6404.11.69 - Other

This HTS classification, 6404.11.69, pertains to footwear that meets specific construction and material criteria. The outer soles of these shoes are composed of rubber or plastics, while the uppers are made from textile materials. Crucially, these are sports-type footwear, encompassing athletic shoes such as tennis shoes, basketball shoes, gym shoes, and training shoes, as well as similar items. The defining construction characteristic for this subcategory is that the soles (or mid-soles, if present) are affixed to the upper exclusively by adhesive. This excludes footwear with a foxing or foxing-like band that overlaps the upper, and also excludes footwear where the soles extend over the upper except at the toe or heel.

The primary distinction from its sibling category, 6404.11.61, lies in the upper material. While both fall under sports footwear with rubber or plastic outer soles, 6404.11.61 specifically covers footwear with uppers made of vegetable fibers and outer soles where textile materials constitute the greatest surface area in contact with the ground, subject to specific additional U.S. note interpretations. In contrast, 6404.11.69 is broader in its textile upper coverage, provided the adhesive construction criteria are met and the other exclusions are absent.

This classification further subdivides based on the intended wearer. The subcategories 6404.11.69.30, 6404.11.69.60, and 6404.11.69.90 differentiate between footwear for men, women, and other categories, respectively. This granular level of detail assists in accurate statistical tracking and the application of specific trade policies or duties that may be associated with footwear intended for different demographic groups.