British tabloid the Daily Mirror put Adidas on blast this week, publishing an investigation into one of the German sportswear brand's contract factories in China where its popular Adidas Yeezy Boost sneakers are made. The Mirror piece compares retail prices of the shoes with the wages of those who make them and features photos from inside the factory.
In a statement provided to Sole Collector, Adidas says it is dedicated to working with manufacturers who are fair and honest.
"We have strict procedures in place to ensure that the individuals employed to make Adidas products are paid and treated fairly," a spokesperson said. "We also seek business partners who progressively raise employee living standards through improved wage systems, benefits, welfare programs and other services, which enhance quality of life."
Adidas says the factories that produce its sneakers and apparel are subject to audits by third party entities and the company's own compliance team.
The brand confirmed with Sole Collector that shoes from Kanye West's Yeezy Boost line are made by factories Apache and Ching Luh in the Guangdong and Fujian regions, respectively. Adidas argues that average monthly take-home wages for workers at these factories are well-above monthly minimum wages in the region, saying that Apache workers earn an average of 2,817 RMB ($409 USD) vs. Guangdong's monthly minimum wage of 1,210 RMB ($175 USD) and that Ching Luh workers earn an average of 3,059 RMB ($444 USD) vs. Fujian's monthly minimum wage of 1,350 RMB ($196 USD).
The Mirror's report was aided by New York-based nonprofit China Labor Watch, which polices conditions in factories.
Adidas has more detailed info about its factory conditions on its corporate website here.
