Forensic Implications of Foot Arch Index Comparison between Dynamic Bare Footprints and Shoe Insole Foot Impressions

Footprints and footwear may be found at crime scenes and may have individualizing characteristics specific to the footprint maker or wearer of the footwear. In forensic intelligence-gathering, it is important to understand differences and similarities between bare footprints and impressions of the wearer’s foot on a shoe insole. This study aimed to compare arch height indices between bare footprints and foot impressions on athletic shoe insoles to determine if similarities or differences exist. Dynamic footprints were collected from 56 participants using the Identicator® Inkless Shoe Print Model LE 25P system. The maximum width of the forefoot and minimum width of the midfoot were measured using the GIMP computer program to calculate the Chippaux-Smirak arch index. The maximum width of the heel and minimum width of the midfoot were measured using the GIMP computer program to calculate the Staheli arch index. Footprint measurements between bare footprints and foot impressions on the insoles were compared. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant relationship between the bare footprint and insole arch indices.