Seal of Acceptance/Approval Program | APMA
Seal of Acceptance/Approval Program

Seal 50 Year Celebration Logo AcceptedSeal 50 Year Celebration Logo ApprovedCelebrating 50 Years

Setting Standards, Ensuring Quality




Companies may request a copy of the seal guidelines by emailing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the APMA Seal Program

1. What is the APMA Seal Program?

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.

2. What is the value of the seal?



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3. Who is on the Podiatric Seals Committee?

The membership of the Podiatric Seals Committee is confidential.

4. Describe the process a company must go through to qualify for either seal.


5. How is a product evaluated?

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.

6. Are products ever rejected, and why?


7. How long is the seal valid and can it be renewed?


8. How can I get a copy of the seal guidelines?

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.

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