Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Adidas Faces Backlash in Mexico Over Sandal Design
Imagine Adidas made shoes that looked exactly like shoes that people in a specific part of Mexico have made for a long time.
The people in Mexico are not happy because Adidas didn't ask them if they could copy the design.
They think it's wrong for a big company to take something from their culture without permission.
The leaders of the area are upset and want Adidas to stop selling the shoes and make up for what they did.
It's part of a bigger problem where companies are accused of using designs from different cultures without permission, which is against the law in Mexico.
Adidas faces accusations of cultural appropriation over a sandal design.
The design, a collaboration with Willy Chavarria, resembles traditional huaraches from Oaxaca, Mexico.
Oaxaca officials, including the governor, have condemned the design and threatened legal action.
The Ministry of Cultures and Arts demands Adidas halt sales and seek restitution.
This is part of a larger trend of fashion brands facing similar accusations in Mexico.
- Who
- Adidas, designer Willy Chavarria, and Oaxaca officials are involved.
- What
- Adidas is accused of cultural appropriation for a sandal design.
- When
- The controversy began recently with the unveiling of the design.
- Where
- The controversy is centered in Oaxaca, Mexico.
- Why
- Adidas is accused of using a traditional Indigenous design without permission.
- Product
- Oaxaca Slip-On
- Designer
- Willy Chavarria
- Location of Original Design
- Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Accusation
- Cultural appropriation
- Demands
- Halt sales, acknowledge origins, seek restitution
- Legal Action
- Possible