Adidas Extends Public Apology for Cultural Appropriation of Mexican Footwear Designs
Paris, France – August 22, 2025 – Global sportswear giant Adidas has issued a public apology following widespread criticism concerning the alleged copying of traditional Mexican footwear designs. The company stated its regret for any offense caused by the unauthorized use of cultural heritage in its recent product releases.
The controversy first surfaced when several Mexican designers and cultural organizations highlighted striking similarities between Adidas’s new collection and iconic traditional Mexican shoes, such as huaraches and embroidered chongas. These handcrafted styles are deeply rooted in the cultural identity and artisanal traditions of various indigenous communities across Mexico.
In its statement, Adidas acknowledged that the designs in question were indeed inspired by and closely resembled these cherished traditional pieces. The company expressed sincere apologies to the Mexican people, artisans, and communities whose cultural patrimony may have been disrespected. Adidas emphasized its commitment to cultural appreciation and responsible design practices, stating that the intention was not to exploit or devalue these important cultural symbols.
Adidas has further announced its intention to review its internal design and sourcing processes to ensure greater sensitivity and respect for cultural heritage in future collections. The company is reportedly engaging with relevant stakeholders to better understand and uphold the significance of traditional craftsmanship and intellectual property within diverse cultures.
This incident underscores the growing global awareness and sensitivity surrounding cultural appropriation in the fashion industry. As brands continue to draw inspiration from different cultures, there is an increasing expectation for them to do so ethically, with proper attribution, collaboration, and respect for the communities from which the inspiration originates. Adidas’s public apology and commitment to internal review signal a step towards addressing these concerns and fostering a more responsible approach to cultural inspiration in fashion.
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FranceInfo Mode published ‘Adidas présente publiquement ses excuses pour avoir copié des modèles de chaussures traditionnelles mexicaines’ at 2025-08-22 10:02. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.