Patent ID: 8557157

Claim:
A method of manufacturing an article of footwear having a direct attach sole component, the method comprising: providing an upper and a molded receptacle shell having a first surface facing the upper and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the receptacle shell forms a receptacle recessed from the first surface including a plurality of repeating lobes extending upwardly therefrom, wherein the receptacle is adapted to receive an insert; arranging the upper about a last adapted to engage the first surface of the receptacle shell, wherein the last includes at least one projection adapted to interfit with the receptacle; placing the projection into the receptacle; joining the upper with the receptacle shell; closing a mold about the second surface of the receptacle shell and at least a portion of the upper to form a mold cavity corresponding to the direct attach sole component; introducing a material into the mold cavity to form the direct attach sole component, wherein the material directly attaches to the second surface of the receptacle shell and the upper, wherein the projection maintains the shape of the receptacle shell and prevents the receptacle shell from becoming distorted within the mold cavity; separating the mold and the last from the upper, the receptacle shell and the direct attach sole component; and inserting a cushion insert into the receptacle in one of a plurality of orientations, wherein the cushion insert provides a cushioning characteristic based on the orientation of the cushion within the receptacle.