Asda recalled hiker boots after tests found PFOA above legal limits

On 6 October 2026 the UK's Office for Product Safety and Standards published recall notice 2610-0025 for Asda Men's Hiker Boots and Shoes: testing had identified per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), above the maximum permitted levels, presenting what the notice calls a serious chemical risk. The product does not meet the REACH Regulations 2008.

The hazard notice says prolonged exposure to these substances may pose a risk to human health and may cause damage to the reproductive system — a stark finding for footwear worn against skin on long hikes. The affected lines spanned khaki and grey hiker boots and shoes across five article numbers and dozens of barcodes, all own-brand and made in China.

Asda recalled the products from end users: stop using them immediately and return them to any Asda store for a full refund, with no receipt required. The case was notified by Local Authority Trading Standards.

Five article lines across colourways recalled from end users with full no-receipt refunds; no fine announced

PFOA above REACH limits means the boots could not lawfully be sold in the UK at all, whatever the label promised.

Hiking boots are prolonged skin-contact gear, a direct exposure route for 'forever chemicals'.

Five article numbers and dozens of barcodes point to a product-line specification problem, not one bad batch.

Own-brand goods put Asda's name on a supplier's chemistry, so the recall, refunds and reputational cost land on Asda either way.

Own-brand sourcing imports the supplier's compliance risk: if your label is on the boot, the REACH breach is yours to refund.

Asda pulled the lines from end users with full no-receipt refunds and published recall details and a helpline. No fine or further enforcement was announced as of the notice date.