Abstract: Sole is a kind of physical evidence which shows up in various criminal scene, and the inspection of sole materials is becoming an important research program for forensic science. Traditional analysis methods such as the sensory method, the combustion method and the solvent are no longer suitable for identification needs now. The use of modern analytical instruments such as Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman spectrometry, scanning electron microscope and energy spectrum, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, combined with chemometrics enables rapid and accurate inspection of sole materials and differentiation. Understanding and mastering the types of sole materials and the progress of research would guide the police to solve problems related to it.