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Two-dimensional metric comparisons between dynamic bare footprints and insole foot impressions-forensic implications
Michael S Nirenberg1, Elizabeth Ansert2, Kewal Krishan3
1Friendly Foot Care, PC, 50 W. 94th Place, Crown Point, IN 46307, United States.
Summary
Forensic footwear analysis reveals significant similarities between bare footprints and insole impressions. This study aids in identifying footwear wearers by comparing foot measurements, contributing valuable data to forensic science.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Biometrics
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Footwear found at crime scenes can serve as crucial physical evidence.
- Insoles within footwear often retain impression features of the wearer's foot.
- Existing research confirms the distinct nature of individual footprints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare two-dimensional measurements of bare footprints with foot impressions on shoe insoles.
- To determine significant similarities and differences between bare footprints and insole impressions.
- To contribute to the limited scientific literature on footwear impression analysis.
Main Methods:
- Collected dynamic footprints from 51 donors using the Identicator® Inkless Shoe Print Model LE 25P system.
- Performed seven foot length and width measurements based on the Reel linear measurement method.
- Compared measurements between bare footprints and corresponding insole foot impressions.
Main Results:
- Most measurements showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between bare footprints and insole impressions.
- Significant differences were noted in CALC (p < 0.001) and A1 (p = 0.04) measurements.
- Left-side A5 measurements also showed a significant difference (p = 0.015) between bare feet and insoles.
Conclusions:
- The study's findings have direct implications for forensic analysis of foot impression evidence on footwear insoles.
- Results can assist in identifying the wearer of footwear by comparing insole impressions to known footprints.
- This research enhances understanding for forensic contexts involving comparisons between suspect footprints and post-mortem or crime scene evidence.
