Converse to launch a UV-activated sneaker which changes colour in seconds

When it comes to cool collaborations, Converse is on a bit of a roll.

In addition to its successful ongoing relationship with design supremo J.W. Anderson, the brand launched a doodle-heavy collaboration with fashion darling Shrimps back in September, and earlier this month a fully customisable collection created in partnership with Millie Bobby Brown.

This month, the sneaker giant has teamed up with both LA-based artist Joshua Vides and streetwear brand Chinatown Market to launch new iterations of the iconic Chuck 70 silhouette.

As part of the Chinatown Market collaboration, Converse has designed a Chuck 70, the canvas of which changes from white to trippy hues of neon orange and purple when exposed to UV light. Step out from the dingy bar into the light of day and your sneakers will transform before your very eyes.

Joshua Vides’ versions of the Chuck 70 meanwhile are totally customisable. Velcro patches dotted across the plain black or white canvas upper allow the wearer to attach whichever custom Pantone colour panels they wish, to give an entirely different look. Converse fans will be able to match their sneakers to their t-shirt in minutes.

Converse is debuting the two collaborations at cultural convention ComplexCon Chicago this weekend, alongside a new in-house Chuck 70 release called UNT1TL3D. The design of UNT1TL3D comes with an exaggerated midsole and upper that features hand drawn iterations of the phrase – Not A Chuck – the pack invites the opportunity for a wearer to adapt, interpret and style as they see fit.

“Chucks canvas has always inspired personalization, whether through the stains, scuffs and patina developed along the way or through intention contributions on the canvas written in ink,” said the brand in a statement, and “UNT1TL3D evokes the latter.”

The three new interpretations of the Chuck 70 will debut first at ComplexCon Chicago on July 20, with worldwide release dates beginning from July 26 for the Converse x UNT1TL3D pack. The Converse x Chinatown Market will follow on August 2, while the Converse x Joshua Vides will drop on August 16.

The designs will be available from both the Converse and Foot Locker sites