Archive · 11 Aug 2025
Adidas Apologizes Over 'Oaxaca Slip-on' Shoe Controversy
A shoe designer at Adidas made a shoe called the 'Oaxaca Slip-on' that looked a lot like traditional sandals made by people in Mexico.
People in Mexico were upset because they felt Adidas was copying their culture without permission.
Mexico's government complained, too.
This is part of a bigger problem where fashion companies sometimes take ideas from other cultures without respecting or paying the original creators.
It brings up the question of who owns these designs and how we can protect them.
Adidas designer apologized for the 'Oaxaca Slip-on,' which resembles Indigenous sandals.
Mexico's Ministry of Culture formally condemned the shoe's design.
The controversy highlights increasing criticism of cultural appropriation by fashion brands.
Adidas faces scrutiny regarding its ethical design and sourcing.
The incident raises issues about intellectual property rights for Indigenous communities.
- Who
- An Adidas designer, Indigenous artisans, and Mexico's Ministry of Culture.
- What
- Adidas designer apologized for the design of the 'Oaxaca Slip-on' shoe.
- When
- Not explicitly mentioned in the provided article.
- Where
- Mexico and internationally, regarding the fashion industry.
- Why
- The design of the 'Oaxaca Slip-on' shoe was criticized for cultural appropriation.
Indigenous communities and their supporters
Fashion brands and designers
Intellectual Property Rights
Indigenous communities and their supporters
Traditional cultural designs should be protected, and the designers should be compensated.
Fashion brands and designers
The incident raises questions about whether intellectual property laws and practices adequately safeguard cultural heritage.
- Company
- Adidas
- Product
- 'Oaxaca Slip-on' shoe
- Issue
- Cultural appropriation
- Location of Criticism
- Mexico
- Response
- Apology from Adidas designer