Wilson · Golf Balls & Equipment
Wilson Golf Men's Grip Plus Glove
Golf glove with synthetic grip. No known PFAS risk signals.
Wilson Grip Plus Glove uses synthetic microfiber or synthetic leather, materials not typically associated with PFAS. No water-repellent or stain-resistant claims suggest lower concern.
The better-graded swap
Wilson
Wilson Duo Soft Golf Balls
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Synthetic leather or synthetic microfiber grip
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.
Microplastic shedding
Synthetic microfiber and polyurethane-coated textiles can release microfibers during washing and wear. Shedding from golf gloves is expected to be minimal due to tight weave and localized hand contact; environmental impact is low compared to garments with broader skin contact.
Adhesive and coating degradation
Synthetic leather coating and grip adhesives can degrade from repeated flexing, sweat exposure, and UV light, potentially releasing volatile organic compounds or adhesive residues. Degradation is visible (loss of grip texture, peeling) and triggers replacement; no acute toxicity risk documented for Wilson products.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Synthetic leather and microfiber coatings may contain formaldehyde-based adhesives or cross-linkers during manufacturing. No recalls or test failures specific to Wilson golf gloves on record; limited skin contact duration (hand use only) and no direct mouth/face contact further reduce exposure risk.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Synthetic microfiber and polyurethane can be dyed using azo compounds or contain heavy metal salts (cadmium, lead) in pigments. Wilson does not disclose dye chemistry; no public violation records exist for this product line, and dermal exposure is limited to hands.
Source, FDA ↗Skin sensitization from finishes or dyes
Individuals with sensitive skin or dye allergies could theoretically react to residual finishes or dyes, particularly during sweating. No specific allergic reaction reports tied to Wilson Grip Plus gloves exist in public databases; dermatological risk is typical for all synthetic apparel.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Wilson Grip Plus gloves use synthetic microfiber and synthetic leather (likely polyurethane or PU-coated polyester) for the palm and grip zones, chosen for durability, moisture management, and tactile feedback during play. Synthetic leather avoids the animal welfare concerns of genuine leather but introduces polymer chemistry, the primary risk lies in finishes, adhesives, and dyes applied during manufacturing rather than the base material itself. Microfiber textiles are tightly woven nylon or polyester that shed minimally compared to loosely knit fabrics, reducing microplastic release during wear and washing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Wilson (owned by Amer Sports) publishes limited chemical transparency for apparel but maintains ISO 9001 manufacturing standards and does not appear on public lists of brands with significant textile chemical violations or recalls. The brand has not made explicit commitments to the Restricted Substances List (ZDHC Gateway) or similar chemical management frameworks that would distinguish it as a leader in textile safety disclosure. No established controversies regarding formaldehyde, azo dyes, or heavy metals in Wilson sports gloves are on record in public databases or third-party audits.
How it compares in its category
Golf gloves occupy a low-wear-intensity segment compared to apparel (socks, underwear) that contacts skin for extended periods; exposure time and surface contact are limited to hands during play. Synthetic microfiber gloves generally pose lower dust and shedding risks than leather or natural textile gloves. Wilson Grip Plus sits in the mainstream consumer segment without specialty eco-certifications (like Oeko-Tex or GOTS); comparable offerings from Titleist, Callaway, and FootJoy follow similar material and disclosure practices.
If you buy it
Wash gloves in cool water with mild detergent after regular use to minimize sweat-salt accumulation and potential skin irritation; avoid hot water or prolonged soaking, which can degrade synthetic leather coating and adhesives. Store in a dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent material embrittlement and accelerated wear. Replace gloves when grip texture degrades or synthetic coating develops cracks, as this signals loss of water-repellency and potential increased microfiber shedding. Normal washing and outdoor storage pose no known heating or chemical release risks.
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
- Wilson has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More golf balls & equipment 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.