US EditionAdidas visits Indigenous Mexican town to apologize for sandal design
Adidas acknowledged discomfort caused by its 'Oaxaca Slip On' design and pledged future collaboration with Villa Hidalgo Yalalag to respect Indigenous cultural heritage and crafts.
- Adidas executives visited Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, Oaxaca, on August 21, 2025, to apologize for the 'Oaxaca Slip-On' shoe criticized as cultural appropriation.
- The visit followed a dispute mediated by the Mexican government after the shoe, designed by Mexican-American Willy Chavarria, resembled local traditional huarache sandals.
- At an outdoor event with Indigenous attire and traditional music, Adidas’s legal head Karen Gonzalez expressed regret, acknowledged discomfort caused, and announced future collaboration to respect cultural heritage.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized Adidas earlier this month and pledged to enforce heritage laws, stating, 'The heritage law must be complied with,' to protect Indigenous communities.
- The apology was accepted by Oaxaca’s Ministry of Culture as historic recognition, and Adidas’s commitment suggests stronger future corporate respect for Indigenous designs in Mexico.
39 Articles
39 Articles
Following criticism of a sandal design, sporting goods manufacturer Adidas has publicly requested forgiveness from indigenous representatives in South Mexico.
The "Oaxaca Slip-On", now removed from the sales platforms, were inspired by the "Huarach" sandals made in the town of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag.
Because of a shoe design Adidas cultural appropriation is accused. At a meeting with dance and music there is now a reconciliation in South Mexico. The sporting goods manufacturer promises a cooperation.
Tagesschau
manager magazinAfter intense criticism of the design of a sneaker sandal, Adidas has apologized to indigenous representatives in southern Mexico. Native Americans also participated in the event with music and dance in traditional clothing.[more]]>
Adidas executives visited the Mexican village of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag to apologize to the indigenous population. The German sportswear brand had launched a sandal that residents claimed was a copy of a traditional sandal from the region. The sandal in question is the huarache, a hand-woven sandal made in Mexico for generations. Residents say the Adidas Oaxaca Slip-On is very similar. The Mexican government had labeled the sandal as cultural app…
The German company Adidas has made public apologies to an indigenous community in Mexico after using traditional sandals made by local artisans as inspiration for a new model. (ANSA)
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