The APMA Seal of Approval/Acceptance Program recognizes products that have been found beneficial to foot health and of significant value when used in a consistently applied program of daily foot care and regular professional treatment. The Seal is not an endorsement, but a recognition granted to products. The Seal of Approval evaluates the use of therapeutic agents and their adjuncts (pharmaceuticals) and regulated medical devices. The Seal of Acceptance evaluates footwear, materials, insoles, hosiery, and equipment. The seal is granted to a product after the Podiatric Seals Committee, a standing committee of the American Podiatric Medical Association, evaluates and determines whether the product allows normal foot function and promotes quality foot health. Additionally, evidence of usefulness and safety must be established, either by an appropriately recognized laboratory or clinical investigation, or by the products meeting certain physical standards applicable to materials, footwear, insoles, hosiery, equipment, medical devices, therapeutic agents, and their adjuncts. Companies must provide research documentation, information on intended use, patents, composition, and evidence of quality control procedures for each product. A detailed review is conducted by each committee member on every product. The committee then sends its recommendation to the APMA Board of Trustees, which has the authorization to either accept or reject the recommendation.

The value of the Seal of Acceptance is twofold. First, and foremost, it is the desire of APMA to provide information for podiatric physicians and their patients, and for the general public, to ensure that they can make the best possible decisions regarding foot health. Because podiatrists (doctors of podiatric medicine) provide the majority of all foot care services rendered in the nation, APMA has accepted the responsibility of informing Americans of the importance of recognizing and maintaining comfortable foot health. A major goal of APMA is to raise awareness by identifying products of exceptional quality that are manufactured with the consumer's comfort and safety in mind.

Second, as part of its long history of supporting preventive medicine and good foot health, APMA has a responsibility to assist the public in making informed decisions about foot health. APMA believes that this service is appreciated and needed in order to keep America walking on a firm foundation.

The membership of the Podiatric Seals Committee is confidential.

The company must submit an application for each product; original trade package items produced for market for each submission; the necessary application/processing fees; required documentary evidence regarding composition, physical and chemical properties, evidence of safety and efficacy, quality control systems utilized by the manufacturer; all labeling, package inserts, advertising, and promotional materials; and objective data from clinical and/or laboratory studies that support any claims made about the product.

A detailed evaluation is conducted by each committee member on every product. The specific evaluation process is different for each product category. The overall evaluation includes a review of all application materials to ensure that all claims made about the product are supported by documentary evidence.

APMA strictly adheres to all FDA, EPA, and other federal regulations pertaining to products being considered for the Seal.

Yes, some products are rejected. Products that lack documentation to substantiate claims, that are primarily cosmetic, that do not allow for normal foot function, or that do not promote good foot health would not qualify for the seal.

The seal is awarded for up to a three-year period. Renewal of the seal will be considered by APMA upon request by the manufacturer.

To request a copy of the Seal of Acceptance or Seal of Approval guidelines, please send APMA an email. Make sure to include your name, company name, contact information, and the type of product you are planning to submit.