Adidas is under fire for allegedly copying traditional Indigenous Mexican footwear in its latest product drop. The sportswear giant is being accused by Mexican authorities of lifting the design of the “Oaxaca Slip-On” sandal directly from the iconic huarache, a handcrafted sandal that holds deep cultural and economic significance for Indigenous communities in southern Mexico.

The sandals, designed by American fashion designer Willy Chavarría for Adidas Originals, feature braided leather straps strikingly similar to those traditionally used by Zapotec artisans in the state of Oaxaca, especially in the town of Villa Hidalgo de Yalálag. The only apparent difference is the sole — Adidas added a chunky sports-style bottom instead of the flat leather used in authentic huaraches.

Officials say this isn’t the first time global fashion brands have shamelessly ripped off traditional Mexican craftsmanship. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the gravity of the issue. She confirmed that Adidas is currently in talks with Oaxaca officials to offer “compensation for the people who were plagiarized.” Her administration is also considering legal reforms to protect the country’s artisan communities from this kind of cultural theft in the future.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about sandals. Handicrafts in Mexico aren’t hobby projects; they are a key economic engine. They provide income to over 500,000 Mexicans and make up about 10% of the GDP in states like Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, and Jalisco. When multinational corporations like Adidas swoop in and monetize these designs without proper credit or compensation, they’re not just borrowing — they’re stealing livelihoods.

Artisan Viridiana Jarquín García, who hand-makes huaraches in Oaxaca City, didn’t mince words. “The artistry is being lost. We’re losing our tradition,” she told reporters as she stood next to her display of carefully crafted leather shoes. For her and thousands like her, this isn’t about profit — it’s about preserving identity, community, and a way of life.

Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz delivered a direct message to Adidas leadership in a public letter, saying that “creative inspiration” doesn’t give anyone license to hijack Indigenous culture. “Culture isn’t sold, it’s respected,” he stated firmly — a sentiment conservatives can agree with wholeheartedly. Cultural respect means honoring the creator, not just the creation.

To its credit — or perhaps as damage control — Adidas responded on Friday saying it “deeply values the cultural wealth of Mexico’s Indigenous people” and expressed willingness to engage with officials to find a way to “repair the damage.”