Heelys Kids’ Shoes – Is Your Child in Danger?

Heelys, the popular skate shoes with a wheel embedded in the heel, have been a source of excitement for children and a concern for parents. These shoes allow kids to transition from walking to skating by shifting their weight to the heels, offering a unique blend of footwear and recreational activity. But how do you choose the best Heelys kids’ shoes, and are they safe? Heelys have been a trendy Christmas present, and the craze about them continues to rise.

What Are Heelys?

Let’s start by clarifying what Heelys shoes are. In a few words, Heelys is a brand of shoes that roll. Their shoes come with a removable wheel embedded in the sole of the shoes, which allows children to walk, run, or roll by shifting their weight to the heels. Sounds complicated, doesn’t it? Maybe to us, the adults, but children have no problem learning how to use these shoes.

Are Heelys Safe for Kids?

Safety is a primary concern for parents considering Heelys for their children. While they can offer hours of fun, it’s essential to address potential risks. The main concerns with Heelys revolve around balance and falls. Kids may be at risk of injury if they are not adept at balancing or if they use the shoes on uneven surfaces. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and abrasions.

While Heelys have been a contributing cause to some children’s foot and leg injuries, if proper instructions are followed and protective gear is worn, your child should have no problem wearing these shoes. Your children will be fine wearing Heely’s as long as they wear them for what they are: Fashion shoes. This means that your children should not wear this type of shoes for their everyday activities, and no more than 4 hours a day.

Are Heelys Shoes Heavier Than Sneakers?

Yes, they tend to be heavier shoes compared to the regular tennis shoes that your child might be used to wearing, but at the same time, they are very sturdy. Because of their extra weight, they should not be worn as everyday shoes.

Choosing the Right Kids’ Heelys – Get the Most Lightweight Styles

Among the Heelys shoe brand, certain styles work better than others as some styles are more lightweight, flexible, and durable. Below you can find the lightest and most flexible styles that will fit children with medium or wide feet. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.

Having Fun in Heelys – Read the Instructions!

Before your children start wearing Heelys, make sure you go over the instructions with them. Reading the instructions is a step that parents often overlook. Go to Heelys.com and watch their how-to videos and in-store lessons. Emphasize the importance of protective gear to your children, like a helmet and wrist pads. Think of Heelys as skates rather than sneakers!

Below is a set of guidelines that you should recommend your child to follow when wearing Heelys:

1️⃣ Always wear safety gear.

2️⃣ Don’t wear Heelys in skate mode in or near traffic, on uneven surfaces, or on the stairs. You also might avoid injuries by telling your kids to not go heeling in crowded areas.

3️⃣ Always make sure the wheels are tightly secure in the shoes and that the shoelaces are not untied.

Rolling in Heelys – Are They a Direct Cause of Children’s Injuries?

Did you know that due to safety concerns, several schools and shopping malls have banned Heelys? A lot of people believe that children are at risk of suffering sprains and fractures when “heeling”.

In all fairness, “heeling” is no less dangerous than skating or roller boarding, but I am one of those people who strongly believe that “a shoe should be a shoe, and a toy should be a toy.”

Football, basketball, and bicycle accidents are the most common causes of fractures among children. Studies show that the children who suffered most of the injuries from Heely’s did not follow the instructions or wore the suggested protection.

Should Kids Wear Heelys As Their Everyday Shoes?

While Heelys are generally safe for most children, they should not replace everyday footwear. Prolonged use could potentially affect the natural development of a child’s foot due to the altered walking pattern. It’s advisable to use Heelys intermittently and ensure they are not the primary footwear.

How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online

I created a virtual shoe fitting service that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s shoe size from home. In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.

Get a Personalized Suggestion

Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my e-mail if you are unsure which specific pair of Heelys shoes might work best for your child’s individual foot shape:

fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

Safety Tips for Parents

1- Supervised Practice: Encourage your child to practice using Heelys in a safe, open area under supervision until they are confident.

2- Use Protective Gear: Equip your child with a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads to minimize injury risks.

3- Wheel Removal: Consider removing the wheels in crowded or unsafe environments.

4- Proper Fit: Ensure the shoes fit well to provide support and stability.

Parents should be able to use their good judgment when it comes to Heelys. Most things out there can be dangerous, and you cannot protect your children from everything. Remember, the key is balance—both in terms of using the shoes and integrating them into your child’s routine. With proper precautions and guidance, Heelys can be a safe and enjoyable option for kids.