Nike has released several shoes over the years that have the ability to change color. This unique feature allows the shoes to shift colors depending on heat, water, or UV light exposure. Some of the most popular color-changing Nike shoes include the Nike Hypercolor, the Nike Air Mag, and the Nike Adapt BB.
The Nike Hypercolor
The Nike Hypercolor was one of the first color-changing shoes released by Nike. It debuted in 1991 and utilized thermochromic ink technology to shift colors based on heat. The Hypercolor changed from white to shades of pink, green, and blue depending on the temperature of the surroundings. When cool, the Hypercolor shoes appeared white or light-colored. As the temperature increased from body heat, friction, or warm surroundings, the Hypercolor shoes transformed to reveal vivid colors.
The Hypercolor shoes were met with enthusiasm by consumers who were fascinated by the color-changing technology. The dynamic colors appealed especially to younger audiences who were drawn to the uniqueness of the shoes. The Hypercolor line included not only sneakers but also T-shirts, shorts, and hats that all changed colors. The shoes retailed for $139 at launch.
The Nike Air Mag
The Nike Air Mag first appeared in the popular movie Back to the Future Part II in 1989. The shoes featured lights and an auto-lacing system that captured the imagination of audiences. Nike later released an actual Air Mag inspired by the film in 2011. Only 1,500 pairs were made available via auction to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.
The Air Mags utilized electrochromism to create a dynamic color-changing effect. The materials in the Air Mag shifted from clear to opaque, resulting in a flux between shades of gray to black. The Air Mags also contained LED panels that illuminated the shoes with futuristic lighting effects. The shoes charged inductively using a magnetic field, eliminating the need for cables or direct electrical contact.
The Nike Air Mags were coveted for their exceptional rarity and glimpse into the future of footwear. Pairs sold for as high as $9,000 during the initial charity auction.
The Nike Adapt BB
In 2019, Nike introduced the Adapt BB, a basketball shoe that tied together both power lacing and color-changing technology. The Adapt BB shoes utilize a custom motor and gear train to automatically tighten and loosen to the user’s desired fit. The shoe also connects to an app via Bluetooth which allows for further customization and lighting effects.
The Adapt BB contains photochromic materials on the upper portion of the shoe. When exposed to UV light, the materials shift through a spectrum of colors. In sunlight, the Adapt BBs dynamically change from white and silver to brighter shades of purple, teal, pink, and orange. The color-changing effect provides a unique visual flair in both indoor and outdoor environments.
The Adapt BB debuted at $350 making it one of Nike’s most expensive shoes yet. The combination of auto-lacing and color-changing design provides athletes and consumers with one of Nike’s most technologically advanced shoes to date.
Other Notable Color-Changing Nike Shoes
In addition to the models listed above, Nike has released several other shoes that exhibit color-changing properties:
- Nike LeBron 9 “Cannon” – This LeBron 9 featured a camouflage upper that changed from green to orange and pink when heat was applied.
- Nike Air Max 95 “Doernbecher” – This charity release reacted to UV light by shifting from purple and teal to orange and yellow hues.
- Nike Air Vapormax Flyknit 3 – Using similar photochromic technology as the Adapt BB, this Air Vapormax model changed from silver/white to bright shades when exposed to sunlight.
- Nike Air Max 90 “Infrared” – The classic Air Max 90 utilized color-shifting ink that transitions from black to pink to lime green as the temperature rises.
The Technology Behind Color-Changing Shoes
There are two main types of technology that enable shoes to change colors:
1. Thermochromism
Thermochromism refers to color change induced by temperature shifts. Thermochromic materials contain microencapsulated pigments that alter their structure based on heat exposure. Common examples of thermochromic materials that induce color change include:
- Liquid crystals – Compounds like cholesteric liquid crystals change orientation and refract light differently based on temperature.
- Leuco dyes – Leuco dye molecules shift between colored and colorless states depending on their arrangement.
- Organic salts – Salts made from materials like gallic acid demonstrate reversible color transitions when heated.
Nike shoes like the Hypercolor use leuco dye technology embedded within the shoe materials to create a thermochromic effect.
2. Photochromism
Photochromism refers to color change caused by exposure to electromagnetic radiation like UV or visible light. When photochromic materials absorb UV rays, their molecular structure shifts and becomes activated. Common photochromic compounds include:
- Silver halides – Microscopic silver halide crystals react to UV rays by altering their internal arrangement.
- Doped crystalline materials – Materials like agate stones containing copper or silver impurities exhibit photochromic properties.
- Organic molecules – Organic materials like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons demonstrate photochromic effects under UV light.
Shoes like the Nike Adapt BB utilize silver halide photochromic technologies to create a dynamic color-changing effect in sunlight.
Benefits of Color-Changing Shoes
Color-changing shoes offer a number of unique benefits and advantages:
- Visual Interest – The color transitions draw attention and provide more visual interest than static colors.
- Self-Expression – Wearers can showcase different colors and styles without changing shoes.
- Utility – Temperature-based changes provide information about heat and friction.
- Safety – Increased visibility from color shifts improves safety in low light conditions.
For athletes, the color shifts can aid performance. A sudden color change could indicate improper form or technique that’s generating excess heat or friction. The visibility benefits also help with safety during early morning/evening training.
The Future of Color-Changing Shoes
Color-changing shoes provide a literal glimpse into the future of footwear technology. We can expect more innovation in this area with features like:
- Greater color diversity – Shoes may shift through entire color spectrums in the future.
- Custom color setting – Wearers could program or control color shifts via smartphone apps.
- New power sources – Alternative power sources like kinetic or solar energy could enable color shifts.
- Material advances – New thermo/photo-reactive compounds will provide greater color change sensitivity and control.
Nike and other athletic brands will continue chasing the dream of creating the perfect adaptive color-changing shoe. As the materials science and technology continue to evolve, we can expect footwear that changes colors on-demand to match any outfit, mood or environment.
Conclusion
From the Hypercolor in the 90s to the Adapt BB today, Nike has led the path in color-changing footwear innovation. Their thermochromic and photochromic shoes react to heat, light and other stimuli to dynamically shift between colors. The color transitions provide visual flair and unique benefits for safety, visibility and performance. As materials science progresses, we can expect even more advanced color-changing shoes that can transform on command. The future looks bright for chameleon kicks that can complement any look or situation.
