DRYZ® Makes the APMA Grade

H. H. Brown’s DRYZ® moisture management system has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Having met the demanding criteria required for inclusion, DRYZ® takes its place among products accepted from only fifty-three other companies worldwide.

APMA Overview
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the professional organization that represents the nation's Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (podiatrists). APMA accredits the nation's podiatric medical schools, approves residency programs and continuing medical education programs and recognizes certifying boards within podiatric medicine which meet its standards.

Podiatrists are physicians and surgeons who practice primarily on feet and ankles. To become a podiatrist requires four years of undergraduate work, four years in an accredited podiatric medical school and a residency. The APMA represents approximately 80 percent of the podiatrists in the country.

APMA provides foot health information to the public through its toll free number, l-800-FOOTCARE, in more than three dozen different foot health brochures, which they provide at no charge, and on the APMA Web site, www.apma.org.

APMA Recognition Criteria – from www.apma.org
The APMA Seal of Acceptance Program recognizes products which 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 of Acceptance evaluates footwear, materials, insoles, hosiery, and equipment.

The Seal is awarded to a product after the Committee on Podiatric Seals, a standing committee of the APMA, scientifically 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 product’s meeting certain physical standards applicable to materials, footwear, insoles, hosiery, equipment, or pharmaceuticals. Companies must provide research documentation, information on intended use, patents, composition, and evidence of quality control procedures for each product. A detailed scientific evaluation 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.

DRYZ®
While a good shoe may have many comfort features, total comfort can be compromised by the environment inside the shoe. Inside shoe temperatures can rise as high as 125° F. An increase in body temperature generates an increase in perspiration from the quarter-million sweat glands in each foot. Trapping that perspiration in socks and shoes sets up the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria on the skin. The longer the bacteria are allowed to grow, the more odiferous your feet become.

The revolutionary DRYZ system maintains a climate just above normal body temperature. Feet stay dryer, cooler and odor free. The result - maximum comfort.

How it works
DRYZ is comprised of specially treated hydrophilic urethane foam, which can absorb up to 160 times its weight.

A thin layer of DRYZ in the sock liner of a shoe wicks moisture away from the foot and transports it to a layer of copolymer foam.

This foam absorbs and stores moisture away from the foot in a gel-like substance.

The gelled moisture dissipates continuously throughout the day and completely when the shoe is removed.

Within hours the DRYZ™ is fresh and ready to begin the process all over again.

DRYZ® Innovations
Manipulating DRYZ, its surrounding materials and its location in a shoe provides many desirable results.

DRYZ® IntelliTemp®
By using temperature regulating ingredients to absorb and release heat DRYZ® IntelliTemp® insulates while managing moisture, heat, and odor, providing perpetual comfort in all weather environments.

DRYZ® SilverWear™
DRYZ SilverWear Insoles are imbued with X-Static silver technology. Developed by Noble Fiber, X-Static technology harnesses the natural antimicrobial properties of silver to create the most effective odor-neutralizing system available. Using pure silver to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungi, X-Static is the only product that binds with and neutralizes odor-causing ammonia and denatured proteins. In addition, X-Static’s superior thermodynamic properties will keep feet warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

When moisture from the foot comes into contact with the silver-integrated insole, an ion exchange takes place, thus making the entire foot bed an antimicrobial agent. As moisture spreads, so do the silver agents within the insole, enhancing its anti-odor, temperature regulatory and anti-microbial properties.

Silver is recognized in the medical community as the most effective antimicrobial agent available and is registered with the EPA.

DRYZ® QTS®
The DRYZ Quantum Transport System® makes use of one or more of the DRYZ family of moisture management products not only in the footpad but also in the sock lining and tongue to create an envelope effect.

DRYZ® R.A.N.
The Dryz R.A.N. Air System utilizes strategically positioned holes throughout the footbed that allow air to circulate via a network of channels. These guided channels are designed to distribute air circulation evenly throughout the footbed.

As you walk, the natural weight of your body forces hot air through the channels of the footbed. When the compression is released, cool air is inhaled therefore regulating the temperature in the footwear naturally.

The Shoes
H. H. Brown is proud that its revolutionary DRYZ technology has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. The award substantiates our conviction that foot health is an intrinsic aspect of the shoe business.

H. H. Brown’s shoe brands use DRYZ technology extensively. From work boots to western wear, tailored pumps to bowling shoes, we’re looking out for the health of your feet. On the following pages are examples of shoes in which H. H. Brown brands utilize DRYZ. To get a closer look at these and other shoes from H. H. Brown brands, visit www.hhbrown.com and www.shoeline.com.



For information about the APMA and its member podiatrists and for a comprehensive discussion of foot problems, visit www.apma.org or call 1-800-FOOTCARE.

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H. H. Brown’s chief podiatric consultant is Dr. Anthony R. Iorio, DPM, MPH, Chairman of the Department of Medical Sciences at New York College of Podiatric Medicine where he is a professor. Dr. Iorio is affiliated with Foot Clinics of New York, New York-Presbyterian Healthcare Network and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He has been associated with H. H. Brown since 2000.