Multi-density sole elements, and systems and methods for manufacturing same

A method of manufacturing a sole element for an article of footwear, the method comprising the steps of:

• forming an asymmetrical sole element preform having a substantially uniform density and comprising:
• a medial side portion having a first extension containing a first volume of material,
• a lateral side portion having a second extension containing a second volume of material, wherein the first extension is longer than the second extension and the first volume of material is greater than the second volume of material, and
• a central base region located between the medial and lateral side portions;
• inserting the asymmetrical sole element preform into a press-form mold cavity;
• and
• press-forming the asymmetrical sole element preform within the press-form mold cavity, such that the asymmetrical sole element preform undergoes different levels of compression, to form a unitary finished sole element comprising:
• a first perimeter region comprising a first maximum density;
• a second perimeter region comprising a second maximum density;
• a third perimeter region comprising a third maximum density;
• and
• a central region comprising a fourth maximum density extending between at least a portion of the first perimeter region, second perimeter region, and third perimeter region.