Adidas executives have publicly apologized to a Mexican Indigenous community for appropriating elements of their culture in the design of the Oaxaca Slip-On shoe. The apology was made in person as part of a broader effort to address the cultural insensitivity of the product’s design. The Oaxaca Slip-On, which features traditional motifs and patterns, was initially criticized for misrepresenting Indigenous cultures and failing to credit the original creators.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the responsibility of global brands to ensure cultural sensitivity and proper representation when incorporating traditional designs. Adidas has since announced plans to collaborate directly with Indigenous artisans to ensure that future designs are created with their input and consent. This move comes as part of a growing trend in the fashion industry to address historical instances of cultural appropriation and to promote ethical practices.