9902.13.96 - Protective active footwear for women, with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics (except footwear with waterproof molded bottoms, including bottoms comprising an outer sole and all or part of the upper and except footwear with insulation that provides protection against cold weather) whose height from the bottom of the outer sole to the top of the upper does not exceed 15.34 cm (provided for in subheading 6402.91.42), such footwear, if valued at $26/pr or higher, without openings in the sole or upper designed to vent moisture

This HTS category, 9902.13.96, specifically addresses protective active footwear designed for women. The defining characteristics include outer soles and uppers made from rubber or plastics. Crucially, this classification excludes footwear with waterproof molded bottoms, which encompass both the outer sole and any portion of the upper, as well as footwear offering insulation against cold weather. Additionally, the height of the footwear, measured from the bottom of the outer sole to the top of the upper, must not exceed 15.34 cm. A further qualifier is that these shoes must not have openings in the sole or upper designed to vent moisture, and must be valued at $26 per pair or higher.

Within the broader context of Chapter 99, which deals with temporary legislation and modifications, this specific subheading represents a specialized classification for these particular types of women's footwear. It is distinct from other potential classifications within Chapter 99 by its precise focus on protective features, material composition, gender-specific design, height limitations, and value. Its placement here signifies a temporary measure or a specific trade provision related to these goods, rather than a permanent classification under the main chapters of the HTS.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, classification under 9902.13.96 hinges entirely on meeting all the detailed criteria outlined in its description. Importers must carefully assess the physical construction, intended use, materials, dimensions, and the declared value of the footwear to ensure correct classification. This category aims to isolate these specific types of active footwear for particular tariff or trade program purposes, necessitating meticulous examination of each import shipment against these precise specifications.