CLOTHING giant Adidas is being sued by Mexico for allegedly ripping off an indigenous sandal design.

The case, in which Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum accuses the German transnational of cultural appropriation, centres on the “Oaxaca slip-on,” a sandal designed by US cobbler Willy Chavarria for Adidas Originals which Oaxaca state says is anything but original.

The sandals feature thin leather straps braided in a style similar to the traditional Mexican huaraches.

Mexican authorities say the sandal incorporates elements which are part of the cultural heritage of the Zapotec indigenous communities in Oaxaca, whose authorities are already in talks with the company about what Ms Sheinbaum called “compensation for the people who were plagiarised.”

Mexico says it is preparing legal reforms to prevent the copying of Mexican handicrafts.

Adidas said it “deeply values the cultural wealth of Mexico’s indigenous people and recognises the relevance” of the complaint. The company has agreed to talks.