A method and system for manufacturing a tire tread with lugs, the tread having a tread base, and a number of lugs projecting upwards from the tread base; the method having the steps of: preparing a green-rubber blank tread of constant thickness; applying rubber blocks to the areas of the blank tread where the lugs are to be formed, each block varying lengthwise in cross section, so it is thinner at the center and thicker at the side; and curing the blank tread, together with the blocks, in a curing mold negatively reproducing the pattern of the tread.