The sandal was created by U.S. designer Willy Chavarría for Adidas Originals. Its thin leather, braided straps bare an uncanny resemblance to the Mexican huaraches, but instead of flat leather soles, the Adidas version has a chunkier, sporty sole.

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.

Adidas has apologised after Mexico accused it of cultural appropriation by releasing a sandal based on a style made by indigenous people.