Manufacturing processes for athletic shoe outsoles and their significance in the examination of footwear impression evidence

The most common methods of manufacturing athletic shoe outsoles are given and how each method can influence the examination of footwear impression evidence. Several processes for manufacturing athletic shoe outsoles are described. Significant factors of each process that are relevant to the examination of footwear impressions are explained. Some manufacturing processes result in distinguishing random characteristics which can assist in the identification of a shoe sole, even when new. These characteristics, together with the traditionally observed wear patterns and random cuts on the shoe outsoles, enable the examiner a stronger basis for expert opinion.