KOPA adds podiatrist Dr. Patrick DeHeer to medical advisory board

KOPA named veteran foot and ankle surgeon Patrick A. DeHeer, DPM, FACFAS, to its medical advisory board on Nov. 5, 2026, adding more than 30 years of clinical and sports medicine experience to the compression sock maker. The move gives KOPA another specialist voice as it develops Made in USA products designed for comfort, fit and everyday wear.

Why it matters: - KOPA is adding a nationally recognized podiatry leader to help guide product development. - Dr. Patrick DeHeer brings clinical, surgical and sports medicine experience that can shape how compression socks are designed for comfort and performance. - The appointment reinforces KOPA’s pitch that its socks are built with podiatry input, not just consumer branding.

What happened: - KOPA announced on Nov. 5, 2026, that Patrick A. DeHeer, DPM, FACFAS, has joined the KOPA Medical Advisory Board. - Dr. DeHeer is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with more than 30 years of experience. - Dr. DeHeer is the 100th President of the American Podiatric Medical Association. - Dr. DeHeer has served as longtime Residency Director at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. - Dr. DeHeer was team podiatrist for the NBA’s Indiana Pacers for 30 years.

The details: - Dr. DeHeer is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery. - Dr. DeHeer has delivered more than 300 lectures nationally and internationally. - Dr. DeHeer has published extensively. - Dr. DeHeer invented the Equinus Brace™ and the Baumann Gastroc System. - Dr. DeHeer has led more than 30 international humanitarian medical missions. - Dr. DeHeer said patients need products that fit their lives and emphasized comfort, fit and ease of putting a sock on. - Dr. DeHeer said he wants to help KOPA develop products that patients find comfortable, practical and worth wearing every day. - KOPA said Dr. DeHeer joins board members Dr. John O'Hanlon, ABPM board-certified and team podiatrist for the New York Yankees, and Dr. Josephine Kleyner, board-certified foot surgeon affiliated with Northwell Lenox Hill and on-site podiatrist for the 2025 NYC Marathon. - KOPA socks are 100% made in the USA. - KOPA says the socks use dual compression zones with firm arch compression and graduated ankle-to-calf compression. - KOPA says the socks feature Merino wool and copper-infused fibers in the heel and toe pads. - KOPA says an easy-on, easy-off flexible ankle helps the socks go on easily and stay in place all day.

Between the lines: - KOPA is signaling that medical expertise is part of its product strategy, not just a marketing add-on. - The advisory board now combines podiatry, sports medicine and surgical credibility, which can help KOPA appeal to consumers who want performance claims backed by specialists. - The company is also leaning into domestic manufacturing and premium materials as differentiators in the compression sock market.

What's next: - KOPA will likely use Dr. DeHeer’s expertise to refine future product development and positioning. - The company’s advisory board now has three members, giving KOPA additional clinical input as it expands its product line and brand message. - More information is available at KOPA’s website.