6404.11.51 - With uppers of vegetable fibers and 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 category, 6404.11.51, encompasses footwear that features uppers constructed from vegetable fibers. Crucially, the outer sole of these shoes must be made from textile materials that constitute the largest surface area in contact with the ground. This distinction is important, as it excludes footwear where the textile sole is considered under additional U.S. note 5 to Chapter 64, suggesting a specific material composition or construction for the sole in this particular classification.

The primary sibling category, 6404.11.59.00, covers "Other" footwear within the same general grouping. Therefore, 6404.11.51 is distinct by its explicit requirement for textile outer soles having the greatest surface area in contact with the ground and the exclusion related to additional U.S. note 5. This means that while both might fall under broader "sports footwear" or "other" sub-classifications, the precise material composition and design of the outer sole are the determining factors for entry into 6404.11.51.

Further classification within this category is based on the intended wearer. Subcategories exist for "For men" (6404.11.51.30), "For women" (6404.11.51.60), and "Other" (6404.11.51.90). This granular breakdown allows for more precise tracking and tariff application based on gender-specific sizing and design conventions within this specific type of footwear.