Foamed parts having a fabric component, and systems and methods for manufacturing same

A method of attaching foamed polymeric material to at least one fabric layer, the method comprising:

• providing a first mold comprising at least one first cavity having at least one tapered section and at least one material injection channel in fluid communication with the at least one first cavity;
• disposing at least one fabric layer over the at least one first cavity;
• closing the first mold;
• injecting unfoamed polymeric material into the at least one first cavity through the at least one material injection channel, wherein the unfoamed polymeric material penetrates at least a portion of the fabric layer proximate the at least one first cavity to attach the polymeric material to the fabric layer, and wherein the unfoamed polymeric material comprises an elongate extension extending from the fabric layer and comprising at least one tapered portion formed by the tapered section and having a cross-sectional area;
• and
• foaming the unfoamed polymeric material to fixedly set the foamed polymeric material in the at least one fabric layer, where expansion during foaming of the polymeric material that has penetrated the fabric layer is restricted by the fabric, and wherein expansion during foaming of the polymeric material in the elongate extension modifies the cross-sectional area of the tapered portion.