Remember that viral sneaker photo from 2017, the one that divided the internet over its colour? Well, it’s resurfaced, and this time it comes with a twist that has everyone from everyday users to celebrities like Lizzo doing a double take. The photo in question features a classic Vans Old Skool sneaker, but depending on who you ask, the shoe is either pink and white or teal and grey.
The latest version of the viral image claims that what you see reveals which side of your brain is more dominant. According to the new caption doing the rounds, left-brained individuals, associated with logic, language, and analytical thinking – see teal and grey, while right-brained folks – supposedly more intuitive and creative, see white and pink.
It’s a neat little theory, and definitely makes for an entertaining Instagram poll or dinner-table debate. But scientifically speaking? It doesn’t really hold up. The left brain vs right brain theory has long been debunked as a pop psychology myth. While different parts of the brain do specialise in certain functions, both hemispheres are constantly working together to get the job done.
As VeryWell Mind explains in its deep dive into the myth, brain lateralisation is a real phenomenon but it doesn’t mean one side completely runs the show. In fact, science writer Carl Zimmer summed it up perfectly in a Discover magazine piece back in 2009: “No matter how lateralized the brain can get… the two sides still work together.” He noted that while the left hemisphere may specialise in processing syntax and language structure, the right hemisphere is equally vital, it tunes into emotional nuances and intonation in speech.
So, if you’re seeing pink and white – or teal and grey – don’t rush to self-diagnose your cognitive style. It’s more about lighting, contrast, and how your brain interprets visual information than it is about logic vs. creativity. But hey, it’s still fun to argue about what colour the darn shoe really is.
