Adidas Faces Mexican Accusations of Huarache Design Theft

Mexican officials have accused global sportswear brand Adidas of appropriating the design of a traditional Indigenous sandal known as the huarache, crafted by artisans in the southern state of Oaxaca. The controversy centers on Adidas’ “Oaxaca Slip-On” model, a sandal created by U.S. designer Willy Chavarría for Adidas Originals. The design features thin, braided leather straps and a chunky sole, drawing strong comparisons to the traditional huaraches made by Indigenous Zapotec communities in the Oaxacan town of Villa Hidalgo de Yalálag [1].

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that Adidas is in talks with Oaxacan authorities to provide compensation to the affected artisans. Sheinbaum stated that her government is also exploring legal reforms to better protect Mexican handicrafts from unauthorized reproduction [1]. The issue has been described as part of a broader pattern in which international brands allegedly profit from Indigenous cultural expressions without offering recognition or financial compensation [3].

According to local officials, the huaraches are more than just footwear—they represent a cultural heritage passed down through generations. The sandals are a vital economic resource in Oaxaca, supporting thousands of artisans and contributing significantly to the state’s GDP. Viridiana Jarquín García, a huaraches creator and vendor in Oaxaca, criticized the Adidas design as a “cheap copy” and expressed concern over the erosion of traditional craftsmanship [1].

Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz has demanded that Adidas withdraw the “Oaxaca Slip-On” and issue a public apology. In a formal letter to Adidas leadership, Jara Cruz argued that the company cannot justify the use of cultural expressions under the guise of “creative inspiration.” He emphasized that culture is not a commodity to be exploited [1].

In response, Adidas issued a public statement acknowledging the criticisms and expressing its respect for the cultural heritage of Mexico’s Indigenous people. The company has requested a dialogue with local officials to discuss ways to address the concerns raised and repair the damage to the affected communities [1]. This comes amid ongoing efforts by the Mexican government to safeguard traditional designs from international brands, including prior actions against companies like Zara and Anthropologie [5].

The case has reignited discussions about the ethics of cultural appropriation in the global fashion industry. While some argue that brands are inspired by traditional designs to honor cultural heritage, others insist that true collaboration and compensation are necessary to ensure that the original creators are recognized and fairly represented [4].

The Oaxaca government is expected to play a key role in resolving the dispute. If found to have violated intellectual property norms, Adidas could be required to modify the design, provide financial compensation, or issue a public acknowledgment of the cultural theft. The outcome may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future [6].

The controversy highlights the tension between global market interests and the preservation of cultural heritage. For Mexico, it is not only a matter of justice for individual artisans but also a broader statement about the ownership and value of traditional designs in the modern economy [3].

Sources:

[1] Fortune — https://fortune.com/2025/08/08/adidas-stole-sandal-design-mexico-huaraches/

[3] RegeneraciónMX — https://regeneracion.mx/the-peoples-mananera-morning-presidential-press-conference-friday-august-8-2025/

[4] Yahoo.com — https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/mexican-authorities-accuse-adidas-cultural-170942450.html

[5] KFGo — https://kfgo.com/2025/08/08/mexico-wants-adidas-to-pay-up-after-mexican-american-designer-launches-indigenous-inspired-shoe/

[6] Cadillac News — https://www.cadillacnews.com/ap/national/ap-strange-summarybrief-at-5-50-p-m-edt/article_55a1f7c6-5dfa-5a0b-b9f2-73c68f3a0354.html