German sportswear brand Adidas has apologized for its ‘Oaxaca Slip-On’ sneaker design, which sparked accusations of cultural appropriation in Mexico. The shoe’s Indigenous-inspired elements were deemed offensive, leading to criticism from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Indigenous rights advocates. The controversy highlights growing public awareness and sensitivity around the use of cultural symbols in global fashion.
Adidas, which has a long-standing presence in Mexico, has now issued a public apology acknowledging the harm caused by the design. The company has stated that it is reviewing its processes for cultural representation in product development. The incident has raised questions about the responsibility of multinational corporations to respect and engage with the cultures of the regions they operate in.
President Sheinbaum, known for her progressive policies, has been vocal in supporting Indigenous rights and environmental sustainability. Her criticism of Adidas adds weight to the controversy, as she represents a government that has been actively working to protect Mexico’s cultural heritage. The backlash has also prompted internal discussions within Adidas about how to better incorporate cultural narratives in their brand messaging without exploiting or misrepresenting them.