9902.13.97 - 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, covering the ankle, valued over $26/pr; where such protection is imparted by the use of a laminated textile fabric, such footwear with openings in the bottom and/or side of the sole, or covered openings in the upper above the sole unit, or a combination thereof, designed to vent moisture (provided for in subheading 6402.91.42)

This HTS category, 9902.13.97, classifies specific protective active footwear for women. The defining characteristics include outer soles and uppers made from rubber or plastics. Crucially, it excludes footwear with fully waterproof molded bottoms or those designed for cold weather protection through insulation. The height from the bottom of the outer sole to the top of the upper must not exceed 15.34 cm, and the footwear must cover the ankle. Furthermore, the item must be valued over $26 per pair, and the protective element is derived from a laminated textile fabric. The footwear is also distinguished by the presence of openings in the sole or upper for moisture venting.

This specialized classification is distinct from broader footwear categories within the HTS. Unlike general categories for rubber or plastic footwear (such as those found in Chapter 64), this provision applies only to women's active footwear that meets stringent criteria regarding protection, construction, height, value, and venting features. The inclusion of "protective active footwear" signals a focus on performance and specific protective capabilities beyond basic footwear, and the reference to "designed to vent moisture" highlights a particular functional aspect.

As a leaf node within the HTS database, 9902.13.97 does not have further subdivisions. Therefore, classification within this code relies entirely on meticulously applying all the descriptive criteria outlined in its heading. Importers must confirm the presence of the laminated textile fabric for protection, the specific height and ankle coverage, the venting mechanisms, and the value threshold to ensure accurate classification. The reference to subheading 6402.91.42 within the description serves as an indicator of its origin or a related, albeit excluded, classification.