Adidas Visits Oaxaca Town to Apologize for Cultural Appropriation of Sandal Design

Adidas executives traveled to Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, Oaxaca, on August 21, 2025, to deliver a rare corporate apology. The visit followed weeks of backlash over the “Oaxaca Slip On,” a shoe designed by Mexican-American creative Willy Chavarría. The slip-on mirrored the traditional huarache sandals handmade by Zapotec artisans, sparking accusations of cultural appropriation and national outcry in Mexico.

The apology ceremony took place outdoors with local music and Indigenous attire, a symbolic attempt to honor the community whose craft inspired the disputed design. For Adidas, the moment marked an effort to move from controversy to accountability.

Adidas Apologizes for Oaxaca Slip On

At the ceremony, Adidas Mexico’s legal director Karen González admitted the brand’s error. She told the community, “We understand that this situation may have caused discomfort, for which we offer you a public apology.” Her words addressed the anger sparked by a global company releasing footwear that resembled local traditions without consent.

Adidas pledged to work with Indigenous artisans in future projects. They also confirmed the Oaxaca Slip On had been removed from its catalog. The company’s commitment, delivered in the presence of local leaders and cultural officials, signaled a shift toward more careful handling of heritage in design.

Local Leaders and Government Respond

Community members accepted the apology as an important acknowledgment. Villa Hidalgo Yalalag’s mayor, Eric Ignacio Fabián, thanked Adidas for following through, stressing that the town’s artisans depend on their craft to survive. “Yalalag lives off the crafts,” he reminded the audience, underscoring the stakes for local livelihoods.

The Ministry of Culture of Oaxaca also called the apology historic. For officials, it marked a rare recognition from a multinational brand that Indigenous knowledge and creativity deserve respect. Earlier in August, President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly criticized Adidas and pledged to enforce heritage protection laws. Her statement that “the heritage law must be complied with” framed the incident as part of a broader political effort to safeguard Indigenous rights.

Cultural Appropriation Debate Intensifies

Despite the apology, many artisans and observers remain skeptical. Local craftswoman Viridiana Jarquín García dismissed the slip-on as a “cheap copy”. She warned that imitations undermine generations of skill and artistry. Others pointed to the broader pattern of multinational brands exploiting Indigenous designs without proper credit or compensation.

Designer Willy Chavarría himself expressed regret, saying he was “deeply sorry” for failing to involve Oaxacan artisans directly. His comments highlighted a missed chance for collaboration that could have elevated local makers instead of sidelining them.

For Mexico, the controversy has reignited demands for legal reforms to protect Indigenous intellectual property. Authorities view Adidas’ apology as a step forward, but many argue that stronger laws and enforcement are essential to prevent repeat offenses. The incident has become part of a wider conversation about cultural respect, global fashion, and the rights of communities whose traditions inspire international trends.