6402.99.71.00 - Having outer soles with textile materials having the greatest surface area in contact with the ground, but not taken into account under the terms of additional U.S. note 5 to this chapter

This HTS subcategory, 6402.99.71.00, specifically classifies footwear where the outer soles are constructed from textile materials that have the greatest surface area in contact with the ground. Crucially, these textile materials are *not* subject to the specific stipulations outlined in U.S. Note 5 to Chapter 64. This means the footwear's primary grounding component is textile, but it doesn't meet the criteria for exclusion or different treatment as defined by that particular U.S. note, which often relates to specific types of textile reinforcements or constructions.

This classification is distinct from its sibling category, 6402.99.79, which covers "Other" footwear under the same broad grouping. While both fall under "Other footwear with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics," the key differentiator here is the specific composition and role of the outer sole material. 6402.99.71.00 is precisely for those instances where textile is the dominant ground-contacting element of the sole, provided it doesn't fall under the specific exceptions of U.S. Note 5. The broader sibling category would encompass other "other" types of footwear not meeting this precise textile sole condition.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Therefore, classification within 6402.99.71.00 depends entirely on meeting the defined criteria of the outer sole being textile with the greatest ground contact surface area, and not being subject to U.S. Note 5, alongside the overarching requirement that the uppers are of rubber or plastics and the footwear is valued over $3 but not over $6.50 per pair. Examples might include certain types of lightweight athletic shoes or casual footwear where textile forms the most prominent part of the sole's interaction with the ground.