Patagonia Footwear "Better Clog" Collection Receives APMA Acceptance

VENTURA, Calif.— Patagonia Footwear announces accreditation from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for its “Better Clog” collection of shoes and boots. This known seal of acceptance gives further credit to the comfort and performance of Patagonia Footwear’s “Glide Right” platform that offers a smooth heel-to-toe transition for all day wear.

“We are thrilled to receive the APMA acceptance for our Better Clog collection. Our product brief was to design a clog for women who wanted the all-day comfort and versatility of traditional clogs but weren’t so keen on the clunky look or feel,” said Sue Harvey Brown, marketing manager for Patagonia Footwear. “Consumers have been raving about the comfort of our Better Clogs on online reviews and this just reinforces the comfort and performance of this beautiful collection.”

“Patagonia’s Better Clog, Better Clog Boot, and Better Clog Jane models of footwear have been carefully evaluated by APMA podiatrists and have earned APMA’s prestigious Seal of Acceptance for promoting proper foot health. The adequate arch support and protective heel cushion technology featured in these models have been proven to provide feet the support they require,” said Michael King, DPM, APMA President.

Reinterpreting the traditional clog in a lightweight feminine design, the Better Clog collection features a proprietary Glide Right platform that naturally moves the foot in a forward stride for a comfortable and smooth heel-to-toe transition. A twenty percent recycled rubber outsole extends on the lateral and medial sides of the heel for additional stability. The collection includes the Better Clog Boot (ankle high bootie, shown left), Better Clog (traditional clog), and Better Clog Jane (Mary Jane style). New for Spring 2012, the Better Clog Curve (backless Mary Jane with adjustable closure), is currently being tested by the APMA.

About Patagonia
Patagonia, with sales last year of over $400M, is noted internationally for its commitment to product quality and environmental activism. Incorporating environmental responsibility in to product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically grown cotton in its clothing line. With its most recent launch of synthetic fiber-to-fiber recycling, Patagonia is taking back worn-out polyester and nylon clothing and reincarnating it as new products, forever capturing the raw materials used in making virgin fiber. The company also advocates corporate transparency through its interactive website, The Footprint Chronicles, which outlines the environmental and social footprint of individual products. Patagonia was featured as The Coolest Company on the Planet on Fortune Magazine’s April 2007 cover.

About the APMA
Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation’s leading and recognized professional organization for doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs). DPMs are podiatric physicians and surgeons, also known as podiatrists, qualified by their education, training and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. The medical education and training of a DPM includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate education at an accredited podiatric medical college, and two or three years of hospital residency training. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of close to 12,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.