Adidas has issued a public apology after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum accused the sportswear giant of replicating traditional Indigenous huarache sandals without crediting artisans.

The controversy centres on the “Oaxaca slip-on,” a shoe launched five days ago in collaboration with Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria. The design features a black sneaker sole topped with the leather weave typical of huarache sandals from Villa Hidalgo Yalálag in Oaxaca.

In a statement, Adidas acknowledged the design’s origins and pledged to work with the Yalálag community “in a respectful dialogue that honours their cultural legacy.” Chavarria also apologised, saying the shoe was not developed in “direct and meaningful partnership” with the community.

Sheinbaum said her administration is exploring legal avenues to protect Indigenous communities from the unauthorised use of their designs.

Oaxaca state officials had earlier condemned the Adidas release, which comes amid heightened scrutiny of global fashion brands following similar cultural appropriation controversies, including a recent Prada incident in India.