Adidas expresses regret over shoes that mimicked Oaxacan huarache sandals

After President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the sportswear brand for a sandal that mimicked the traditional indigenous footwear of an Oaxacan community without acknowledging the design or crediting the artisans, Adidas issued a formal apology.

The error occurs soon after Prada drew considerable criticism in India for showcasing a sandal that mimicked Kolhapuri slippers at its Milan fashion show, underscoring the increasing examination that multinational brands are undergoing regarding the sources 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 honors its cultural heritage.

The Oaxaca model, launched five days ago by Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarría with Adidas, features a black sneaker sole topped with the leather weave typical of Mexican huarache sandals.