What are the Colour changing air forces called?

The colour changing air forces are officially known as the Hypercolor Air Force 1 shoes by Nike. These unique sneakers were released in 1991 and featured a colour changing fabric that would shift hues based on heat and moisture exposure. The technology behind the shoe’s colour transformation made them an iconic symbol of 90s style and culture.

The Origins of Hypercolor

Hypercolor fabrics were invented in the late 1980s by researchers at Generra Sportswear. The technology relied on special thermochromic dyes that would change colour based on small fluctuations in temperature. When body heat was applied to the fabric, the dyes would shift to reveal a different vibrant hue underneath.

Generra debuted hypercolor t-shirts in 1990 and they quickly became a major fad, especially among teenagers and young adults. The shirts allowed the wearer to make a flashy statement that changed right before people’s eyes.

Nike Collabs with Hypercolor

Seeing the success and hype around hypercolor clothing, Nike collaborated with Generra in 1991 to bring the color-changing fabric to their iconic Air Force 1 shoe.

Nike’s designers aimed to amplify the futuristic vibe of the sneakers by covering the majority of the upper with hypercolor fabric. This allowed the Air Force 1s to shift between green, yellow, orange, and pink hues.

The shoes released in limited quantities and came packaged in a clear see-through box so customers could watch the colours change right on the shelf.

Hypercolor Air Force 1 Features

Here are some key features of the original Hypercolor Air Force 1 shoes:

Upper Material	Hypercolor synthetic fabric
Midsole	Encapsulated Nike Air unit for cushioning
Outsole	Solid rubber with tread pattern for traction
Colourways	Shifted between green, yellow, orange and pink
Release Date	1991

The most iconic part of the shoe was definitely the visually exciting hypercolor uppers. But the sneakers also featured the same key technologies that made the Air Force 1 model popular, like the air cushioning system and rubber outsole.

Hypercolor Air Force 1 Reactions

The colour changing Air Force 1 shoes caused an instant stir when they hit the market in the early 90s. Here are some of the reactions to the hypercolor sneakers:

The vibrant colour shifts appealed to younger crowds who wanted experimental and statement footwear.
The thermochromic technology was hailed as an exciting innovation in shoes.
Some felt the hypercolor uppers were too loud and flashy.

The limited quantities made the shoes coveted among sneaker collectors.
Kids and students enjoyed watching the colours morph throughout the school day.
The plastic packaging added to the futuristic, science-fiction feel.

The collaboration introduced Nike to a new demographic of hypercolor fans.

Overall the colour changing Air Force 1s were seen as a bold risk by Nike that cemented their reputation for embracing new technologies. The shoes also represented the youthful streetwear spirit emerging in the early 1990s.

Hypercolor Features Beyond Shoes

The novel colour changing fabrics used in the Nike Hypercolor Air Force 1 spawned a wave of other hypercolor products:

Hypercolor T-Shirts	Wildly popular t-shirts that changed colors with heat
Hypercolor Nail Polish	Polishes that shifted colors when exposed to sunlight
Hypercolor Sunglasses	Sunglasses with photochromic lenses to adjust to brightness
Hypercolor Sleepwear	Pajamas embedded with thermochromic dyes
Hypercolor Hats	Caps and visors that changed colors in sunlight

The color morphing fabrics extended far beyond the Nike sneakers. Clothing companies continued expanding hypercolor into other apparel like shorts, skirts, jackets, and underwear. The dyes were also adapted into beauty products and accessories to give consumers more ways to show off the technology.

The Legacy of Hypercolor Air Force 1

Although hypercolor fabrics faded from popularity in the late 90s, the pioneering Air Force 1 model left a lasting impact:

It remains one of the most iconic and coveted Air Force 1 collaborations.

The model highlighted Nike’s willingness to innovate.
It bridged Nike into the lucrative youth streetwear market.
It influenced later sneakers with colour-changing graphics.

It connects to 1990s nostalgia around statement fashion.
The story symbolizes the brand’s creative spirit.

Over 30 years later, the Hypercolor Air Force 1 is still considered one of the most memorable Nike sneakers of all time. The thermochromic technology showcased the forward-thinking ingenuity that would come to define the brand.

And for many who grew up in the 90s, the colour shifting shoes represent a more playful, experimental era of fashion. The iconic model will always be linked to the youth culture of that decade.

Nike’s Colour Changing Line Today

After the retro hype of Hypercolors faded, Nike didn’t release colour changing shoes for over two decades. But in 2012, they unveiled a new line of Nike Elite socks featuring modern thermochromic dyes. When worn, the socks change colors to create custom designs.

Nike Color Change Elite Socks	Modern socks with colour shifting dyes
Nike Chroma React	Running shoes with hidden colour accents
Nike Windrunner Jacket	Jacket with hue shifting graphics

More recently, Nike has brought back colour changing features in products like the Nike Chroma React running shoes that reveal hidden colours as you run. There are also newer Hypercolor-inspired apparel pieces like windbreaker jackets with thermochromic prints.

While not as widespread as the original hype, these launches prove colour changing technology still has appeal when applied creatively. The historic impact of the Air Force 1 collaboration remains a benchmark for Nike’s design innovation.

The Future of Hypercolor

Could hypercolor make a full comeback in shoes someday? Nike seems to carefully re-introduce colour morphing features in small doses. But there are some factors that indicate brighter days ahead for thermochromics:

Improvements in colour changing dye formulas.

Demand for experiential, interactive apparel.
Focus on nostalgic trend cycles.
Innovations in wearable technology.

Curiosity around digital or dynamic fabrics.

If the novelty and innovation around thermochromics are harnessed into a whole new generation of color shifting shoes, we may see a revival of statement footwear worthy of the original Hypercolor Air Force 1 legacy.

Until then, the legendary chameleon kicks will remain symbolic of an explorative, experimental chapter in Nike’s story. The colour changing air forces gave the world a small glimpse of the future of fashion.

Conclusion

In 1991, Nike launched the unconventional Air Force 1 covered in colour changing Hypercolor fabric. The sneakers’ ability to morph between hues made them an instant phenomenon among young crowds. Beyond the flashy style, the shoes represented Nike’s spirit of innovation and crossed them further into youth culture.

Although hypercolors eventually faded, the iconic model still connects to nostalgia for 90s statement fashion. And with improvements in thermochromic technology, Nike’s colour shifting heritage could soon make a comeback. The Hypercolor Air Force 1 will always be remembered as a bold, forward-thinking design experiment.