A footwear examination considering factors such as the make & model of the training shoe, size, pattern, wear characteristics and damage features can show conclusively that a particular shoe made the mark. Conversely, it is also possible to conclusively eliminate a suspect’s shoe from having made the mark at the scene.
When a person walks on a surface the impression of the shoe’s tread pattern may be left behind either from the deposition of material on the sole, or by removing material from the receiving surface.
Also, if an assailant kicks the head or body of a person the imprint of the upper or sole of the shoe may be left in bruising on the victim’s skin.