Sneakers on wheels
Many young people today lead a dynamic lifestyle, devoting considerable time to sports. It is for them that unique invention - sneakers on wheels, which can be a great alternative to the usual rollers, skateboards and even a bicycle.
What do they look like?
First introduced in the United States in 2000, the sneakers with wheels are becoming more and more popular around the world. They even gave rise to a new sport called step riding. In addition to athletes performing unthinkable stunts on them, these products are very much in demand by the children's audience.... Parents are happy to buy them for their kids, and the kids get a lot of positive emotions from riding.
These shoes are also called roller shoes. This invention belongs to a psychiatrist from America Roger Adams, who originally attached wheels to simple slippers and patented his own discovery. Currently, the sports shoes on wheels are successfully developed by the Heelys company.
Outwardly, roller shoes are almost indistinguishable from ordinary athletic shoes, but when you turn them over, you will find a small wheel on the sole. If you wish, you can pull it out, and cover the hole with a special plug that comes with your shoes. A branded pouch is also produced for the wheel, which is attached to a belt with a carabiner or hides in a pocket.
Advantages and disadvantages
The most important advantage of roller shoes is the development of coordination of movements, this is especially true for children. In addition, skating uses different muscle groups, so you will constantly be in good shape and be able to get rid of extra calories. You will have an excuse to spend more time outdoors, talking with children or friends. By the way, this will be a great birthday present for your child and a way to take him away from the computer monitor.
The advantage of this sports equipment is that it does not have to be removed when you enter the premises (unlike inline skates).
Sneakers on wheels are a versatile model in which you can not only ride, but also just walk and run. Roller sneakers can be turned into regular shoes by simple manipulations.
This model is also popular because any person quickly adapts to it. Anyone can ride straight after 10 minutes of training. If you want to learn how to perform different tricks, then of course it 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, safe for health.
It is impossible not to mention some of the disadvantages of roller shoes. You won't ride in them for a long time, because your legs get tired pretty quickly.
A smooth ride that will bring you enjoyment is possible only on level ground. On bad roads, of which there are too many in our country, sneakers on wheels will quickly become unusable. Fans of extreme driving "kill" them in about a month (however, you can always change the wheels).
These sneakers are heavier than regular models.
Riding on wheels is a rather traumatic entertainment. True, it is not possible to avoid falls even when riding the usual rollers.
Models
The range of roller sneakers represents products for adults and children, as well as for amateurs and professionals. Sneakers differ in the shape of the sole and the fastener.
So, among the children's audience, classic models with flat soles are most in demand. Branded Heelys sneakers for children from 7 to 15 years old are the safest. In addition, a special beginner option can be purchased to keep the amount of possible injury to a minimum.
There are roller shoes for extreme driving with more powerful bearings and special inserts on the outsole - 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 cheer him up and everyone around him.
A special model is a special Nano board that attaches to the sole of the shoe using Sole-Link technology. This device is made of extra strong and lightweight material.
How to choose?
When choosing roller shoes, first of all, pay attention to the model, which involves replacing wheels in case of wear - this is more rational. Since this entertainment is associated with the possibility of injury, be sure to buy special protective equipment.
If you are choosing sneakers for a child, take into account his age - too heavy models will be extremely uncomfortable for a child, the result can be disappointment and refusal to ride.
Novice athletes should purchase a more stable version with two rollers. In addition, for beginners, roller shoes with laces are more preferable than Velcro - they better fix the foot.
The sole of the product is of great importance. For speed skating, it must be straight. Check for cracks that could cause injury and shorten service life.
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 only on its functional characteristics. Think in advance with what you will combine these shoes.
As for sports equipment for children, the optimal age to start skiing is 7-10 years old, when the muscles and a sense of balance are already sufficiently developed.
Despite the special focus of roller sneakers, first of all, these are shoes that should sit comfortably on the foot. It is unacceptable for the sneakers to dangle. Choose the size carefully - in this case, the shoes will not squeeze the leg, rub the skin. The Heelys size chart does not correspond to the traditional Russian one. If you buy sneakers online, first measure the length of the foot in the socks, and then find your size in the manufacturer's table.
Measure the thing before buying, lace it up with good quality and walk a little. If any discomfort arises, try a different pair. Always try on both shoes.
How to ride?
- Roller skate shoes on a flat surface, such as an asphalt road. In the meta, where there are holes and other irregularities, you should switch to walking.
- It is undesirable for shoes on wheels to come into contact with sand, moisture and snow, therefore, it should be used in warm dry weather.
- Learning to ride is quite simple, for beginners it will not take more than ten minutes. Better to practice indoors, and then go out onto the asphalt. The legs are placed in one line - one after the other, while the center of gravity is shifted to the heel. Make it clear that your 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 a while, subject to constant training, you will be able to ride at high speed, as well as backwards, slide down a hill and follow a complex trajectory. Advanced athletes even know how to roll on one leg and roll over in the air.
How much are?
As for the price of branded roller sneakers, 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 are generally happy with their roller shoes. They call them a wonderful invention. This thing brings a lot of joy to children. According to parents, it is impossible to force a child to take off his sneakers on wheels. Sneakers on wheels are a great way to reward your son or daughter for a successful student, and it's also a great gift for a birthday or New Year's.
For adults, roller shoes are an opportunity to get unusual sensations: there is no need to look for a special place to enjoy extreme sports.
For people who walk to work or study, these shoes reduce travel times and make them enjoyable. Some extraordinary people like it when others accompany them with surprised looks.
Conveniently, there are many training videos on the Internet that teach the technique of riding sneakers with wheels.
The opinion of buyers differs regarding fasteners: for some, Velcro is more convenient, while others prefer laces.
Of the minor disadvantages 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 is the rather high price of sneakers on wheels - not everyone can afford them. But, as the satisfied owners of this shoe note, it's worth it.