The sportswear firm Adidas and Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarría have apologized after a Mexican state accused them of cultural appropriation over the design of a new shoe.

The “Oaxaca Slip-On,” billed as a collaboration between Chavarría and Adidas Originals, featured a woven leather surface, open heel and thick rubber sole.

Officials in the Mexican state of Oaxaca accused Adidas last week of copying the “huarache” handmade sandal from the Oaxacan community of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag.

Adidas and Chavarría have since acknowledged that it was inspired by a design from that state and have issued formal apologies over it.

“We offer a public apology and reaffirm our commitment to collaborate with Yalálag in a respectful dialogue that honors their cultural legacy,” Adidas said in a

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