A mark left behind' The crossword solution for the term FOOTPRINT, MAYBE is 'TREAD'. A footprint is a mark left behind by a person or animal, usually in the form of an impression in soft ground or a pattern of dirt on a hard surface. It can also refer to the physical shape of a shoe or other item of footwear. Footprints are often used to track the movements of animals and people, and can be used to identify individuals.