A tread, often referred to as a footprint, is the impression left by a foot or shoe on a surface, typically soil, sand, or snow. It provides evidence of movement and can reveal information about the size, shape, and type of footwear, as well as the direction of travel. Footprints are useful in various fields, including forensics, where they can help identify suspects, and wildlife studies, where they assist in tracking animal behavior. Analyzing treads can also contribute to archaeology, offering insights into past human activities and interactions with the environment.