Lifestyle

Heelys ~ Skating Gets the Kids Outside

August 16, 2012COMtnMom

If your child has never had a pair of Heelys, chances are very good they’ve seen a kid gliding along in a mall or parking lot, turned to you, and pleaded, “Can I get a pair of those?!” And even as a parent … you have to admit they look like fun!

Heelys – Get Kids Outside to Play

I try to lead an active lifestyle, and I also try to foster an enjoyment of being active in my kids. Admittedly, we have some couch time where they watch movies or play games on the computer. But I’m always interested in finding new ideas for outdoor activities that will draw them outside to play.

Especially because Heelys had already peaked her interest, I was looking forward to a new “sport” that my daughter could enjoy that would get her active outside.

It is like learning to skate, in that takes balance and some coordination. But that’s a good thing! Include a little challenge like this, and it becomes both more interesting and a greater amount of exercise for your kids.

It’s like sneaking vegetables in their food. They think they’re being spoiled with a cool pair of Heelys (which they are). And you get a new, additional way to lure your kids out, and get them active.

Heelys Straight Up Style — Her first pair of “skater” style shoes, she loves the loose laces and easy slip-on factor.

They also feature several styles with two wheels per shoe, to make learning to skate with your Heelys a little easier. A nice option to have.

Heelys – My Reservation & How They Overcame It

I’ll be honest and tell you that my one reservation was that Heelys are banned at my daughter’s Elementary School. But what I didn’t realize, was that Heelys are both the original brand of wheeled shoes AND the only ones that feature removable wheels. It’s very easy to pop the wheels in and out – my daughter can do so herself.

Knowing that we had the option to remove the wheels, and also use them as tennis shoes at school, pushed it over the edge for us. She’s got her back to school shoes covered, plus with the added-value bonus of a new activity she likes the play outside – by just popping the wheels in when she gets home. I think this is a win-win proposition.

But since I’m not the one who actually tried out this product, I’ll let you hear it straight from the tester herself.

Heelys Still Learning the Ropes — Still Learning the Ropes of her new Heelys

Interview With a 7 Year Old Heelys Wearer

Blogger (Mom): So tell me, why did you want a pair of Heelys so badly?

7 Year Old Tester: Because my best friend had some. And because I saw people wearing Heelys and I thought it looked really fun!

Blogger (Mom): Where they hard to learn to skate with?

7 Year Old Tester: Hmmm… the first day it was. The second day, I got the hang of it. And I watched a video that helped me.

Blogger (Mom): (She’s talking about the “How To Skate” video on Heelys website. And there’s a touch of 1st grader healthy overconfidence there…she still has a ways to go before she’s gliding fast & freely!)

Heelys Using Your Tongue for Concentration Never Hurts — Using Your Tongue for Concentration Never Hurts

What is it like wearing a pair of Heelys?

7 Year Old Tester: It’s really fun! It feels like you’re on a scooter. It’s cool because if your friend is walking and you’re trying to catch up with them – you can catch up faster.

Blogger (Mom): Is there anything you DON’T like about your Heelys?

7 Year Old Tester: Not really.

Blogger (Mom): What’s your favorite thing about them?

7 Year Old Tester: Well, I like that the wheel pops out. It’s really cool that you can skate with them, but if you like the color of them – you can do other things with them and wear them a lot, too.

Blogger (Mom): Do you think kids would like Heelys, would you recommend them?

7 Year Old Tester: Yes. I think they should try a pair because they are really fun, and I think that everybody will love them.

Well, folks – there you have it. As a kid, she is very happy with her Heelys! And as a parent, I am happy with their quality construction and flexible uses.

Heelys – New Back to School Styles

Heelys has some exciting new options for this Fall. They now have 3 new lines available:

Athletic shoes – substantially lighter than traditional Heelys, allowing your child to use them for other sports.
Shoes made Specifically for girls and women, called “Lifestyles” – featuring more fashion-forward colors and styles
Street shoes with improved outsoles – their low profile makes skating easier

Historically known as a child’s shoe, they have adult sizes too. So you can actually join your kids in the fun. When was the last time you got to go skating?

You can find more about Heelys here: