Color theory isn’t the only thing designers use to come up with color combos. They also find inspiration in pop culture, like movies, TV shows, or video games. Recently, Nike released a pair of mismatched sneakers inspired by the movie Space Jam: A New Legacy. The sneakers match the colors of Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner.
People also have personal color preferences that reflect their backgrounds and where they live. For instance, in the U.S. Southwest, people tend to prefer clothes in warm colors because it’s often hot there. But those who live in colder climates, like in Scandinavia, often prefer cool colors.
People also tend to get a little more wild with their sneakers than their other clothes. That’s because they’re on your feet. Shoes aren’t the focus of an outfit—they’re usually meant to add a pop of color. So “people are motivated to be more daring with their sneaker choices and step outside their comfort zone,” says Hernandez.