Oaxaca Slip-On: Adidas Sued for Plagiarism

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The government of Oaxaca, led by Governor Salomón Jara Cruz, announced that it will take legal action against the multinational corporation Adidas for allegedly plagiarizing a traditional huarache design originating from the indigenous community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, as well as for misusing the state’s name on one of its new products.

During his morning press conference, the state governor publicly denounced the fact that Adidas had introduced a footwear model called “Oaxaca Slip-On” internationally, developed in collaboration with Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarría, without requesting authorization or acknowledging the community that created the original design.

“We will support the Oaxacan artisans of the Villa Hidalgo Yalalag community to defend them against this new theft of cultural identity,” Jara stated, noting that the model represents a misappropriation of indigenous collective heritage.

The design of the sneakers, which was officially launched at the Puerto Rico Museum of Art, combines the characteristic cross-weave of huaraches with a sneaker-style sole. Although aesthetically it represents a contemporary reinterpretation, the Oaxacan government asserts that this represents an unauthorized use of a cultural expression with deep roots in the state’s Sierra Norte.

In addition to the design, the state government accuses Adidas of using the name “Oaxaca” on a commercial product without the consent of the corresponding authorities, which could also constitute a legal violation.