Adidas & Willy Chavarria Apologize After Oaxaca-Inspired Sandal Sparks Backlash

Adidas and designer Willy Chavarría have apologized following backlash over their Oaxaca-inspired sandal, which critics say closely resembles the traditional huarache crafted by Zapotec artisans in Mexico. The design, released without collaboration with local communities, sparked accusations of cultural appropriation from Mexican officials, including President Claudia Sheinbaum and Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz. Both Adidas and Chavarría acknowledged the oversight and pledged to engage with artisans from Villa Hidalgo Yalálag. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between global fashion brands and Indigenous creators, as Mexico pushes for stronger protections of cultural heritage and fairer collaborations with traditional artisans.