HANWAG’s EcoShell membrane is a waterproof, breathable, PFC-free solution that’s functional and sustainable in equal measure. And, of course, it meets all our exacting demands on quality and fit. HANWAG’s EcoShell footwear, indicated by the ES in the name, just like the Blueridge Low Lady ES, contains no fluorochemicals.

What makes our waterproof and breathable EcoShell membrane exceptionally sustainable? It contains no PFCs at all.

And what does that mean? PFCs, or perfluorocarbons, are industrially produced molecules that consist of a hydrocarbon structure, but where the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine atoms. PFCs repel both grease and water, which is ideal for outdoor products like hiking boots. This explains why waterproof outdoor gear is treated with these high-performance chemicals. However, fluorocarbons, particularly PFCs, are not organic, extremely volatile, mobile and persistent. As a result, they are a problem in the natural world. PFCs are emitted and spread as particulate matter, in wastewater during production, or on landfills. Human beings and animals absorb them through the air, drinking water and food. They hardly degrade naturally at all. In fact, quite the contrary, they’re bioaccumulative. In other words, they accumulate in living organisms over time. Temperatures of up to 1300°C would be required to banish PFCs – and such high temperatures don’t exist naturally. As a result, HANWAG wants to stop using fluorochemicals in the long term and is gradually adding to its range of EcoShell footwear membrane models.