Adidas and Designer Willy Chavarria Apologise Over Mexican-Inspired Shoe Criticism
Adidas Originals and U.S. fashion designer Willy Chavarria have issued public apologies after a shoe from their recent collaboration drew backlash for alleged cultural appropriation.
The footwear, called the Oaxaca Slip-On, was modelled after traditional huaraches — handcrafted leather sandals made for generations by Indigenous artisans in Oaxaca, Mexico. Critics, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, condemned the design for failing to credit or involve the communities that originated it.
Adding to the controversy, the shoes were reportedly manufactured in China without consultation with Oaxacan craftspeople.
“I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community,” Chavarria said in a statement to the BBC, stressing that his original intent was to celebrate the region’s cultural and artistic spirit. “This falls short of the respect and collaborative approach that Oaxaca and its people deserve.”
President Sheinbaum told reporters that large corporations “often take products, ideas and designs from Indigenous communities,” adding that her government was exploring legal avenues to provide support. Mexico’s deputy culture minister, Marina Núñez, confirmed that Adidas had reached out to discuss “restitution to the people who were plagiarised.”
In its own statement, Adidas acknowledged the design’s roots in Villa Hidalgo Yalálag, a Zapotec community in Oaxaca. The brand offered a “public apology” and pledged to engage in “respectful dialogue” with Yalálag to honour its cultural heritage. Promotional images of the shoes have since been removed from both Adidas and Chavarria’s social media accounts.
Chavarria, who previously served as senior vice president of design at Calvin Klein, said he recognised that “love is not just given – it is earned through action” and vowed to approach future projects with greater collaboration.
The Associated Press reported that Adidas has written to Mexican officials requesting a meeting to discuss how to repair the damage caused and support the Indigenous communities whose designs inspired the product.
