Timberland · Hiking Shoes & Trail Runners
Timberland Women's White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Waterproof hiking boot lacking PFAS confirmation from the brand.
Timberland won't say what's in this boot's waterproof layer or whether PFAS is involved. Traditional waterproof leather typically relies on water-repellent coating treatments that may include PFAS compounds.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
leather upper with waterproof treatment, rubber sole
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Timberland Women's White Ledge Hiking Boot is made of, ingredients and materials
The White Ledge Mid uses a leather upper with a proprietary waterproof treatment (likely fluorocarbon-based given the PFAS grade, though Timberland does not specify) and a rubber outsole. Leather itself is a natural material with low inherent toxicity, but the waterproofing chemistry is the primary concern here. The rubber sole is generally stable during use but can degrade over years, potentially shedding particles.
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.
PFAS
Timberland's waterproof treatment is not disclosed as PFAS-free. Typical boot waterproofing uses long-chain fluorocarbons; while dermal contact during wear is low-risk, manufacturing and disposal pose broader exposure. PFAS in waterproof textiles are well-documented in scientific literature but individual boot testing is not publicly available.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in leather or synthetic overlays
The white leather/synthetic uppers may be colored with azo dyes, which can release carcinogenic amines if not properly fixed. Timberland does not provide dye sourcing or testing for this model. Risk during normal wear is minimal, but prolonged sweating or contact with acidic substances could theoretically increase leaching.
Rubber sole degradation and particle shedding
Rubber outsoles naturally degrade over time, especially with exposure to ozone, UV, and temperature extremes. Timberland does not disclose whether the rubber contains antimony or other stabilizers. Particle shedding is minimal during normal use but increases significantly when the sole is heavily worn or cracked.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
If synthetic overlays or mesh linings are present, they may be treated with formaldehyde-based resins for durability or water resistance. Timberland does not publicly disclose formaldehyde treatment for this model. Exposure during wear is expected to be very low.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Adhesives and synthetic backing materials
Leather boots typically use polyurethane or epoxy adhesives between the upper and sole. No specific recalls or disclosed issues with Timberland adhesives are on record, and off-gassing is generally minimal after the initial break-in period.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Timberland has not publicly confirmed whether this boot uses PFAS-free waterproofing or disclosed the specific chemistry of their treatments. The brand has faced some scrutiny over footwear transparency but lacks documented major chemical recalls specific to this model. Their parent company (VF Corporation) has made some sustainability commitments, but hiking boot waterproofing formulations remain largely proprietary across the industry.
How it compares in its category
Most major hiking boot brands (Salomon, Merrell, KEEN) use similar fluorocarbon waterproof coatings and rarely disclose PFAS status; Timberland's approach is typical, not exceptional. A few brands now offer PFAS-free alternatives using wax, silicone, or newer fluorine-free polymers, but they are less common in premium leather boots. This boot sits in the mainstream category for transparency and hazard profile.
If you buy it
Clean and dry the boots after wet use to prevent mold and bacterial growth in the waterproof membrane. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct heat (never machine wash or place near heaters) as this can degrade the waterproof coating and potentially cause off-gassing. Re-waterproof the boots every 1-2 seasons with a treatment appropriate for leather; inspect the upper for cracks or separation that could expose the underlying material. Replace when the sole shows deep wear or the waterproof layer visibly deteriorates.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- 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.