Mexican government and artisans challenge Adidas on cultural appropriation

Traditional Indigenous sandal are pictured in a workshop as Juan Aquino makes a sandal in Villa Hidalgo Yalalag while the Mexican government stepped in on Friday to mediate a dispute between Indigenous artisans from Oaxaca and Adidas over cultural appropriation claims involving the “Oaxaca Slip On” shoe, designed by Willy Chavarria, in Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, Oaxaca, Mexico, August 9, 2025. REUTERS/Jorge Luis Plata