FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 1

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Population Frequency of Class Characteristics: Footwear in the United States

Describe

the need:

Investigate the frequencies associated with class characteristics of footwear [outsole 

design and size (could be physical and/or retail size; the physical size is the more

important)] in well-defined United States populations (geographically, temporally, 

demographically, etc.). Factors such as manufacturer sales data, counterfeit shoes and 

offender footwear being worn at time of arrest/booking may be taken into account in 

generating the frequency data. This task involves generating not only the frequencies of 

the overall outsole designs and sizes of shoes, but also the frequencies of specific design 

elements and combinations of such elements. These elements would be basic geometric 

shapes and patterns (and possibly also text/logos) that are combined to form the overall 

outsole design.

Keyword(s): Footwear, Class, Population, Frequency, Pattern, Size

Submitting subcommittee(s): Footwear & Tire Date Approved: February 23, 2021

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

https://forensicstats.org/news-posts/csafe-explores-unique-footwear-examination-methods-with-new-nij-grant/

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: (ex.: Toll, L., Standifer, K. M., Massotte, D., eds. 

(2019). Current Topics in Opioid Research. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88963-180-3)

• Benedict, I. et. al. (2014), Geographical Variation of Shoeprint Comparison Class Correspondence, Science and 

Justice, 54(5): P. 335-337.

• Davis, R. et. al. (1977), A Survey of Men’s Footwear, Journal of the Forensic Society, 17(4): P. 271-285.

• Gross, S. et al. (2013), The Variability and Significance of Class Characteristics in Footwear Impressions, Journal of 

Forensic Identification, 63(3): P. 332-351.

• Hancock, S. et. al. (2012), The Interpretation of Shoeprint Comparison Class Correspondence, Science and Justice, 

52(4): P. 243-248.

• Parent, S. (2010), The Significance of Class Associations of Footwear Evidence, Unpublished, Presented at the 

2010 Impression and Pattern Evidence Symposium, Clearwater Beach, Florida
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4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

Yes.

5. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?

The day-to-day operations of the laboratory are not expected to change as a function of this research. However, the 

reporting structure, strength of conclusions and examiner training may change over time to incorporate the research 

findings. Note that the research findings pertaining to frequency of class characteristics could be combined with 

frequency studies of randomly acquired characteristics, as well as wear characteristics, when applied to these 

capabilities.

6. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

The majority of footwear comparison interpretations involve class associations (i.e. correspondence in outsole design 

and physical size between a known shoe and a crime scene impression). Therefore, the results of this research would 

provide an objective, quantitative, empirically-obtained basis for the frequencies of class characteristics within known 

populations rather than the subjective methods upon which current rarity estimates are based.

7. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

Having population frequency data on outsole design and size (physical and/or retail) may directly impact the degree 

of confidence of the footwear examiner’s opinion that is presented in court. This would be beneficial to the jury in 

giving weight to expert testimony and could potentially be used as a statistical basis for opinions. For example, given a 

shoe of interest, what is the probability that a shoe randomly selected from a given geographic location would have 

the same outsole design?

8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): I

Major gap in 

current 

knowledge

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge

No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III

Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV
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This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.