Wilson · Golf Balls & Equipment
Wilson Men's Feel Plus Golf Glove
Golf glove with likely water-repellent treatment. Brand silent on PFAS.
Wilson does not disclose PFAS or water-repellent coating chemistry for this glove. Leather and synthetic materials may contain fluorinated water repellents, and no third-party verification exists.
The better-graded swap
Precept
Bridgestone Lady Precept Double Dozen 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
Leather palm, synthetic back, likely water-repellent coating-treated
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.
PFAS
Water-repellent treatments on most golf gloves rely on fluorinated compounds (C8, C6, or alternatives). Wilson has not disclosed its water-repellent coating chemistry. PFAS bioaccumulates in humans and persists in the environment; dermal absorption during use is low, but washing releases compounds into wastewater.
Source, ATSDR ↗Chromium (III/VI) in leather tanning
If leather is chrome-tanned (common for cost and durability), chromium (III) is the standard salt, which has low toxicity. Chromium (VI) would be a serious hazard but is rarely used in modern tanning and would trigger regulatory action. No specific tanning method for this glove is public.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester and nylon backings may contain trace formaldehyde from resin finishes used to improve wrinkle resistance or durability. Typical levels in apparel are low and subject to EU/OEKO standards if the glove is EU-made or imported; US regulation is weaker. No compliance certification is listed.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastic shedding from synthetic back
Polyester mesh can shed microfibers during washing and wear, particularly if abrasion occurs. This is a minor concern for a single glove but cumulative across wardrobes. Hand washing and low-agitation care reduce shedding versus machine washing.
What’s reassuring
Dyes and synthetic colorants
Azo dyes (which can release carcinogenic amines) are restricted in EU and most major sporting goods brands. No recalls or warnings for Wilson golf gloves exist. Leather dyes and polyester dyes in this glove are presumed compliant with standard industry limits but unverified by public disclosure.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Feel Plus combines a leather palm (typically cow leather, occasionally treated with chromium or vegetable tannins) with a synthetic back, most likely polyester or nylon mesh. Leather palms offer grip and durability; synthetics reduce cost and add moisture-wicking. The critical unknown is the water-repellent (water-repellent coating) finish on both materials. Most golf gloves use fluorinated compounds (PFAS-based) or rarely polyurethane-based treatments to achieve water shedding without compromising feel. No public data exists on Wilson's specific water-repellent coating chemistry for this model.
The brand's record and disclosure
Wilson (owned by Amer Sports/Descente) has not publicly disclosed PFAS use or phaseout timelines in apparel, despite industry pressure. The company has not published safety certifications (Bluesign, GOTS, or similar) for this glove. No recalls or safety warnings specific to Wilson golf gloves appear in public records. This silence on chemical transparency is typical for legacy sporting goods brands but contrasts with leaders like Patagonia or Fjallraven who now publish restricted substance lists.
How it compares in its category
Golf gloves are a niche subcategory with minimal third-party testing or certification infrastructure. Competitors like Titleist, Footjoy, and Callaway face identical PFAS opacity. The Feel Plus sits at mid-market price and material quality, meaning construction is likely sound but chemical oversight is standard industry-low. Few golf gloves carry transparency badges; this is a category-wide gap rather than a Wilson-specific failure.
If you buy it
Wash by hand in cool water with mild soap; do not machine wash or dry-clean, as solvents can degrade both leather conditioning and synthetic backing. Replace when the palm loses grip or shows visible wear, typically 6-12 months with regular play. Avoid prolonged sun exposure or heat sources, as leather can crack and synthetic can melt. Store in a breathable pouch or mesh bag to prevent mold; do not seal in plastic for extended periods.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 65% 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
Vice Drip Golf Balls
synthetic polymer core with urethane/elastomer cover
PFAS unlikely. Brand silent on composition details.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Bridgestone
Men's Pair Golf Gloves
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.