The Seal of Approval program
The CPMA Seal of Approval recognizes consumer foot health products that meet professional standards established by Canadian podiatrists, offering consumers confidence and manufacturers distinction.
What Seal of Approval represents
The CPMA Seal of Approval program recognizes consumer products that promote and support foot health in accordance with professional standards established by Canadian podiatrists.
Products bearing the Seal of Approval are independently reviewed by experts and have demonstrated safety, quality, and effectiveness. The program offers reassurance to consumers, retailers, and healthcare professionals that a product has been assessed by qualified authorities in podiatric medicine.
For manufacturers, Seal of Approval serves as a mark of distinction, reflecting a commitment to research, innovation, and design excellence.
Why Seal of Approval matters
For consumers
For consumers, Seal of Approval is a symbol of trust — it identifies products that contribute to healthy feet and overall well-being. Seal of Approval helps individuals make informed purchasing decisions by highlighting products that have been evaluated against recognized professional criteria.
For manufacturers
For manufacturers, Seal of Approval is an endorsement that sets products apart in a competitive marketplace. Approved products may display the CPMA Seal of Approval logo on packaging, marketing materials, and promotional campaigns, signalling credibility and clinical integrity.
Meeting higher standards
Seal of Approval indicates that a product meets defined standards for comfort, performance, and safety, as verified by podiatric professionals. Participation in the CPMA Seal of Approval program provides tangible marketing and reputational advantages.
Professional endorsement
Recognition by a national association representing podiatric medicine in Canada.
Consumer trust
Helps customers identify credible, health-focused products.
Marketing visibility
Approved products are listed on the CPMA website and promoted through association communications and newsletters.
Brand differentiation
Demonstrates a commitment to quality, clinical integrity, and foot health innovation.
Clinical credibility
Products are reviewed against criteria informed by podiatric knowledge and professional standards.
Industry recognition
Signals alignment with recognized best practices in foot health and product design.
Application process
Eligibility and product scope
Eligible products include footwear, socks, insoles, orthotic devices, lotions, creams, therapeutic materials, and other items designed to support foot comfort and health. Products that are cosmetic in nature or do not contribute to foot function are not eligible for the program.
How to apply
Manufacturers may apply for each product. Applications must include:
- Product specifications
- Safety documentation
- Marketing samples
- Supporting evidence of performance or benefit
Submissions are reviewed by the CPMA Committee on Podiatric Materials and Equipment, which makes recommendations to the CPMA Board of Directors for final approval.
Evaluation and review process
Each submission is reviewed by the CPMA Seal of Approval Committee, a panel of podiatric professionals that assesses product documentation on design, safety, and quality.
Evaluation may include:
- Review of product specifications and materials
- Laboratory testing
- Assessment of supporting research or clinical evidence
Once a complete application and product samples are received, the committee evaluates the product’s materials, design, evidence, and claims. Products meeting established standards are recommended for approval.
Applicants receive written notification of the committee’s decision. Products that do not meet requirements may receive feedback for future consideration.
All decisions are made independently of commercial interests. Rejected products may not display the CPMA Seal of Approval logo.
Use of Seal of Approval
Seal of Approval is granted to specific approved products, not to companies.
Authorized use includes packaging, advertising, brochures, box inserts, hang tags, displays, and other marketing materials that clearly identify the approved product. Seal of Approval may be used only during the agreed term and may not be transferred to different products, sub-brands, or variations without separate evaluation.
A symbol of trust and integrity
The CPMA Seal of Approval program strengthens the connection between medical expertise, product innovation, and public awareness. By endorsing products that meet recognized professional standards, the program promotes foot health for Canadians and supports brands that share this commitment.
Explore more CPMA resources
About the CPMA
Serving Canada’s podiatric community and advancing excellence in foot and ankle care for over a century.
What is podiatry?
Understanding the science and practice of podiatric medicine in Canada.
CPMA-approved products
A trusted selection of products recognized for supporting healthy feet.