6402.19.90 - Valued over $12/pair

This HTS category, 6402.19.90, encompasses sports footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics, specifically those valued at over $12 per pair. This classification applies to a broad range of athletic shoes that do not fit into more narrowly defined subcategories, such as specific types of athletic footwear or those falling under lower value brackets. The key defining characteristic for inclusion here, beyond the material composition and general sports use, is the established price point.

To distinguish this category from its siblings, it is crucial to note the value threshold. Categories 6402.19.30, 6402.19.50, and 6402.19.70 cover sports footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics valued at $3/pair or less, over $3 but not over $6.50/pair, and over $6.50 but not over $12/pair, respectively. Therefore, 6402.19.90 serves as the residual category for such footwear when its value exceeds $12 per pair.

This classification further subdivides into two subcategories to account for gender-specific items and other, non-gender-specific sports footwear. The subcategory 6402.19.90.31 is designated for men's sports footwear meeting the criteria, while 6402.19.90.61 is for all other sports footwear valued over $12 per pair that do not fall under the men's classification. This hierarchical breakdown allows for more precise tariff application based on these distinct characteristics.