Dr. Martens Vegan Boots Recalled for Benzidine Chemical Exposure Hazard
Airwair is recalling Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 boots in cherry red because the tongue lining contains benzidine. Consumers should stop using the boots and contact Dr. Martens for a refund or replacement.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (chemical exposure to benzidine) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria in the rubric.
Plain-English summary
Airwair, of Portland, Ore., is recalling Dr. Martens unisex Vegan 1460 eight eye boots sold in cherry red with black shoelaces. The recall involves approximately 30,000 units in the United States and about 900 units in Canada. The boots were sold in all sizes from January 2015 through July 2017 for about $125 at Dr. Martens, Journeys, independent stores nationwide, and online retailers including Amazon.com, DrMartens.com, and Shoebuy.com.
The recalled boots have a chunky sole and a golden heel pull tab with "AirWair" printed on it. The tongue label displays "Made in Vietnam" and product code 14585, with a batch code starting with "GV" and ending in Q, R, or S. Prolonged and direct contact with the boot tongue lining can expose the wearer to the chemical benzidine. No injuries have been reported.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled boots and contact Dr. Martens for a full refund or free replacement product. Dr. Martens can be reached at 800-460-3930 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, by email at [email protected], or online at www.drmartens.com by clicking on "Product Recall" for more information.
The recalled product
- Product
- Dr. Martens Vegan boots
- Manufacturer
- Airwair, of Portland, Ore.
- Category
- Consumer Product — Footwear
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 30,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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