Mexican artisans and authorities say the intricate leather braids look strikingly similar to the traditional footwear known as huaraches made by the Zapotec Indigenous people in Oaxaca, produced mostly in the town of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag.

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.

Adidas and fashion designer Willy Chavarria have apologized after his collaboration with Adidas Originals was charged by authorities in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, the largest producer of Huaraches,