6404.19.52 - With uppers of vegetable fibers and having outer soles with textile 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, 6404.19.52, specifically classifies footwear where the uppers are constructed from vegetable fibers. A key defining characteristic is that the outer soles are made of textile materials, and these textile soles constitute the greatest surface area in contact with the ground. Importantly, this classification excludes footwear that would be covered under additional U.S. note 5 to this chapter, indicating a specific set of exclusions based on alternative material considerations for the outer sole.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 6404.19.57, is the material of the upper. While both share textile outer soles with the greatest ground contact, 6404.19.57 is reserved for footwear with uppers made from textile materials *other than* vegetable fibers. Similarly, 6404.19.59 encompasses "other" footwear meeting the general criteria but not specifically defined by the vegetable fiber uppers or the textile outer sole conditions.

The subcategories within 6404.19.52 further refine the classification based on the intended wearer. These include footwear designated for men (6404.19.52.30), for women (6404.19.52.60), and a residual category for "other" (6404.19.52.90) which would encompass footwear not specifically identified as for men or women, such as unisex designs or children's footwear not falling under a more specific provision. This granular division facilitates more precise statistical tracking and tariff application.