Adidas and Willy Chavarria express regret over allegations of cultural misappropriation in their Oaxaca sandal design
In the realm of fashion, a controversy has arisen surrounding the Adidas Oaxaca Slip-On, a shoe inspired by traditional Mexican sandals known as huaraches. The Indigenous Zapotec community of Oaxaca, Mexico, particularly from artisans in Villa Hidalgo Yalalág, have claimed that Adidas used their traditional designs without permission or compensation, leading to accusations of cultural appropriation.
The Oaxaca state government, under Governor Salomón Jara Cruz, has threatened legal action against Adidas and designer Willy Chavarría for unauthorized use of the name "Oaxaca" and traditional huarache craftsmanship, describing it as "identity theft." The controversy has also drawn public condemnation by regional and national figures, including calls for restitution and legal reforms to protect collective Indigenous intellectual property.
Regarding legal actions, the state government is preparing to file complaints grounded in cultural appropriation and misuse of Indigenous intellectual property rights, emphasizing that Adidas and the designer failed to consult or seek consent from the Zapotec artisans whose designs inspired the shoe. The controversy has been ongoing since the shoe's release last week, with promotional images of the Oaxaca Slip-On being removed from official websites and social media accounts.
As for compensation, no formal agreements or compensatory arrangements have been reported as of mid-August 2025. Adidas has responded by expressing respect for Indigenous cultures and committing to dialogue regarding remedies, but specific details on compensation or support benefiting the Zapotec communities have not yet been announced.
Willy Chavarria, the designer of the Oaxaca Slip-On, apologized for the cultural appropriation and expressed a desire for a direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community. He stated that love is not just given - it is earned through action. Adidas recognizes and values the cultural richness of Mexico's Indigenous communities and the meaning of their artisanal heritage.
The Oaxaca Slip-On was not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community, according to its designer. The shoe was produced in China without consultation or credit to the Sierra Norte community of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag, where artisans handcraft huaraches.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum discussed the issue at her Friday news conference last week, stating that big companies often take products, ideas, and designs from Indigenous communities and that they are looking into the legal part to support them. Sheinbaum's statement echoes calls for restitution and legal reforms to protect collective Indigenous intellectual property, reflecting the economic importance of huarache handicrafts to Oaxaca’s local economy.
Discussions are continuing between Adidas and Oaxacan officials on compensation and next steps regarding the disputed footwear. The controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and valuing cultural heritage in the fashion industry and beyond.
[1] Oaxaca State Government Press Release, Aug. 10, 2025. [2] Mexico News Daily, Aug. 12, 2025. [3] El Universal, Aug. 14, 2025.
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