US EditionMexico wants Adidas to pay up after Mexican-American designer launches Indigenous-inspired shoe
MEXICO, AUG 9 – Mexico demands Adidas compensate Indigenous artisans after the unauthorized use of Zapotec huarache designs in the Oaxaca Slip-On sandal, highlighting new legal protections for cultural heritage.
- Mexican authorities accused Adidas on August 9, 2025, of plagiarizing Indigenous artisans by releasing the Oaxaca Slip-On sandal inspired by traditional huaraches.
- The controversy arose after Adidas and designer Willy Chavarría presented the sandal, incorporating Zapotec cultural elements from Villa Hidalgo de Yalalag without clear community authorization.
- Oaxaca officials demanded Adidas withdraw the shoe, issued a public apology, and described the design as cultural appropriation potentially violating Mexican law.
- Governor Salomón Jara Cruz stated, 'Culture isn't sold, it's respected,' while President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed Adidas is negotiating compensation and the government is preparing legal reforms to protect handicraft artisans.
- The case highlights ongoing efforts by Mexico to curb unauthorized use of Indigenous designs, important for the handicraft economy that supports half a million people and 10% of several states' GDP.
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The sporting goods manufacturer Adidas is accused of acquiring a traditional design of indigenous Mexicans for a sandal. According to a media report, the company is now ready to talk.
·Germany
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Mexican artisans are demanding compensation for Adidas designer Willy Chavarría's new sandals, claiming they copied protected intellectual property. Negotiations are underway, and Adidas and Chavarría have already apologized for cultural appropriation.
The Mexican authorities denounce a "cultural appropriation" after the release of the model called "Oaxaca Slip-On."
·Paris, France
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Total News Sources183
Leaning Left24Leaning Right21Center49Last UpdatedBias Distribution52% Center
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources are Center
52% Center
L 26%
C 52%
R 22%
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