Abstract
The examination of footwear that has been associated with a crime scene is a multidisciplinary task in the context of identification. Podiatrists usually become involved in forensic footwear examination where a suspect has been found and the task is to associate or disassociate that person to footwear already linked with the crime scene. A podiatrist’s assessment of shoes in this context involves the analysis, comparison, and evaluation of wear features of the insole/sock liner and the internal and external aspects of the upper structure of the shoe and the outsole. In addition to comparing known and questioned footwear items together, the forensic podiatrist may also wish to examine the suspected wearer or wearers of the shoes to look for features of the foot that may provide additional linking or disassociating factors. This chapter describes the processes involved in the forensic podiatry analysis of footwear in the identification process.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
The term unique here is used in its formal sense, meaning that the feature or features are so individual that they represent the only example anywhere in the natural world.
- 2.
Kennedy R., personal communication, 1996.
References
Charlesworth F (1961) Chiropody theory and practice. Actinic Press Ltd, London
Council of the Society of Shoe Fitters (1991) Fisher-George Memorial Student Membership Correspondence Course. The Society of Shoe Fitters, Norwich
Gibbard LC (1958a) The interpretation of wear marks on shoes as an aid to the diagnosis of foot troubles: Part 1. Br Chiropod J 23(9):231–233
Gibbard LC (1958b) The interpretation of wear marks on shoes as an aid to the diagnosis of foot troubles: Part 2. Br Chiropod J 23(10):259–262
Gottlieb A (1939) The foot in general practice. The Chiropod 26:316–323
Hanby JH, Walker HE (1949) The principles of chiropody. Bailliere Tindall and Cox, London
Lake NC (1943) The foot, 3rd edn. Bailliere Tindall and Cox, London
Lucock LJ (1980) Identification from footwear. The Chiropod 35(9):343–350
Rossi WA (1992) Podometrics: A new methodology for foot typing. Contemp Podiatr Physician: 28–38
Vernon W (2000) The functional analysis of shoe wear patterns: PhD Thesis. Sheffield Hallam University
Vernon W, Parry A, Potter M (1999) Moving towards consensus: The first draft of an evaluative instrumental grid to interpret shoe wear patterns. J Forensic Identif 49(2):142–173
Vernon W, Parry A, Potter M (2003) Consensus obtained in a Delphi study of shoe wear pattern experiences amongst podiatrists. J Forensic Identif 53(1):15–41
Vernon W, Parry A, Potter M (2004) A theory of shoe wear pattern influence incorporating a new paradigm for the podiatric medical profession. J Am Podiatry Med Assoc 94(3):261–268
Vernon W, Brodie B, DiMaggio J, Gunn N, Kelly H, Nirenberg M, Reel S, Walker J, (2009) Forensic podiatry: Role and scope of practice (In the context of forensic human identification). International Association for Identification. 20th August. http://www.theiai.org/disciplines/podiatry/podiatry_role_and_scope.pdf
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
DiMaggio, J.A., Vernon, W. (2011). Footwear Examination and Analysis. In: Forensic Podiatry. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61737-976-5_5
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61737-976-5_5
Published:
Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ
Print ISBN: 978-1-61737-975-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-61737-976-5
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)