Its founding members included doctors Nathaniel Gould, Robert Joplin, Nicholas Giannestras, Melvin Jahss, Hampar Kelikian, Paul Lapidus, and Joseph Milgram.

Several of its founding members served as early presidents of the organization including Robert Joplin (1969–70), Nicholas Giannestras (1970–71), Nathaniel Gould (1971–72), and Melvin Jahss (1973–74).

In 1973, president Robert Samilson helped make the AOFS the first affiliate of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

[11] Under president G. James Sammarco, in 1996, the society instituted a voluntary "seal of approval" program that allowed shoe manufacturers to send in their models to be inspected for comfort and design quality by AOFAS physicians and researchers.

[15] In July 2017, the AOFAS established a consumer awareness campaign called "Look for the 'O'", which urged individuals to seek the care of orthopaedic surgeons when experiencing foot or ankle pain.

[17] Each member is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous foot and ankle injuries, diseases, and other ailments.