In footwear, the class characteristics are the design features placed on the outsole by the manufacturer, such as logos, brand name and tread pattern. Variations can exist between molds and the outsole it produces thereby making it possible to distinguish an outsole from others produced by different molds. These variations in design on footwear can alert an examiner to the parts of the outsole pattern that can have information for identifying the specific mold used to produce that outsole. The knowledge of an exact mold contributes to the probability factor. Fourteen examples are used which specifically point out variations and dissimilarity in outsole design. Positive identification of suspect footwear, elimination of footwear as suspect, or further comparative examinations of the suspect footwear may result. 14 figures, 3 references, 1 table.