August 25, 2026 — A consumer has reported suffering severe chemical burns to both feet after contact with shoes treated with M&B Pro- Tex Water Repellent shoe spray. The incident, involving a product applied initially by a retailer and later by the consumer herself, highlights potential hazards related to the product’s use, particularly when exposed to moisture.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On an unspecified date prior to the report, a consumer had her shoes treated with M&B Pro- Tex Water Repellent shoe spray as part of a service at Vince’s Family Shoes. Sometime after this initial professional application, the consumer washed her shoes and allowed them to dry. A detail initially omitted from the report but later added by the consumer, was that *she then resprayed the shoes herself* after washing them.
Subsequently, while wearing the treated shoes during normal daily activity, the shoes became slightly wet. Almost immediately upon the shoes becoming wet, the consumer experienced intense burning sensations on her feet. She sought emergency medical attention and was diagnosed with chemical burns to all ten toes on both feet. The burns were progressive and directly associated with skin contact with the shoe material, which had been previously treated with the water repellent spray.
The consumer’s injuries have required ongoing medical treatment, including emergency room evaluation, follow-up appointments, wound care, and prescription antibiotics to prevent infection. She has been unable to tolerate sun exposure due to increased skin sensitivity and cannot wear socks or standard shoes due to the severity of the wounds, which require bandages and medicated gauze. This incident has significantly disrupted her daily life, preventing her from comfortable standing, walking, or participating in normal outdoor activities. The consumer filed this report out of concern for others and requested that the CPSC investigate the product, believing its labeling and usage instructions may need revision to prevent further harm.
Safety Concerns
The incident involving M&B Pro- Tex Water Repellent shoe spray raises significant safety concerns, particularly regarding its interaction with skin when the treated material becomes wet, and the potential for severe chemical burns.
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is the risk of chemical burns upon skin contact, especially if the treated material becomes wet. Chemical burns can be extremely painful, causing blistering, tissue damage, and open wounds, as evidenced by the consumer’s injuries to all ten toes. The rapid onset of symptoms suggests a strong irritant or corrosive agent.
- Long-Term Risks: Beyond the immediate pain, chemical burns can lead to prolonged medical treatment, including wound care and potentially extensive recovery. The consumer in this report suffered ongoing issues such as an inability to wear socks or shoes, sun sensitivity, and significant disruption to daily activities. There is a risk of permanent scarring, nerve damage, chronic pain, and increased susceptibility to future skin irritation or infection. The need for prescribed antibiotics highlights a risk of secondary bacterial infections in the damaged skin.
- Who Might Be Affected: Consumers who use or have their shoes treated with M&B Pro- Tex Water Repellent spray, especially those who might reapply it themselves after washing or whose feet might get wet while wearing the treated shoes, are at risk. This includes anyone whose skin comes into direct contact with the treated material, such as through perforations in shoes, thin socks, or directly on bare feet. Children, individuals with sensitive skin, or those with existing skin conditions could be particularly vulnerable.
- Property Damage Potential: While the primary concern in this report is severe personal injury, there is no explicit mention of property damage to the shoes themselves. The focus is entirely on the bodily harm sustained by the consumer.
The incident underscores the critical importance of clear and comprehensive usage instructions and warning labels, especially concerning skin contact, post-treatment care (such as washing and re-treatment), and potential adverse reactions when the product comes into contact with moisture or skin.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own or use M&B Pro- Tex Water Repellent shoe spray or have had your shoes treated with this product, please take the following precautions:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: If you experience any burning, itching, redness, blistering, or pain on your feet or other skin areas after contact with shoes treated with a water repellent spray, especially if the shoes have become wet, seek emergency medical attention without delay. Chemical burns require prompt professional treatment.
2. Avoid Direct Skin Contact: Do not allow the spray or treated material to come into direct contact with your skin. Always wear protective gloves if applying such products. Ensure shoes are thoroughly dry and aired out before wearing, especially if you plan to wear them barefoot or with thin socks.
3. Review Product Labels and Instructions: Carefully read and follow all manufacturer instructions and warnings on shoe care products. Pay close attention to directions regarding application, drying times, ventilation, and any precautions about skin contact or use after washing.
4. Consider Discontinuing Use: If you are concerned about the safety of M&B Pro- Tex Water Repellent shoe spray, you may consider discontinuing its use, particularly if you cannot verify its safety for skin contact, or if it lacks clear warnings regarding chemical burns.
5. Report Incidents: If you or someone you know has experienced an adverse reaction or injury from this or any other consumer product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov or by calling their hotline at 800-638-CPSC (2772). Your report can help identify potential hazards and prevent future injuries.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer, Moneysworth and Best Quality Shoe Care, has provided a response to this incident report. Specific details of their response are not publicly available in the incident report at this time.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.