1. SHOEPRINTS AND IMPRESSIONS

2. History/Field Shoeprint evidence was first used in 1786
SoulMate is a commercial database that contains information—manufacturer, date of market release, an image or offset print of the sole, and pictorial images of the uppers—for more than 12,000 sports, work, and casual shoes
History/Field

3. Shoeprints vs. Impressions
Shoeprints are made on a hard surface and are two-dimensional
Shoe Impressions are made on a soft surface and are three-dimensional
Shoeprints vs. Impressions

4. Collecting Evidence Photograph the shoeprint or impression first
If it is an impression, make a cast using dental stone
If the impression is in snow, a special wax is used to make the snow hard enough to make the cast
If it is a print, try to lift a section of the surface where the print was found
If it is not possible to lift a section, the print can sometimes be lifted in a way similar to fingerprints
Collecting Evidence

5. Analysis of Shoeprints and Impressions
Shoeprints and impressions can give clues as to the shoe that made it
Prints and impressions can be used to tell if the person that made them was walking or running, carrying a heavy weight, or limping
Analysis of Shoeprints and Impressions

6. Analysis of Shoeprints and Impressions
Shoes are studied for their:
Design
Size
Shape
Wear pattern—especially important because it makes a shoe unique
Analysis of Shoeprints and Impressions