Article with identifying device

This identifying device (10) is attached to a portion (16) of an article such as a shoe (12) and includes a retainer (40) having a flanged base (42) and raised peripheral walls (44) defining at least one socket (50). Identifying elements (60) having the same configuration as the sockets are removably snap-fitted into the sockets. The shoe portion (16) includes attached upper and lower plies of material (24', 36), the upper ply (24') having openings (66) receiving the peripheral walls (44) and overlying the flanged base (42) to hold the retainer (40) in place.