Footwear Mark Evidence: How We Use Trace Evidence to Help Your Case

In this CPD-accredited webinar, Dr Sarah Jacob (Consultant Forensic Scientist) provides a practical and detailed introduction to footwear mark evidence and how it can support criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

Drawing on extensive casework experience, the session explains what footwear mark evidence is, how marks are recovered from crime scenes, and how comparisons are carried out in the laboratory. Viewers are guided through the full examination process, from enhancement and test mark production to comparison, interpretation, and evidential reporting.

The webinar explores how footwear evidence is evaluated from both prosecution and defence perspectives, highlighting how evidential strength is assessed, how limitations can arise, and why careful interpretation is essential. Real case examples are used throughout to demonstrate how footwear marks can range from limited support through to strong or conclusive findings, and how defence review can materially affect case outcomes.

​​​​​​​This session covers:
• What footwear mark evidence is and how it is recovered
• Laboratory examination and comparison techniques
• Pattern, wear, damage, and fine detail assessment
• Evidential strength and verbal scales of support
• Common pitfalls, limitations, and quality considerations
• Defence review and challenging footwear mark evidence
• Case studies illustrating real-world application

Register for this free Forensic Access webinar today!