Exploring the Art and Craft of Footwear Color Design: A Conversation with Salomon Designer Myriam Cordoba

Growing up in Madrid, Spain, Myriam Cordoba always had a passion for creativity. Her journey to becoming a designer has been quite an adventure. Leaving Spain at a young age to chase her dream of building a creative career, she ended up in Paris, where she completed a master’s in visual communication and art direction. She explored various fields including architecture, product design, advertising, video games, and book illustration. Each step taught her something new and shaped her approach to design. Starting her career in the footwear industry at Adidas, she discovered her passion for CMF (Color, Material, Finish) Design. Now, blending all those experiences, she works as a CMF designer in the Alps, bringing a unique perspective to her role.

S: What initially drew you to the field of footwear color design?

Myriam Cordoba: It’s funny—I like to think the universe nudged me into CMF design! During my master’s, I worked on a project about the importance of color in design and its huge impact on consumers, especially in terms of accessibility. Without realizing it, color had always been central to my expression as a designer. The real turning point came when the head of color at Adidas stumbled across my project. She reached out, and we had a long coffee chat where she introduced me to the world of CMF design. Honestly, I had no clue what it was at the time, but I jumped at the opportunity—and it turned out to be my true passion. What I love most is how color can completely transform a product’s story. Through colors and materials, we can create infinite narratives that evolve with time and people’s mindsets. I find it fascinating that the same shoe can go from a sophisticated vibe to something rebellious and punk just by tweaking the palette or adding an unexpected detail. That’s the magic of color design!

S: How do you approach the balance between aesthetic appeal and functional performance when designing footwear colors?

MC: To me, it’s about finding harmony between form and function. Aesthetic appeal draws people in, but functionality keeps them coming back. I prioritize understanding the product’s purpose and the user’s needs, ensuring the colors not only enhance the design visually but also support its performance. Beyond that, I pay close attention to the aesthetic and cultural environments where the product will be used. Different contexts demand different approaches, and it’s important to design colors that feel authentic and relevant to the user’s lifestyle and surroundings. Understanding these environments allows me to create designs that truly resonate with the consumers' stories.

S: Can you walk us through your creative process when developing new color schemes for footwear?

MC: My creative process starts with deep research. I immerse myself in trend analysis, user insights, and cultural influences, always keeping in mind the aesthetic and functional environments where the product will be used. For me, it’s not just about following trends—it’s about understanding how colors can connect with people’s emotions and lifestyles. From there, I create mood boards to capture the essence of the story I want to tell. I explore palettes that align with the product’s purpose and the cultural or environmental context. It’s a process of constant exploration, ensuring that the final design is both impactful and meaningful to the user.

S: What factors do you consider when selecting materials for footwear, and how do these choices impact the overall design?

MC: Material choice is critical; it dictates texture, durability, and even how a color is perceived. I consider factors like wear resistance, environmental impact, and the intended use of the shoe. The right material not only elevates the aesthetic but ensures the design aligns with the brand’s values and performance goals. Some projects are so complex regarding durability and other technical aspects that creativity can be extremely narrow, but it’s all part of the challenge.

S: How do you stay informed about current trends in footwear color design within the industry?

MC: Staying curious is everything in my work—it’s what keeps ideas fresh and exciting. I also believe in the power of connections, whether that’s collaborating with colleagues, exploring trade shows, visiting museums, or just walking down the street and noticing how people dress. Inspiration is everywhere if you’re paying attention. Social media and cultural movements play a huge role for me too. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok give me a real-time look at evolving aesthetics, and I love how broader cultural shifts can spark ideas that I can bring into my designs. Honestly, I find inspiration in the most unexpected places—like a magazine ad, a piece of street art, or even the way colors come together in nature. I’m always collecting and curating visuals, whether it’s from magazines, books, the internet, or social media. Over time, this turns into a kind of personal archive that I pull from when designing. For me, it’s about staying open and letting inspiration flow from anywhere, not just traditional design sources.

S: How do you collaborate with other members of the design team, as well as with manufacturers, to bring your ideas to life?

MC: I love this question because, for me, a design is never one person’s baby—it’s the result of many souls putting in their effort, time, and energy to create something amazing. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and it’s a constant dialogue. With the design team, it starts by sharing ideas, bouncing concepts off each other, and building on everyone’s strengths. It’s about being open to feedback and seeing how different perspectives can elevate the initial vision.

S: What role do considerations such as durability, weight, and environmental sustainability play in your footwear color design process?

MC: Color plays a huge role in sustainability. Choosing the right shades can make all the difference—creating products that stay relevant and loved in someone’s rotation for years, which helps reduce the need for constant replacements. We’re also embracing new technologies, like waterless dyeing, to lower our environmental impact. It’s not just about making something look good; it’s about making thoughtful choices that align with a more sustainable future. Every decision we make in the design process is a chance to contribute in a meaningful way, and that’s something I’m really dedicated to. My team will say I’m very annoying with this topic, putting limits on the number of colors they can use per season, but it’s all for a good cause!

S: What has been your favorite project at Salomon and why?

MC: I’ve had many projects that I really enjoyed working on. The Ranra collaborations are some of my favorites because of the detailing and the freedom I had in color application. But my favorite project, not because it was technically difficult, but for the reaction around the table, was the first pack of Skyline colorways I did on the XT-6 for SS22. It was almost an act of sacrilege to use color in that way on the iconic XT-6. I remember how everyone looked at me like an alien. Now we do this kind of execution all the time, and my team is even more creative, but that first time showing them… hahaha.

S: Looking ahead, what innovations or trends do you anticipate shaping the future of footwear color design?

MC: Trends are becoming so much more fluid—it’s no longer about one-size-fits-all directions. Instead, it’s about what each of us wants to express and the stories we choose to narrate through our own aesthetic. Personalization and self-expression are shaping the future, and I think that shift is incredibly exciting. When it comes to innovations, sustainability will keep taking center stage. We’re moving toward technologies that significantly lower the industry’s environmental impact. As for what’s sparking my creativity right now, I often share little glimpses of what’s catching my eye on my stories—so if you’re curious, you’ll just have to follow along and see where my head is at.

Myriam Cordoba's journey from Madrid to the Alps, with all its twists and turns, has shaped her into a versatile and passionate CMF designer. Her dedication to blending aesthetic appeal with functional performance, staying curious about trends, and prioritizing sustainability reflects her commitment to innovation in footwear color design. As she continues to push boundaries and explore new ideas, Myriam's work at Salomon promises to inspire and captivate, setting new standards in the industry.