Wilson · Golf Balls & Equipment
WILSON GOLF Rain GOLF Gloves
Rain gloves likely treated with water-repellent coating; no brand PFAS transparency available.
Wilson rain golf gloves use synthetic leather or polyurethane with water-resistant coating. Wilson does not disclose whether the coating contains PFAS.
The better-graded swap
Dunlop
Dunlop Jd Tour Golf Balls In The Original Package 2 Dozen Urethane
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 polyurethane with water-resistant coating
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.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyurethane and PU-coated synthetic leather gloves rely on formaldehyde-based resins for durability and water resistance. Off-gassing is most pronounced during initial use and storage in sealed environments; direct skin contact over prolonged periods (e.g., all-day wear) may cause low-level dermal exposure or odor.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in colorants
Synthetic leather and textile components in rain gloves commonly use azo-based dyes for color. While regulated azo compounds present minimal risk during normal use, sweating can increase dye migration; dark-colored gloves pose higher potential than light colors.
water-repellent coating durability and unknown chemistry
Water-resistant coatings on rain gloves degrade with washing and wear. Wilson does not disclose whether legacy long-chain PFAS, short-chain PFAS, or fluorine-free alternatives are used; absence of transparency prevents independent risk assessment.
Synthetic material degradation and particulates
Polyurethane gloves can break down over time, especially with heat or UV exposure, potentially releasing microparticles during wear or handling. This is a minor concern for hand-worn gloves but increases with age and poor storage.
What’s reassuring
Antimony in polyester reinforcement
If glove backing or reinforcement uses polyester (common in hybrid designs), antimony trioxide catalysts may be present in trace amounts. No specific contamination reports exist for Wilson golf products, and skin contact exposure is minimal.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Wilson rain golf gloves use synthetic leather (likely polyurethane or PU-coated polyester) rather than genuine leather, chosen for water resistance and durability in wet conditions. The water-resistant coating on these gloves typically involves water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatments, which historically relied on long-chain PFAS chemistry; modern alternatives exist but are not universally adopted across the golf equipment industry. PU-based synthetic leathers require formaldehyde-based crosslinking resins in manufacturing, which can off-gas during use or storage. The glove construction may also involve synthetic dyes, including azo compounds, which are regulated but remain common in budget and mid-tier sportswear.
The brand's record and disclosure
Wilson (owned by Amer Sports) has not published detailed PFAS phase-out commitments or material transparency specific to golf gloves or apparel lines. The company maintains general sustainability messaging but does not disclose which water-repellent coating chemistry (legacy PFAS, fluorine-free, or wax-based) is used in rain-specific products. No recalls or formal safety violations specific to Wilson golf gloves have been established in public record. Industry-wide, golf equipment manufacturers have lagged apparel brands in PFAS transparency.
How it compares in its category
Rain golf gloves occupy a niche market where water repellency is prioritized; this often means PFAS-treated coatings are more common than in general-purpose athletic gloves. Competing brands such as Callaway and Titleist similarly lack public disclosure on water-repellent coating chemistry. Cotton or wool-blend rain gloves with wax or silicone water-proofing exist but are less common and may sacrifice durability. Wilson's synthetic approach is cost-competitive and standard for the category, neither better nor worse than peers on chemical transparency.
If you buy it
Wash gloves by hand in cool water after use to remove sweat and debris; avoid hot water or dryers, which can degrade coatings and increase formaldehyde off-gassing. Air-dry completely to prevent bacterial growth in the material. Do not store in airtight bags for extended periods; allow ventilation to reduce volatile organic compound buildup. Replace gloves when water beads no longer form or coating visibly peels, typically after 1-2 seasons of regular use. Wear gloves during initial use sessions outdoors rather than indoors to allow initial off-gassing.
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
- Wilson has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Golf Balls & Equipment
Vice Golf
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synthetic polymer core with urethane/elastomer cover
PFAS unlikely. Brand silent on composition details.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Bridgestone
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Leather, synthetic leather, or textile blend
Chromium in leather tanning residue
Limited concern
Azo dyes in colored leather or synthetic components
Limited concern
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Lower PFAS concern, but brand provides no transparency.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Bridgestone
Lady Golf Glove
Synthetic leather or leather with standard stitching
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from synthetic leather
Limited concern
Golf glove with typical materials, lower concern profile.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
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.