Thank goodness: Adidas designer has already apologized for copying Oaxaca's huaraches.

Bavaria Oaxaqueña - The Adidas designer who presented the Oaxaca huaraches as if they were his own idea has already apologized.

Following the huge uproar caused by the German company's new footwear line—which essentially appropriated the huaraches from the Villa Hidalgo Yalalag community—William Chavarría, the brand's "designer," has now decided to apologize.

Mexico is threatening to sue Adidas for cultural appropriation over their new Willy Chavarria “Oaxaca Slip-On” 😳‼️

In a video posted on

— STAYGROUNDEAD TV (@staygroundeadtv) August 7, 2025

It doesn't take long to "design" some cowboy boots

“I deeply regret that this design has appropriated the name and was not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community,” said the Puerto Rican native, who is quick to head to Sinaloa to “discover” the tribal boots.

The shoes, called Adidas Oaxaca Slip On , were identical to the traditional sandals of the region, which is why even the state governor, Salomón Jara, came out to condemn the cultural appropriation, announcing that legal action would be taken against the blatant plagiarism of the company founded by Adi Dassler.

Following accusations of plagiarism, American designer Willy Chavarría acknowledged that the Adidas sandals represented cultural appropriation from the Villa Hidalgo Yalálag community and lamented the lack of respect for the Zapotec people.

➡️: https://t.co/KK6wPrLS6m 📷 Special pic.twitter.com/qGKNkTekO2

— REFORMA (@Reforma) August 9, 2025

Outrage grew even more when the shoe's launch price was revealed, which was vastly higher than what it costs in southern Mexico.

Willy's apology came in the form of a letter in which he also acknowledged that "the launch of the Adidas Oaxaca Slip On falls short of the respect and collaborative approach that the Zapotec community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag deserves." And well, let's see if they pull them from the market... or at least, pay them royalties.

And just in case you missed it: a group of influencers formed a union to demand that they be “taken seriously.”