3 Steps Adidas Takes to Honor Mexican Heritage Design
Adidas, one of the world’s most influential sportswear brands, recently found itself at the center of a cultural controversy involving a sandal design accused of copying traditional Mexican footwear. The design, known as the Oaxaca Slip On, was created by Mexican-American fashion designer Willy Chavarria. While the shoe’s braided leather straps drew inspiration from artisanal craftsmanship, critics claimed it bore a striking resemblance to the huaraches — an iconic shoe made by the Zapotec Indigenous community of Oaxaca, particularly in Villa Hidalgo Yalalag.
What followed was a wave of accusations, public outcry, and, ultimately, apologies from both Adidas and Chavarria. The incident has now evolved into a powerful case study in how global brands can respond to cultural appropriation claims. Here’s an in-depth look at the 3 Steps Adidas Takes to Honor Mexican heritage while addressing community concerns.
Step 1: Publicly Acknowledging the Issue
The first of the 3 Steps Adidas Takes to Honor Mexican heritage is public recognition of the mistake. Adidas wasted no time in addressing the backlash after Mexican authorities and artisans accused the brand of “cultural appropriation.” The criticism focused on the striking similarities between the Oaxaca Slip On’s braided leather design and the traditional huaraches handcrafted by Indigenous Zapotec shoemakers.
For generations, huaraches have been a symbol of Oaxacan culture, blending artistry, practicality, and deep cultural meaning. Replicating their intricate braids without direct involvement from the community not only sparked outrage but also reignited a broader debate about how major corporations often profit from cultural designs without giving credit or fair compensation.
Acknowledging this, Adidas released a statement reaffirming its respect for Mexico’s Indigenous heritage. The company emphasized that it recognized the “cultural richness of Mexico’s Indigenous communities and the meaning of their artisanal heritage.” This public statement was a crucial first step in the 3 Steps Adidas Takes to Honor Mexican culture, as it shifted the narrative from silence to open dialogue.
Step 2: Apologizing and Initiating Collaboration
The second of the 3 Steps Adidas Takes to Honor Mexican culture is issuing a sincere apology and pursuing genuine partnerships. Both Adidas and Willy Chavarria addressed the controversy with direct apologies.
Chavarria, known for blending Chicano culture with American streetwear influences, admitted in his statement to The Associated Press that his design fell short of the respect owed to the Oaxacan community. His words were heartfelt:
“I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community. This falls short of the respect and collaborative approach that Oaxaca, the Zapotec community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, and its people deserve.”
This personal acknowledgment was significant because it came from a designer who himself has celebrated Mexican culture in his previous collections. Chavarria’s work often explores Chicano identity, incorporating elements such as the Mexican flag, cowboy hats reminiscent of northern Mexican traditions, and sweaters emblazoned with the word “Chicano” in bold, scripted font.
Adidas followed up with a commitment to meet directly with Oaxacan officials and community leaders. In a formal letter to the Oaxacan state, the company requested dialogue aimed at “repairing the damage” and building a respectful relationship. This approach underscored that one of the 3 Steps Adidas Takes to Honor Mexican culture is not just about apologizing — it’s about creating actionable pathways toward collaboration.
Step 3: Committing to Cultural Respect in Future Designs
The third of the 3 Steps Adidas Takes to Honor Mexican heritage is integrating cultural respect into the design process going forward. Adidas stated that it was reaffirming its commitment to collaborate with the Yalalag community in a “respectful dialogue that honors their cultural legacy.”
This step involves more than repairing a single incident — it’s about embedding respect for artisanal traditions into the brand’s long-term strategy. In doing so, Adidas can move from being a company accused of appropriation to becoming a partner in preserving cultural heritage.
By pledging to work directly with the communities whose designs inspire them, Adidas sets a precedent for other global brands. The inclusion of artisans in the creative process ensures that cultural products are represented authentically, and that the communities benefit economically from their heritage being showcased on the global stage.
This third step is arguably the most important because it transforms a reactive apology into proactive protection of culture. It signals a shift from exploitation to empowerment — a principle that could redefine the relationship between big brands and traditional artisans.
Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation
The controversy highlights the fine line between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of a culture are used without permission, respect, or benefit to the originating community. In contrast, cultural appreciation involves collaboration, consent, and mutual benefit.
The 3 Steps Adidas Takes to Honor Mexican culture are a strong example of how brands can recover from missteps by pivoting toward appreciation. Public acknowledgment, sincere apologies, and collaborative design are the pillars of this process.
Why This Matters for the Fashion Industry
The fashion world has a long history of drawing inspiration from Indigenous designs without giving proper credit or compensation. From Native American beadwork to African prints, countless communities have seen their cultural heritage commodified.
The Adidas and Chavarria case shows that public accountability is growing stronger. With social media amplifying the voices of artisans and activists, brands can no longer operate in a cultural vacuum. Every misstep can quickly become a global headline.
By embracing the 3 Steps Adidas Takes to Honor Mexican heritage, Adidas demonstrates that brands can turn controversy into an opportunity for cultural respect and creative growth.
The Road Ahead
Adidas and Willy Chavarria now have the chance to set a new industry standard. The company’s willingness to meet with Oaxacan officials, acknowledge its missteps, and work toward respectful collaboration is a promising start.
If Adidas follows through with these commitments, the Oaxaca Slip On controversy could become a turning point — not just for the brand, but for the entire fashion industry.
The lesson is clear: authentic cultural representation requires partnership, respect, and fair recognition. By taking these three steps, Adidas shows that even in the face of criticism, it’s possible to create a future where global fashion celebrates, rather than exploits, the richness of cultural traditions.
Final Thought:
The 3 Steps Adidas Takes to Honor Mexican heritage may have been prompted by a mistake, but they hold the power to inspire meaningful change. By combining acknowledgment, apology, and proactive collaboration, Adidas is moving toward a model where cultural inspiration is met with cultural integrity — a model the entire fashion world would do well to follow.