Open letter to the manufacturers of sports footwear with reference to the APMA Seal of Acceptance

To the manufacturers of sports cleats:

(Author's note: Cleats-Info.com is in no way affiliated with the APMA)

Cleats-info.com is the website of a father of two young boys who are soon to get their first cleats in a variety of sports.

While doing my research to determine the best cleats for my sons, I discovered there was not much information concerning individual cleat models and the safety/ health needs of the user. In fact, this lack of information is what led me to establish www.cleats-info.com.

Needless to say, at this point in my sons’ development, injury prevention takes precedence over performance- though of course, performance counts too!

However, I was pleased to find that the American Podiatric Medical Association issues Seals of Acceptance for, as their President states, “Footwear properly designed to protect feet during sporting events… should always include features such as correct weight distribution, a firm heel counter, and adequate traction and control.”

I quickly went to their site (www.apma.org) with the intent to download the list of approved cleat designs to use as a page on our website.

Unfortunately, I found that only one sporting footwear manufacturer (Ringor) has received approval for their designs. These were issued for their baseball and women's softball lines. They have since discontinued their baseball lines.

At first I was a bit concerned that the other companies shoes were not up to the APMA's standards, but the association people assured me that no other seals were issued simply because no other producers had applied.

In our search for “healthy” cleats, for ourselves and our children, it would be very helpful for those of us who are not podiatrists to be able turn to the medical profession for guidance during our decision making process.

Therefore, we at www.cleats-info.com kindly request that your companies consider the possibility of submitting your current and future cleat designs for approval at the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Sincerely,

click here to close APMA seal and return to originals