6404.19.20 - Footwear designed to be worn over, or in lieu of, other footwear as a protection against water, oil, grease or chemicals or cold or inclement weather

This HTS subheading, 6404.19.20, specifically classifies footwear designed for protective purposes against environmental elements and specific workplace hazards. These include boots or shoes intended to be worn over existing footwear, or as standalone protection, to guard against water, oil, grease, chemicals, or extreme cold and inclement weather. The key characteristic is their functional design for protection, rather than everyday fashion or athletic performance.

It's crucial to distinguish this category from its siblings. Subheading 6404.19.15, for example, covers footwear with textile uppers but where over 50% of the external surface area is composed of leather. Additionally, other footwear within this group might be open-toed, slip-on, or feature specific rubber or plastic sole constructions and foxing bands, provided they do not fall under the protective criteria of 6404.19.20. The focus here is on the *protective function* as the primary classification driver.

The subcategories within 6404.19.20 further refine this classification based on the intended wearer. These include specific provisions for men's protective footwear (6404.19.20.30), women's protective footwear (6404.19.20.60), and a general category for "other" (6404.19.20.90) which would encompass protective footwear not specifically designed for men or women, such as unisex styles or those intended for younger children.