SHOEPRINTS AND IMPRESSIONS

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

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

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

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

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