Many modern young people lead a dynamic lifestyle, devoting considerable time to sports. It is intended for them unique invention - sneakers on wheels, which can be a great alternative to the usual rollers, skateboards and even bicycles.
What do they look like?
Sneakers on wheels, which first appeared on sale in 2000 in the United States, are becoming more popular in different countries of the world. They even gave rise to a new sport called stepping. In addition to athletes performing incredible tricks on them, these products are very popular among children.. Parents are happy to buy them for their kids, and the children receive a lot of positive emotions from riding.
These shoes are also called roller sneakers. This invention belongs to American psychiatrist Roger Adams, who initially attached the wheels to simple slippers and patented his own discovery. At present, Heelys is successfully developing sports shoes with wheels.
Externally, the sneakers-rollers are almost indistinguishable from ordinary sports shoes, however, turning them over, on the sole you will find a small wheel. If desired, you can pull it out and cover the hole with a special plug, which comes complete with shoes. A branded bag is also available for the wheel, which is attached to a belt with a carabiner or hidden in a pocket.
Advantages and disadvantages
The most basic advantage of roller shoes is the development of coordination of movements, which is especially true for children. In addition, various muscle groups are involved in riding, so you will always be in good shape and will be able to get rid of excess calories. You will have a reason to spend more time outdoors, talking with children or friends. By the way, for your child this will be a great birthday present and a way to tear it away from the computer monitor.
The advantage of this sports equipment is that it can not be removed when you enter the room (unlike roller skates).
Sneakers on wheels - a universal model in which you can not only ride, but just walk and run. Through simple manipulations, roller sneakers can be turned into ordinary shoes.
This model is also popular in that any person quickly adapts to it. Anyone can ride right after 10 minutes of training. If you want to learn how to perform different tricks, then this, of course, will take more time.
Note that natural materials are used to create Heelys signature roller shoes (leather, suede, nubuck), as well as high-quality synthetic textiles that are safe for health.
It is impossible not to mention some of the shortcomings of roller sneakers. You can’t ride in them for a long time, because your legs get tired pretty quickly.
Smooth riding, which will bring you pleasure, is possible only on a flat surface. On bad roads, which we have in our country too much, sneakers on wheels will quickly become worthless. Fans of extreme riding "kill" them in about a month (though you can always change the wheels).
These sneakers are heavier than regular models.
Skating on wheels is a rather traumatic entertainment. True, it is not possible to avoid falls when riding on familiar rollers.
Models
The lineup of roller shoes represents products for adults and children, as well as for amateurs and professionals. Sneakers vary in the shape of the sole, clasp.
So, among the children's audience, classic flat-bottomed models are most in demand. Branded Heelys sneakers for children from 7 to 15 years are the safest. In addition, you can purchase a special option for beginners, which reduce the number of possible injuries to a minimum.
There are roller shoes for extreme driving with more powerful bearings and special inserts on the sole - grinders that allow you to slide along the railing.
LED sneakers on wheels are popular among children and extraordinary youth. Glowing elements make the athlete more visible in the dark and lighten the mood for him and everyone else.
A special model is a special Nano board, which is attached to the sole of the shoe using Sole-Link technology. This device is made of especially durable and lightweight material.
How to choose?
When choosing roller shoes, first of all, pay attention to the model, which involves replacing the wheels in case of wear - this is more rational. Since this entertainment is fraught with the possibility of injury, be sure to buy special protective equipment.
If you choose sneakers for a child, consider his age - for a baby too heavy models will be extremely uncomfortable, the result may be disappointment and failure to ride.
Novice athletes should buy a more stable option with two rollers. In addition, for beginners, roller sneakers with laces are more preferable than Velcro - they fix the leg better.
The sole of the product is important. For speed skating, it should be straight. Check for cracks that could cause personal injury and reduce the period of use.
Buy only proven shoes, ask the seller for a certificate. After all, a product of dubious quality is fraught with health problems in the future. This is especially true for children's sneakers.
Pay attention to the design of the model., and not just its functional characteristics. Think in advance what you will combine these shoes with.
As for sports equipment for children, the optimal age for starting skiing is 7-10 years, when muscles and a sense of balance are already quite developed.
Despite the special orientation of roller sneakers, first of all, these are shoes that should sit comfortably on the foot. Sneakers are not allowed to dangle. Choose your size carefully - in this case, the shoes will not squeeze the foot, rub the skin. Dimensional grid Heelys does not match the traditional Russian. If you buy sneakers online, first measure the length of the foot in socks, and then find your size in the manufacturer's table.
Measure a thing before buying, lace up qualitatively and walk a little. If at least some discomfort occurs, try another pair. Always try on both sneakers.
How to ride
- They ride roller-sneakers on a flat surface, for example, on an asphalt road. In the meta, where there are pits and other irregularities, you should switch to walking.
- It is undesirable for shoes on wheels to come in contact with sand, moisture, and snow, so you should use it in warm, dry weather.
- Learning to skate is quite simple, it won't take more than ten minutes for beginners. It is better to work out indoors, and then go out onto the asphalt. The legs are placed in one line - one after another, the center of gravity is shifted to the heel. Understand clearly that feet should not be placed next to each other.
- To start moving, you need to push off with your toe. The basis of skiing is to achieve a sense of balance. Until it appears, use walls, railings, etc. to support it.
- After some time, subject to constant training, you will be able to ride at high speed, as well as back to front, slide down the hill and follow a complex trajectory. Advanced athletes even know how to ride on one leg and roll over in the air.
How much are?
As for the price of branded roller shoes, it significantly exceeds the cost of ordinary sports shoes and averages about four thousand rubles. Many people buy these products in online stores (which is cheaper), but in this case you can not guess with the size. If we consider non-original models, then their purchase will cost you around a thousand rubles, but there is no guarantee that you will use them for more than one season.
Reviews
Buyers, as a rule, are satisfied with the purchase of roller shoes. They call them a wonderful invention. This thing brings especially much joy to children. According to parents, the child cannot be forced to remove the sneakers on wheels. Sneakers on wheels are a great way to reward your son or daughter for a successful study, and it’s also a great option for a birthday or New Year present.
For adults, roller sneakers are an opportunity to get an unusual feeling: you don’t need to look for a special place to enjoy extreme sports.
For people who go to work or study on foot, these shoes can reduce travel time and make it enjoyable. Some extraordinary people like it when others see them off with surprised looks.
It’s convenient that there are many training videos on the Internet that teach you how to ride sneakers with wheels.
Opinion of buyers diverges regarding fasteners: for some, Velcro is more convenient, while others prefer shoelaces.
Of the minor drawbacks of products, consumers note the inconvenience of the Chinese dimensional grid - It is easy to make a mistake with the size when you buy a thing as a gift or via the Internet. Another negative nuance - the rather high price of running shoes on casters - not everyone can afford them. But, as noted by the happy owners of this shoe, it's worth it.