Nike has recently released a new line of shoes called the Color Changing Nikes that change color when exposed to UV light. This innovative shoe uses a special photochromic dye that reacts to UV rays from the sun, causing the shoe’s upper to shift colors from white to an iridescent blue/purple. Keep reading to learn more about how this color changing technology works and what makes these shoes so unique.
The Technology Behind Color Changing Nikes
The color changing effect in the Nike Color Changing shoes is achieved through the use of a photochromic dye embedded in the shoes’ canvas upper material. Photochromic dyes contain molecules that have the ability to reversibly change color when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. Here’s an explanation of the science behind the color change:
- The photochromic dye contains colorless molecules that have a special chemical structure.
- When these molecules are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, the UV radiation causes a chemical reaction in the molecules.
- This reaction triggers a structural change in the molecules, causing them to absorb light in the visible spectrum and take on color.
- In the case of the Nike shoes, the molecules change from clear to an iridescent purple/blue when exposed to UV light.
- When the UV light source is removed, the molecules revert back to their original colorless state.
This reversible reaction allows the shoes to dynamically shift between white and purple depending on lighting conditions. In bright sunlight, the UV rays trigger the color change, while in normal indoor lighting the shoes remain white.
Unique Features of the Color Changing Nikes
Nike’s color changing shoes have a few special features that set them apart from other shoes on the market:
- Reactive dye technology – The photochromic dye allows the shoes to smoothly transition between colors when exposed to UV light, creating a dynamic and responsive look.
- Woven upper design – The shoes have a woven upper made of canvas threads infused with the color changing dye, enabling air flow to the feet.
- Nike FastFit design – They incorporate Nike’s FastFit technology with elastic bands for easy on and off while ensuring a secure fit.
- Cushioned comfort – The midsole contains Nike’s React foam which provides soft, durable cushioning for all-day wear.
- Excellent traction – The outsole uses Nike’s durable rubber compound to provide multi-surface traction for versatile wear.
These features combine to create a uniquely responsive, comfortable, and high performance shoe perfect for making a statement.
Color Options
The Nike Color Changing shoes are currently available in two main colorways:
- White/Iridescent Purple – The shoe upper shifts from pure white to a stunning gradient of iridescent blues and purples when exposed to UV light.
- White/Iridescent Pink – This women’s colorway turns from white to a shimmering pink/purple iridescence in the sunlight.
Both options provide a bold, eye-catching effect as the colors morph in the light. The white base provides a neutral backdrop that lets the iridescent hues pop. Here’s a table comparing the two color options:
| Colorway | Base Color | UV Color |
|---|---|---|
| White/Iridescent Purple | White | Iridescent blues/purples |
| White/Iridescent Pink | White | Iridescent pinks/purples |
When Do the Shoes Change Color?
The Nike Color Changing shoes transform colors when exposed to sunlight and UV rays. Here are some examples of when you can expect to see the chromatic shifts occur:
- Outdoors in direct sunlight – The UV rays are most intense when directly outdoors under sunny skies. Even brief sun exposure will activate the dye and trigger the color change.
- Behind glass – Sitting indoors near sunny windows allows enough UV light transmission to slowly shift the shoes to their bright hue.
- Under clouds – On overcast days, the UV rays penetrate through the cloud cover, but the color change will happen gradually.
- Under fluorescent lights – Some fluorescent bulbs emit a small amount of UV and may cause subtle color altering over time.
- At dusk/dawn – Lower angle sunlight at sunset and sunrise still provides enough UV to transform the shoe colors.
So whenever you take your shoes outside during the day, expect them to reveal their hidden iridescent colors to some degree based on lighting conditions.
Caring for the Color Changing Shoes
Since the color change effect is caused by a reactive dye, there are a few special care instructions to follow to get the longest life from your shoes:
- Avoid long term sun exposure when not being worn to prevent extensive color shifting and potential fading over time.
- Use a UV protective spray to limit sun damage to the shoes when wearing them outdoors.
- Allow the shoes to fully revert to the base white color before storing to extend the dye lifespan.
- Check for cracks in the UV coating after heavy wear to maintain full color changing abilities.
- Spot clean shoes to prevent dirt buildup from hindering the photochromic dye.
Storing the shoes properly, limiting excessive sun exposure, and gently cleaning will help you enjoy the color changing effect for as long as possible!
Why Nike Developed Color Changing Shoes
Nike is always pushing innovation forward in the footwear industry. Here are some of the key motivations behind them pioneering this new color changing shoe technology:
- Consumer Appeal – The color changing effect provides strong visual interest and “wow” factor that appeals to sneakerheads and hypebeasts looking for head-turning designs.
- Brand Differentiation – As the sportswear leader, Nike is setting themselves apart from competitors by debuting cutting-edge material innovations like photochromic dyes.
- Technical Showcase – Nike can highlight their technical competency by formulating new material applications like full-shoe reactive dye systems.
- Sustainability – Color changing materials reduce waste and environmental impact by allowing one shoe to serve multiple styling purposes.
- Athlete Match – The dynamic colorways mirror elite athletes’ ability to adapt and change on the court or field.
By spearheading innovations like the UV color changing shoes, Nike maintains their dominance through forward-thinking designs and material technologies.
The Future of Color Changing Shoes
Nike’s color changing shoes represent the first step into a future where footwear adapts in real-time to external conditions like light and heat. Here are some ways this technology could expand moving forward:
- More colorways – Expanding to new color combos beyond white/purple could allow for even more customization.
- Athlete exclusives – Unique reactive colorways could be created for specific sports/athletes like basketball or soccer.
- Seasonal offerings – Having color changing shoes that transform for spring, summer, fall and winter weather.
- Light exposure patterns – Dyes that reveal intricate patterns, gradients or images when exposed to UV light.
- Beyond uppers – Applying color change materials to midsoles, swooshes, logos and laces for a full dynamic look.
- Smart integration – Connecting to an app to program personalized color changing effects and tie to real-time data.
As material scientists continue to expand photochromic dye applications, the possibilities are endless for how color changing technology could revolutionize the future of footwear.
Conclusion
Nike’s new UV color changing shoes utilize a highly innovative photochromic dye system to create a uniquely responsive and customizable kick. The special dye molecules react to UV exposure by rearranging their chemical structure, causing visible color shifts in the shoe uppers from white to iridescent hues. This technology provides the ability to dynamically change designs on the fly while reducing material waste. As Nike expands color changing systems across models and colorways, they continue to solidify their reputation as a leader in footwear innovation.