Adidas has issued a public apology following accusations of cultural appropriation regarding its “Oaxaca Slip-On” sandal, designed by Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria. The shoe, featuring a modern sneaker sole combined with braided leather straps, closely resembles traditional huarache sandals handcrafted by the Zapotec Indigenous community in Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, Oaxaca. The design was produced without consultation or compensation for the artisans whose cultural heritage it draws upon. In response, Adidas executives visited Villa Hidalgo Yalalag to offer an in-person apology and committed to future collaborations with the community to respect and preserve its cultural heritage.
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about cultural appropriation in fashion. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the use of Indigenous designs without acknowledgment and announced plans to explore legal protections for such cultural expressions. This incident adds to a growing list of similar cases involving major brands, highlighting the need for greater sensitivity and respect for Indigenous cultures in global commerce. More