Footwear; outer soles of leather or composition leather, uppers of textile materials

HS code 640420 covers a significant segment of the global footwear industry, encompassing shoes with outer soles of leather or composition leather and uppers of textile materials. This category includes a wide range of casual, athletic, and fashion-oriented footwear that is in high demand across both developed and emerging markets. The production and trade of these textile-upper leather-soled shoes play a crucial role in the international trade of consumer goods and the broader textile and leather industries.

The production of footwear under HS code 640420 typically involves a multi-step process. Key steps include cutting the textile upper materials to size, attaching the leather or composition leather soles, and assembling the various components through stitching, gluing, or other joining methods. Automated machinery is often used for efficiency, while skilled labor is required for intricate design elements and quality control.

The main inputs for the 640420 footwear industry include textile fabrics, such as cotton, synthetic blends, or specialized performance materials, as well as leather or composition leather for the outer soles. Additionally, manufacturers require adhesives, thread, and other assembly components, as well as specialized equipment like cutting machines, stitching machines, and last-forming tools.

Footwear classified under HS code 640420 is primarily consumed by 640399 Footwear; other, with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of textile materials, 640419 Footwear; other, with outer soles of rubber, plastics, leather or composition leather and uppers of leather, and 640520 Footwear; with outer soles of leather or composition leather and uppers of textile materials. These textile-upper leather-soled shoes are popular among consumers seeking comfortable, stylish, and versatile footwear options for a wide range of activities and occasions.