Asics develops color-changing Chameleoid Mesh for shoes


The performance technology is great, but why not increase the aesthetic value by creating a textile that also changes color depending on the viewing angle? Asics has partnered with Japanese company Toray Industries Inc. to develop its Chameleoid Mesh, a new fabric for use in performance footwear.

The cool mesh features elasticity that allows for improved flexibility lengthwise and follows the shape of the foot as it bends and changes, according to the company. With what Asics calls excellent fabric memory, the elasticity in the longitudinal direction and in the width direction allows the material to adapt to the shape of the foot.

But putting performance attributes aside, Chameleoid Mesh also seems to change color.

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Kenta Moriyasu, head of the Asics Footwear Development Team, explains that colors change on the textile depending on the viewing angle. Using technology to control wire placement on a microscopic level, the spatial structure allows for the change of colors based on angle and movement. Moriyasu calls the multitude of color combinations a “trendy” design.

On the performance side, Asics claims the mesh minimizes fiber for a lightweight, breathable structure, and the highly elastic fabric creates comfort while resisting lateral movement.

Asics launched the Chameleoid Mesh in its new Gel-Quantum 360 CM and classic Tiger lifestyle silhouette. Asics says the color-changing mesh can be used in future performance or lifestyle applications.

Tim Newcomb covers athletic aesthetics (from stadiums to sneakers) and training for Sports Illustrated. Follow him on Twitter at @tdnewcomb.



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