Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on August 11, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleAdidas apologizes for replicating Indigenous Mexican sandal design without credit, after criticism from Mexico's President. The issue underscores the scrutiny on multinational brands over design origins.
LONDON (Reuters) -Adidas has formally apologised after Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum criticised the sportswear brand over a shoe that replicated traditional Indigenous huarache sandals without attributing the design or crediting artisans.
The misstep comes shortly after Prada triggered a widespread backlash in India when its Milan fashion show debuted a sandal replicating Kolhapuri slippers, highlighting the increased scrutiny multinational brands face over the origin of their designs.
"The 'Oaxaca slip-on' was inspired by a design from Oaxaca, rooted in the tradition of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag," Adidas said in a statement.
"We offer a public apology and reaffirm our commitment to collaborate with Yalálag in a respectful dialogue that honours their cultural legacy."
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Friday that her administration is looking into legal ways of supporting Indigenous communities whose designs are taken by big companies, after Oaxaca officials criticised the Adidas shoe.
The Oaxaca slip-on, launched five days ago by Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria with Adidas, features a black sneaker sole topped with the leather weave typical of Mexico's huarache sandals.
Chavarria said on Saturday he was "deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community".
(Reporting by Helen Reid; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
Adidas apologized after criticism from Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum regarding a shoe that replicated traditional Indigenous huarache sandals.
The 'Oaxaca slip-on' was designed by Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria in collaboration with Adidas.
The design of the 'Oaxaca slip-on' is rooted in the tradition of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Indigenous community.
President Sheinbaum mentioned that her administration is exploring legal ways to support Indigenous communities whose designs are appropriated by large companies.
Willy Chavarria expressed his deep regret that the shoe was appropriated without a meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community.
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