or epoxy adhesives. Off-gassing is negligible during wear but may occur briefly after purchase in sealed packaging. Ventilation during first use minimizes any exposure.
What’s reassuring
Azo dyes in synthetic textiles
Nylon and polyester uppers may contain azo dyes, which can release aromatic amines under sweat or friction. No recalls or test failures for The North Face boots on this hazard are on record; industry compliance with REACH restrictions is standard.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Synthetic textiles often use formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance or stiffness. Levels in footwear are typically low and off-gas minimally during normal wear. No published safety alerts for The North Face boots exist.
Source: ATSDR ↗Rubber/synthetic sole degradation and leachates
Synthetic rubber soles are chemically stable under normal outdoor use. Leaching of processing chemicals (accelerators, plasticizers) is minimal in cured rubber. No hazard documentation for this product line is available.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Fastpack Mid uses a synthetic upper (nylon or polyester blend) treated with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish to shed moisture. The sole is rubber or synthetic polymer. water-repellent coating treatments are the primary PFAS exposure vector in waterproof footwear; The North Face has not publicly committed to PFAS-free alternatives like wax-based or fluorine-free hydrophobic coatings. The synthetic materials themselves (nylon/polyester) are chemically stable once cured and do not pose established leaching risks during normal wear.
The brand's record and disclosure
The North Face (owned by VF Corporation) has not issued specific transparency on PFAS use in footwear lines. VF Corporation signed the ZDHC Gateway commitment (restricting some chemicals), but has not adopted blanket PFAS phase-out commitments for waterproof apparel. No major recalls or safety violations tied to The North Face boots are on public record. The brand's disclosure on water-repellent coating chemistry remains minimal compared to competitors like Salomon or Merrell.
How it compares in its category
Most waterproof hiking boots in this price and performance tier rely on conventional fluorinated water-repellent coating treatments; The North Face is not an outlier. Premium alternatives (e.g., Salewa, Scarpa) occasionally advertise PFOA-free or fluorine-free options, but these are uncommon in mid-range lines. Non-waterproof or wax-treated alternatives exist but sacrifice wet-weather performance. The Fastpack Mid is typical for its category in terms of chemical transparency risk.
If you buy it
Wear boots outdoors; do not ingest or burn them. Clean with water and mild soap; avoid high-heat drying (air dry only to prevent adhesive breakdown and coating damage). Replace insoles if they show compression or odor after 1-2 seasons; synthetic linings are durable but not permanent. Inspect seams and sole edges annually for separation; this signals end-of-life. Do not apply additional fluorinated water treatments; reapply water-repellent coating sparingly per manufacturer instructions if needed.
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
- The North Face has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.