6404.11.71 - 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, 6404.11.71, specifically classifies footwear designed for sports or athletic activities, such as tennis shoes, basketball shoes, gym shoes, and training shoes, when these items possess certain material compositions. The defining characteristic for this classification is that the footwear features uppers constructed from vegetable fibers. Furthermore, the outer soles must be made of textile materials that constitute the greatest surface area in contact with the ground, excluding any textile components that might be accounted for under additional U.S. note 5 of Chapter 64. This category focuses on a precise combination of upper and outsole materials within the broader scope of sports footwear.

This category is distinct from its sibling category, 6404.11.75, which covers similar sports footwear but requires uppers made from textile materials *other than* vegetable fibers. The divergence lies solely in the material used for the upper. Similarly, 6404.11.79, "Other," would encompass sports footwear that does not meet the specific material criteria of either 6404.11.71 or 6404.11.75. Therefore, accurate classification hinges on the precise identification of the upper material as vegetable fibers.

Within this category, further subdivisions are made based on the intended wearer. The subcategories are: 6404.11.71.30 for men's footwear, 6404.11.71.60 for women's footwear, and 6404.11.71.90 for all other categories of footwear not specifically designated for men or women. This granular breakdown allows for more precise statistical tracking and tariff application based on gender or other demographic factors.