Timberland · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Timberland Men's Killington Trekker Sneaker Boots
Waterproofed leather boot with unclear PFAS risk due to no brand transparency.
Timberland keeps mum on PFAS in this boot's waterproof treatment. Leather hiking boots with water resistance typically use water-repellent coating coatings that often contain PFAS, but the exact formula stays hidden.
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Material
Leather, nubuck, rubber sole with waterproof treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Teflon-type coating and fluorocarbon microparticle shedding
Waterproof nubuck leather almost certainly contains fluorocarbon-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings. These shed microscopic particles during wear, abrasion, and weathering, which can be inhaled during active hiking and accumulate in soil at rest sites.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nubuck leather may be treated with formaldehyde-releasing resins as fixatives during the sanding and finishing process. Off-gassing is highest in the first 1-2 weeks of ownership, particularly in warm or humid conditions.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dye residues in nubuck finish
The soft, velvety surface of nubuck typically requires synthetic dyes to achieve color and maintain appearance. While regulated azo dyes have a lower concern at final product stage, degradation of residual unreacted dyes during prolonged moisture exposure (rain, sweat) has not been thoroughly characterized.
Adhesive and glue volatiles at seams
The boot upper is glued and stitched to the sole using industrial adhesives that may off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This is typically brief but can be noticeable during the first few days of wear, especially if stored in a warm vehicle.
What’s reassuring
Rubber sole leachables and off-gassing
No public recalls or hazard reports exist for the rubber sole compound used in this boot. Standard synthetic rubber soles carry minimal heavy metal or phthalate risk if manufactured to modern standards, though Timberland does not publish supplier or material specifications for independent verification.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Killington Trekker combines nubuck leather uppers with a rubber sole and a waterproof treatment layer. Nubuck is sanded leather that is softer and more susceptible to moisture damage than full-grain leather, which is why the waterproofing treatment is critical to durability. The rubber sole itself carries minimal chemical hazard, but the waterproofing applied to the leather is the primary concern, likely containing Teflon-type coating-based or fluorocarbon coatings that shed microparticles during wear and may leach into soil during field use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Timberland has not publicly committed to PFAS phase-out or disclosed its waterproofing chemistry for footwear lines as of recent assessments. The brand holds no prominent third-party certifications (like Bluesign or GOTS) that would restrict fluorocarbon use. Their general sustainability messaging does not address waterproofing chemicals, creating a transparency gap that makes independent verification of this specific product impossible.
How it compares in its category
Most entry-to-mid-range waterproof hiking boots use fluorocarbon-based treatments; this shoe sits in the typical risk profile for casual-professional trekking footwear. Premium alternatives from brands like Salomon or Scarpa sometimes disclose non-fluorinated water repellency or use wax-based treatments, though these are less common and often less durable. Budget-friendly options typically use thinner coatings that degrade faster, ironically increasing replacement frequency.
If you buy it
Minimize chemical exposure by allowing new boots to air out for 24-48 hours before wearing. Clean regularly with dry brushing rather than water washing to extend coating life and reduce microparticle shedding. Replace the boots once the waterproofing visibly degrades (water no longer beads on the surface), typically after 1-2 seasons of moderate hiking. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat to slow chemical breakdown of the coating.
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
- Timberland has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More hiking shoes & trail runners 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.