Shoe manufacturer Adidas has collaborated with designer Willy Chavarría to create a sandal inspired by indigenous footwear, and the Mexican Minister of Culture has announced plans to file a lawsuit against them.
The government of the Mexican state of Oaxaca has said it will be filing a legal complaint against Adidas and Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarría, alleging the unauthorized use of the name “Oaxaca” and of traditional huarache designs in the brand’s new “Oaxaca Slip-On” sandal. The model was unveiled during an Adidas Originals event in Puerto Rico, marking five years of collaboration with musician Bad Bunny.
👀#Adidas lanza "#Oaxaca Slip On" una réplica de los huaraches tradicionales de Yalalag, sin autorización ni reconocimiento de la comunidad
— Oaxaca Político (@OaxacaPolitico) August 6, 2025
El gobernador Salomón Jara condenó el hecho y anunció que, junto con la comunidad indígena, interpondrán denuncia por apropiación cultural. pic.twitter.com/4LZdGGQmEH
Governor Salomón Jara Cruz says that the creators have not obtained consent from the community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalág, whose hand-woven leather footwear inspired the design, and has criticized the use of the state’s name for commercial purposes. The Ministry of Culture of Oaxaca says the use of cultural elements for commercial purposes without the consent of indigenous peoples is “a violation of our collective rights” and urges Adidas to halt sales and start a process of dialogue and reparation with the Yalalág community.
Adidas had not commented publicly at the time of reporting. Similar accusations of cultural appropriation have been brought in Mexico against such brands as Zara, Carolina Herrera, Shein and Ralph Lauren.
