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 domestic and international markets. The production and trade of these textile-upper leather-soled shoes play a crucial role in the broader textile and leather goods industries, contributing to economic growth and employment in many countries.

The production of footwear under HS code 640420 typically involves a multi-step process. The outer soles are first cut and shaped from leather or composition leather materials, while the uppers are cut and assembled from various textile fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, or blended textiles. These components are then joined together through a combination of stitching, gluing, and other specialized techniques to create the final shoe. Automated machinery and computer-aided design (CAD) software are often utilized to streamline the manufacturing process and ensure consistent quality.

The key inputs required for the production of HS code 640420 footwear include high-quality leather or composition leather for the outer soles, a variety of textile materials for the uppers, adhesives, thread, and specialized machinery such as cutting, stitching, and molding equipment. Additionally, skilled labor, design expertise, and access to efficient supply chains are essential for the successful manufacture and distribution of these textile-upper leather-soled shoes.

Footwear classified under HS code 640420 is primarily consumed by 640320 Footwear; outer soles of leather, uppers of textile materials and 640510 Footwear; with uppers of textile materials industries, as well as by individual consumers seeking comfortable, stylish, and durable footwear options. The versatility of these textile-upper leather-soled shoes allows them to be utilized in a wide range of applications, from casual everyday wear to specialized athletic and outdoor activities.