Adidas apologizes for controversial product

(Dan Tri) - Adidas was accused of cultural appropriation when it launched a shoe model that copied traditional Mexican huarache sandals, forcing the company to apologize and commit to cooperating to respect heritage.

Adidas recently apologized to the Oaxaca community (Mexico) after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke out against the company's launch of a shoe model that was accused of copying the design of huarache sandals (traditional Mexican sandals) without permission.

Previously, Oaxaca State Governor Salomon Jara Cruz sent a letter criticizing Adidas, asserting that “taking creative inspiration” cannot be a legitimate reason to exploit cultural values that carry community identity.

President Claudia Sheinbaum also said the Mexican government is considering legal measures to protect the rights of indigenous peoples against the commercial exploitation of traditional designs by big business.

Adidas' Oaxaca slip-on shoe has a design similar to huarache sandals (Photo: Especial).

The “Oaxaca slip-on” features a black sneaker sole combined with a signature woven leather, inspired by the huarache sandal - a type of sandal originating from the village of Villa Hidalgo, Oaxaca's long-standing heritage.

In response to the backlash, Adidas and Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria publicly apologized for copying the design and pledged to work with the Yalálag community “in a spirit of respectful dialogue, to honor their cultural heritage.” Chavarria admitted that the shoe “did not reflect the spirit of cooperation and respect for the indigenous community.”

The incident comes shortly after luxury brand Prada was embroiled in controversy in India last June. At Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026, Prada showcased a pair of open-toed leather sandals with woven straps that were almost identical to traditional Indian Kolhapuri sandals, causing outrage in the country.

Kolhapuri slippers, which date back to the 12th century, are considered an Indian cultural icon. Prada’s failure to acknowledge the design’s origins in the city of Kolhapur (Maharashtra, India) has led to accusations of cultural appropriation. In particular, the price of $844 per pair of Prada slippers is even more outrageous when compared to the original Kolhapuri slippers, which cost only about $12.

Under pressure, Mr. Lorenzo Bertelli - Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and son of Prada's owner - admitted to being inspired by Indian heritage and affirmed his willingness to cooperate with local artisans to honor traditional skills and values. Prada also said that the product is only a sketch and is not certain to be commercialized.

However, public reaction has been fierce. The association representing 3,000 Kolhapuri sandal makers has expressed disappointment that their efforts have not been properly recognized.

Sambhaji Chhatrapati, a member of the Kolhapur royal family, also believes that local heritage is being overlooked. However, some artisans in Kolhapur are more positive, saying that the appearance of Kolhapuri sandals on the international stage is also a form of recognition of traditional values.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/kinh-doanh/adidas-xin-loi-vi-san-pham-gay-tranh-cai-20250816204957490.htm