Which option is NOT a typical characteristic of a shoe print?

• A. Brand
• B. Size
• C. Tread design
• D. Color

Answer: (D)

Color isn’t a reliable feature of a shoe print because it doesn’t reflect a stable, inherent aspect of the outsole. Forensic comparison hinges on attributes like the tread design—the pattern of grooves and lugs—and the size, both of which are physically etched into the sole and tend to persist across prints. These features provide a basis for matching a print to a specific shoe or sole type. Color, by contrast, can vary with lighting, the surface the print was made on, dust or moisture, and cleaning, and it can be altered or obscured, so it doesn’t meaningfully distinguish one shoe from another. While a visible brand logo might occasionally appear, it’s not as dependable as the actual tread pattern and size for identification.