Mexican authorities have accused Adidas of plagiarism, claiming that the new sandal design resembles traditional indigenous footwear known as guaraches, which are made by artisans in southern Mexico. The brand is now being accused of cultural appropriation, which is when someone takes and uses another culture’s stuff without permission or respect, often for profit.
This is according to Reuters and the Associated Press.
The issue concerns the Oaxaca Slip-On sandal model, created by Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria. The sandals have thin leather straps woven in a style that clearly resembles traditional Mexican guaraches. Instead of flat leather soles, they have more substantial sports soles.
According to Mexican authorities, Adidas used elements belonging to the cultural heritage of one of Mexico’s indigenous peoples, the Zapotecs of Oaxaca state, in the design. Crafts are an essential part of Mexico’s economy, providing jobs for about half a million people across the country. In some states, including Oaxaca, Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guerrero, they account for about 10% of GDP.
The Oaxaca authorities called for the Oaxaca Slip-On to be withdrawn from sale and for a public apology, calling the design “cultural appropriation” that could violate Mexican law.
Adidas responded with a letter stating that it “deeply values the cultural wealth of Mexico’s indigenous peoples and recognizes the importance” of the criticism. The company offered to meet with local authorities to discuss how to “compensate for the damage” to indigenous communities.
On August 8, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Adidas was already in talks with the Oaxaca state government regarding “compensation for the people whose work was copied,” and that her government was preparing legislative changes to prevent the copying of Mexican crafts.