Conforming membrane for manufacturing footwear, press and method of manufacturing an article of footwear using a conforming membrane

A low-pressure operation conforming membrane for manufacturing an article of footwear includes a perimeter portion having a thickness in a range of 1 to 15 millimeters forming an outer perimeter of the conforming membrane. The conforming membrane also includes a transition portion having a thickness in a range of 1 to 4 millimeters between a first surface and a second surface with the transition portion extending interior to the outer perimeter. The conforming membrane also includes a conforming portion extending from the transition portion in a direction of the second surface and forming a receiving cavity, the conforming portion having a thickness in a range of 1 to 4 millimeters. The perimeter portion, the transition portion, and the conforming portion are a unitary construction comprising a common material composition.