Hello skaters! If you’re here, then you’re probably excited by the novelty of the so-called “kick skates”. In case you’re not aware of them, kick roller skates are a design of skates that can serve as either skates or shoes. The switch from shoes to skates is usually activated by a kick on the back (around the heels) of the shoes.
In a twit, the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) had this to say: “You could wear shoes with wheels, sport acid wash denim from head to toe and carry notebook branded with the movie The Return of the Jedi — if you were headed back to school in the 1980s”.
This goes to show how popular shoes with wheels were in the past. What’s interesting is that this popularity is gradually starting to resurface now.
I’ve had a fun time using some kick skates and although I can’t say that they’re as good as regular roller skates, I can definitely say that a couple of them are really worth trying.
Some of my personal favorites, when it comes to shoes with wheels are from the Heelys brand and they include Heelys Hustle, Heelys Voyager, Heelys Pro 20, and Heelys Uptown.
As for shoes to avoid, generally, avoid anything that isn’t durable. One shoe with wheels that I would definitely say should be avoided is the MLyzhe Deformation Roller Shoes. I have found them to be easily prone to wear and tear.
What Should I look out for When Choosing Shoes With Wheels?
From my own perspective, when picking a shoe with wheels, there are four cardinal factors that I believe one should consider. These are:
- Wheels: In my experience, shoes with a single wheel offer a greater deal of ease and speed. However, if you have an issue with balance, it might be a better idea to go for double-wheeled shoes. One good thing about Heelys shoes is that they are made of High-quality polyurethane. As a result, these shoes are greatly resistant to wear and tear. I have found that Heelys skate shoes tend to last for a long time. If you decide, later on, you can take off the wheels with ease.
- The Manufacturer: The concept of shoes with wheels is relatively novel and as a result, I believe it’s best to stick to a brand that has been around for a while and is also a pioneer in this design of skate shoes. To this effect, I always recommend Heelys due to their pioneer status when it comes to shoes with skates.
- Balance: I have also found that the best shoes with wheels for beginners should be able to afford the wearer a great deal of balance. This balance can be obtained from the grip. The shoes that I shall describe shortly tend to have a strong grip around the outer sole. This enabled me to brake while using these shoes.
- Safety Concerns: As a beginner, I’d advise that you put on protective gear while starting out with these shoes. This is because, initially, skating on these shoes might need a little getting used to. So, grab your roller skating pads and helmets!
Furthermore, one might be a bit overwhelmed by the suddenness of the transition from mere sneakers to skating shoes in a moment. Personally speaking, I like to tie my laces to be tight enough on my feet. The shoes should not be loose on the feet.
Best Shoes With Wheels for Beginners
In my experience, the following are the shoes that I have found and tried to be good for beginners:
Heelys Hustle
These shoes bear a striking resemblance to the Classic Converse shoes. They can come in the design of the American flag, a beautiful blend of red, blue, and white. They come in a lot of sizes ranging from Children’s sizes to Adults’ sizes, so, there’s something for everyone.
The design allows the wearer to maintain a solid grip on the shoes due to Heely’s Ninja Grip Technology. The shoe also comes with wonderful brake pads which a beginner can use frequently to control or limit their speed. I’d say that the wheels have ABEC-1 bearings, pretty good for beginners.
As for comfort, there is an additional layer of material which is present on the collar and tongue; this offers a great deal of comfort. I can say that these shoes are really durable.
However, because of the thinness of the upper material, I wouldn’t recommend this for cold weather conditions, such as during winter.
In terms of cost, these shoes cost about $40 on Amazon.
Heelys Voyager
Featuring a large logo on each side, the Heelys Voyager is designed with synthetic materials, thus making it environment-friendly. It has a top-notch lacing system which I found to offer a firm hold on my feet. It has a beautiful look.
One thing I really love about the Heelys Voyager is that it is a unisex shoe. So, anyone can wear it, whether male or female. Furthermore, the area where the toe fits is a bit spacious, thus allowing the toe to have some free room.
Fitted with ABEC-5 bearings, the wheels are pretty solid and durable. They are low-profile wheels thus allowing the wearer to attain higher speeds while skating. It also comes in a variety of colors to choose from. I have seen a black design with a white sole and a tinge of pink design on the upper parts.
You can get the Heelys Voyager on Amazon at about $30. So it’s pretty affordable.
Heelys Pro 20
These are available in a wide range of sizes for kids and Adults. One can also find them in a lot of colors, majorly black. I’ve seen a black one with some red designs. Other popular designs include Grey and Black, blue and white, and black & pink.
What I love most about the Heelys pro 20 shoe is that it has low-profile wheels which also allow for a fast skating experience. These wheels are also fitted with ABEC-5 bearings. They are also detachable wheels, meaning, if you wish, you can take off the wheels and have a nice walk with your sneakers.
The shoe’s interior is well-padded, thus allowing for an added layer of comfort. Thus they are suitable for a lot of places, school, play, or even work. I know a couple of guys who like skating at their workplaces (of course under the radar!)
These shoes can also be obtained from Amazon for about $60.
Heelys Uptown
Having a lightweight design (weighing just 13 ounces) the Heelys Uptown is made entirely of Polyurethane. I’ve seen it in black color. It comes with a High top sneaker design. I love high tops!
Having used this, I can say that it’s highly durable, the wheels, the body, everything. It has an amazing aesthetic design which increases its appeal to young people. The sole is robust and as such it comfortably carries low-profile wheels. These low-profile wheels provide a fast and smooth skating experience for the wearer.
As a result of its polyurethane material, the Heelys Uptown is highly resistant to wear and tear. This also offers a great deal of control and balance to the wearer while skating on them. Near the ankle, one can find the collar. The essence of this strategic location is to create additional protection for the wearer’s ankles.
You can get this also from Amazon at an affordable rate.
Shoes With Wheels to Avoid
MLyzhe Deformation Roller Shoes
This is a roller shoe from the MLyzhe store line. I really wouldn’t recommend this, and neither will Indy Jamma Jones, a popular YouTuber, and skating Gymnast. In a video from her, she says this about MLyzhe Deformation Roller shoes: “as a novelty product, this is pretty cool… if you’re looking to actually skate, I would not recommend these shoes.”
The way I see it, this particular MLyzhe shoe is just not worth the price. Costing about $120, it is not durable, it does not resist wear and tear and after just a few times, the wheel releasing mechanism gets stuck.
My advice to beginners is to avoid the MLyzhe brand due to this, and other terrible reviews which I’ve gotten about them. Stick to the bosses- Heelys.
Conclusion
It is no doubt that Roller shoes, also known as Kick skates, are beginning to become popular once more. As a result, newbies to the world of skating are beginning to become more interested.
Must read: How To Turn Crocs Into Heelys?
I have given you a couple of shoes with skates which I believe you will enjoy. These shoes are all appropriate for beginners. Don’t forget to stick to Heelys shoes and avoid the MLyzhe Deformation Roller Shoes!
