6404.11.85 - With uppers of textile material other than 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 classification covers specific types of footwear characterized by their construction materials and intended use. The uppers of these shoes are made from textile materials, excluding those derived from vegetable fibers. Crucially, the outer soles are also constructed from textile materials, and it is this textile component of the outer sole that has the greatest surface area in contact with the ground. However, a key exclusion from this classification is any textile material on the outer sole that would be considered under additional U.S. note 5 to this chapter, which typically relates to certain specific types of textile reinforcement or components.

Within the broader category of sports footwear valued over $6.50 but not over $12 per pair, this specific code distinguishes itself from its sibling, 6404.11.81, primarily by the material of the upper. While 6404.11.81 pertains to footwear with uppers made from vegetable fibers, this category, 6404.11.85, explicitly covers footwear with uppers made from other, non-vegetable textile materials. The sibling category, 6404.11.89, serves as a residual classification for other footwear meeting the general criteria at this level but not fitting into the more specific classifications.

To further refine classification, the subcategories within 6404.11.85 provide for gender-specific distinctions. The classifications for men (6404.11.85.30), women (6404.11.85.60), and "other" (6404.11.85.90) allow for more precise statistical tracking and duty application based on the intended wearer of the footwear, maintaining consistency with the parent classification's scope.