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

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Size Determinations from Questioned Footwear Impressions

Describe

the need:

Accuracy, reliability, repeatability, and reproducibility as it relates to determination of 

footwear size based on an examination of questioned footwear impressions. There are 

four primary ways in which size determination of footwear is conducted in forensic 

laboratories in the United States: (1.) A statement of the specific size if the size is a part of 

the outsole design. (2.) A statement of a specific size or range of sizes if the outsole design 

changes as the size of the shoe changes. (3.) Overlays (physical or digital) are created from 

known shoes in a range of sizes, and are overlaid with the questioned impression using the 

examiner’s expert determination of an acceptable tolerance of any perceived differences in 

size. (4.) Measurements are collected from questioned impressions and compared with 

measurements of known shoes in a range of sizes using the examiner’s expert 

determination of an acceptable tolerance of any perceived differences in size.

Keyword(s): Footwear; Tire Track; Size Determination; Size Range; Size Estimation

Submitting subcommittee(s): Footwear and Tire Tread Date Approved: 10/24/2022

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)

Yes.

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)?

No.

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)

N/A.

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?

No.
FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 2

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

Assist in determining the validity of procedures currently being used in forensic laboratories in the United 

States.

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

subcommittee(s)?

Size determinations are currently being conducted in forensic laboratories in the United States. There is limited 

research that would point toward the methods being valid or invalid.

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

Validity of processes currently being conducted, and which have historically been conducted, on criminal and 

civil cases in the United States.

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

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

informational resource to the community.