*Seems that way, but at **5:17**, you'll also see it helps the rubber sole to attach to the midsole in a unique way, besides also being held by contact glue at **4:23** And when you pause there, you'll see how the center is darker, and the area around it is lighter. So I see how he follows the outline of the darker area too! It's a cool stitching design! **6:05** Both stitching in the middle and around the outside keeps the sole and midsole locked in place.*