At least one invention pertains to an article of footwear having a foot-receiving portion and a sole portion attached via at least one binding element. In one aspect, an article of footwear includes a foot-receiving portion configured to extend over a portion of a foot of a wearer, and the foot-receiving portion being configured to extend to medial and lateral side of the foot, and the foot-receiving portion including a binding element. A sole portion having a top surface for contacting the foot and a lower surface for a least a portion provided ground engagement. A plurality of apertures extending through the top surface and lower surface, the apertures are configured to receive the binding element therein to attach the foot-receiving portion to the sole portion.