Heelys are a brand of sneakers, under the company Heelys, Inc. that have one or more wheels embedded in each sole, similarly to inline skates. Thus, the wearer can walk, run, or - by shifting their weight to their heels - roll. Advanced Heelys users can perform tricks such as soft braking, which is the process of lowering the front section of rear foot gently, to increase friction and slow to a stop. The wheel can be removed from the shoe, which may be done for comfort reasons or for reasons of practicality or safety.
Heeling
Generally, 'Heeling' is considered a form of skating, and as such may not be allowed in some places, including schools. Heelys, Inc. publicly recommends that all users of its product wear protective gear to protect from injuries.
The sport has slowly been gaining popularity over time, with two million Heely users in March of 2006. [1]. Because wheels with adequately slippery bearings allow the wearer to glide rather than continually take steps, the shoes can be a more efficient way to get from place to place than walking, and offer an alternative to bicycles, skates, or other alternate transportation in urban areas. Learning to use the shoes is related to a person's sense of balance and so the amount of time it takes can vary greatly.
After Heeling Sports Limited purchased Soap on September 25, 2002, HSL started incorporating grind plates into new models of Heelys, increasing the versatility of the shoe and allowing for a new variety of tricks.
Wheel types
Original: This is the original wheel that was produced with the earlier models of Heelys.
Fats: This wheel is noticeably wider than the original wheel and is therefore more amenable to balance. Fats use 688 Micro bearings, although newer Fats use 608 skateboard bearings. Most current Heelys models, including the suspension-equipped Reflex model, use Fats. Double wheel models also use these wheels.
Mega: This wheel is larger than Fats. Although it is bulkier and heavier than the Fats wheel, and thus raises the profile and weight of the shoe, Mega wheels are less likely to get stopped by cracks due to their size. Mega wheels use standard-sized (608) skateboard bearings. These are the fastest wheels made.
Big Deuce: This wheel, which consists of two rolling surfaces and a cavity between, was invented for the purpose of preventing small objects from sticking in the wheel well, which can cause damage to the wheels as well as sudden stops leading to injury. Shoes that will accommodate Big Deuce wheels will also accommodate Mega, and vice versa. Big Deuce wheels also use standard skateboard bearings. Big Deuce wheels are noticeably more porous than other wheel types, making them softer. These are the slowest wheels made.
Mack: This wheel system is rare and specific only to the Mack model of Heelys. It consists of two parallel wheels located on the sides of the shoe. While this destroys the stealth aspect of Heelys, it also creates a much wider balance area.
Models
- Double wheel
- These have two wheels instead of one. The front wheel can be removed although the ride is different as the back wheel is set farther back than in one-wheel models. (Also known as "2X2" models.)
- One wheel
- Most common model.
- Grind Plate
- In addition to a single wheel, this model features a nylon plate in the middle for grinding rails and benches, etc.
Criticism
Some shopping malls, schools, and other institutions have banned Heelys, citing health and safety concerns. It has been proven that the shoes will not damage the flooring common to shopping mall common areas (tile, marble, etc.) The wheels are made of polyurethane and thus do not make markings. Some stores still ban them despite this. Several places, such as amusement parks, will not allow people to ride on the wheels if they are wearing the Heelys with the wheels in them. [1] [2] [3] [4]