In 2000, Texas doctor Roger Adams patented his invention - sneakers with a wheel on the heel. The first batch of these shoes sold out in a few hours, and for 18 years roller sneakers have been the object of desire for millions of young people around the world. What are they called?
Do the sneakers have a name?
Sneakers with wheels in the sole are better known as Heelies, after the name of the Heelies company that produces them. Today there are other brands that produce these shoes. They are also called roller shoes or roller shoes.
Description of shoes
Heelies look like regular sports shoes, sneakers or sneakers, with a wheel built into the sole, usually in the heel area.. It allows its owner to ride on any flat surface, and the design of the shoe allows for the ability to “hide” this distinctive detail using a special plug and walk in them like regular sneakers.
You can move around in hilis without removing the roller, but to do this you need to practice a little to eliminate the risk of injury. The plug and key used to remove the roller are included in the kit.
Important! If the rollers are broken, they can be easily replaced, but it is better to purchase a spare tire in advance, so as not to deny yourself the pleasure of driving around the city, even for a day.
What types are there?
The popularity of shoes constantly encourages manufacturers to improve them.
Classic heels are equipped with one wheel on the sole in the heel area, which can provide both calm movement and aggressive skating, and even performing tricks.
There are also sneakers with two rollers, on the heel and in the forefoot. Such shoes provide a more stable position when riding, but it is unlikely that you will be able to move at a normal pace, as in the classic version, without removing the wheels.
For active young people who love thrills, “advanced” models of heel shoes, which are equipped with bearings and special plastic inserts on the sole. You can even ride on ramps and railings in them.
Since the main buyers of roller sneakers are teenagers (more precisely, their parents), for whom it is important to attract attention, manufacturers have equipped the soles of the shoes with LEDs. As a rule, they have several modes and can glow constantly or only when walking.
Important! In addition to the aesthetic effect, this innovation also has a practical aspect: when skating in the dark, drivers can see the young skater from afar.
Heelies with wide wheels, despite their massiveness, allow you to move at higher speeds. A For kids, models with mini wheels have been invented so that if they lose balance they can easily brake.
Flash rollers are removable rollers with two wheels on the sides of the foot and durable straps for secure fastening in the heel area on any shoes with flat soles. This is just a godsend for those who are not ready to pay the price at which high-quality hilis are sold. However, there are some limitations to using this device:
- Children under 7 years old are not allowed to ride flash rollers;
- The design of flash rollers is designed for a weight of no more than 80 kg.
Pros and cons of roller shoes
The main disadvantage of hilis is their price.. Considering the young age of the main consumers of this product, we can assume that the shoes will not last long.
Firstly, children are big fans of experiments, so there will probably be attempts to overcome holes and potholes on the asphalt, which will inevitably lead to damage to their shoes. Secondly, even if mechanical damage can be avoided, the sneakers will still need to be replaced annually due to the growth of the small roller's foot.
The disadvantages of shoes include their risk of injury, especially at the first stages of use.. Riding Heelis requires certain skills, some can do it in 15 minutes, while others need more than one day to feel confident. Children wearing such new clothes should always be under the supervision of their elders.
However, this shoe has a number of advantages:
- some models of roller shoes can be used from the age of 3;
- adaptation to hilis occurs faster than to roller skates;
- sneakers can easily “switch” to walking mode and back using a plug;
- When skating, children use many muscles, resulting in the development of coordination of movements.
Important! At first, after skating on roller shoes, your muscles may ache - this is a common effect from any physical training, which goes away after a few days.
Today, models of hilis have been created not only for boys and girls, but also for adults who want to lead an active lifestyle. They usually differ in design, so everyone can now choose these sneakers just for themselves.
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