The glossary for the Sole identification points are currently in work, no formal list exists. A number of experts in the shoe manufacture industry, law enforcement, Search & Rescue, and input from trackers of various disciplines have been the source so far. I have used some Terms from the C.A.S.T. web site as well, they have made a great start.
The purpose of a sole identification glossary is be able to communicate to other trackers and support personnel. The best advice given so far has been from Jack Kearney's book pg.134 "Keep your descriptions in terms that everyone can relate to. You reach far more people by saying that you have "a football" in the instep than you do saying you have "an ellipse"
I highly suggest that those with input read Jack Kearney's book "Tracking: A blueprint for learning how" specifically chapter 9 pages 129 - 134.
Most trackers I know have this book, and read it once back when they first started, and consider it out dated. I'm on my third book, the first one I wore out and had it marked up with what I thought was important when I first started tracking. I realized as I became more experienced their were things in the book that I missed, so I bought a new one and marked it up with key points I missed the first time. Same thing happened with my third copy, basically I've digested the book word for word over a period of 10 years, and still going.
This list of terms will grow and will be derived from many sources, with the intent to help give trackers a common language in describing shoe prints.
Motif or Figure: typically the theme or main element in a shoe manufacture. The Nike "Swoosh" or themes like "rug rats" or "dinosaurs" in kids shoes.
Flex Groove: Multiple, deep Grooves may be present on running and walking outsoles. These grooves are strategically placed where the shoe will flex, with the intent of keeping the sole from cracking or splitting.
Split-Heel groove: This construction is normally incorporated into Running outsoles. This deep groove usually runs to the edge of the heel's outsole, and, is usually orientated in a diagonal manner. manner. An often prominent groove splits the heel into a two part structure consisting of an outer and an inner side.
Heel Pad: Rounded "Heel Pads" often replace the Split-Heel construction on Walking, Cross-Training and Casual outsoles. Gaps between these "Heel Pads" serve as the "groove" found in "Split - Heel" construction.
Channeling: Channeling is incorporated at the outsole's edges as a means to dispel water or moisture off the outsole's surface. This construction is normally found on Hiking, Outdoors and Watersports footwear. Look for a design on the outsole consisting of patterns of polygons, bars or lugs that are arranged as to create Grooves or Channels that open towards the outsole's edge.
Stars, diamonds, circles, triangles, bars: These shapes are common descriptions that are used, which do not need further description, except to point out anomalies.
Chevrons & Waves:
Polygons & Ridges:
Lugs:
Mini-Tread: