The history of shoes is littered with crazy ideas for footwear. Some of these crazy ideas last only a few minutes, while others spark fashion trends that last for years. One of the crazy ideas for footwear that seams to have stuck is the idea for Heelys. Heelys are shoes that have wheels that are built into the shoe’s sole. The position of the wheel makes it possible for the shoe’s wearer to roll, run and walk without having to change their shoes. What an invention!
The History of Heelys
Heelys are the brainchild of Roger Adams. This licensed psychologist invented these rollerskate/street shoes during what he refers to as his mid-life crisis. At the turn of the 21st century Adams was facing many challenges including a divorce and a stressful career. One day he was daydreaming and he thought how great it would be to be able to just shift your weight on your shoes and be able to roll away. That daydream turned into a multi-million dollar business in a matter of years.
In December 2000 Roger Adams opened his business, Heelys. He introduced his basic Heelys model at a trade show and he found a store that was interested in carrying his shoes. The first day that the store offered Heelys, their entire stock of the rollerskate street shoes sold out in a matter of hours. This sell out trend continued for months, and during the first year that Heelys were offered to consumers, over one million units were sold.
Heelys Models
The most popular Heelys model is the single wheel model. However, this is not the only option you have. Heelys also come in double wheel models, single wheel models with a grinding plate and Mack models with wheels on the sides of the shoe. One of the best features that all Heelys offer is the ability to remove the wheels and just wear the base of the Heelys as a great looking street shoe.
While Heelys are very popular with kids, teens and adults, they have also received some negative press because of their perceived dangerousness. However, this press hasn’t dampened sales. As fashion trends change it will be interesting to see if Heelys are able to maintain their amazing popularity or if they will be replaced by the next great idea in footwear.