Adidas has found itself at the centre of a cultural appropriation controversy in Mexico, with state officials in Oaxaca accusing the sportswear giant of copying a traditional Indigenous sandal design for its latest collaboration with American designer Willy Chavarria.
The product in question, the Oaxaca Slip-On, is part of Adidas Originals’ new line with Chavarria, who is of Mexican descent. Featuring a woven leather upper, open heel, and thick rubber sole, the slip-on bears a strong resemblance to huaraches, a traditional handmade sandal deeply rooted in the Indigenous communities of southern Mexico, particularly the town of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz condemned the design at a press conference earlier this week, calling it a “reinterpreted huarache model” specific to the region. He accused both Chavarria and Adidas of using the Yalalag design without permission or attribution and warned of possible legal action. “This is not just a design, it is about the culture, history and identity of an original people, and we will not allow it to be treated as merchandise,” Jara said in a video statement.
Calls for withdrawal and restitution
Oaxaca’s Ministry of Cultures and Arts has issued a formal statement denouncing the commercial use of the design without community consent, calling it “a violation of our collective rights.” The ministry is demanding Adidas halt sales, acknowledge the design’s origins, and begin a process of dialogue and restitution with the Yalalag community.
Isaias Carranza, an Indigenous Zapotec legislator from Oaxaca, also criticised the brand on social media, accusing Adidas and Chavarria of appropriating a unique Yalalag design.
Part of a broader crackdown
This dispute is the latest in a series of high-profile clashes between Mexican authorities and global fashion brands over unauthorised use of Indigenous cultural expressions. In recent years, Zara, Shein, and Carolina Herrera have faced similar allegations. Mexico has since introduced laws imposing fines and even prison sentences for misappropriating Indigenous designs without permission.
The Oaxaca Slip-On has yet to be released to the public, but images circulating online have already fuelled debate. As of now, Adidas has not issued a public statement on the matter.