The first time I saw a young child gliding and darint around in a store I couldn’t believe it. It took me a minute to realize what was going on. Then I noticed that the shoes had wheels in the heels. I’ve gotten more used to this since, but I still worry because I can’t tell which way they’re going next. And boy are they fast!

Now, they don’t realistically go terribly fast, and obviously don’t have to wear helmets. But how safe is this? They are “heeling,” because of a popular brand name for shoes with wheels in the heels. If yo do a little research, you find out that these wheel shoes are a big reason why kids end up in the emergency room these days.

The trend is actually very dangerous. Kids on wheels without helmets on just equates to potential for serious head injury.

Speed is only part of the problem. Kids wearing these shoes also have to contend with obstacles. Not all obstacles can jump out of the way, and navigation on wheeled shoes isn’t the easiest thing.

These shoes, which seem so innocent, often lead to broken bones and dislocated joints. It’s human nature to stretch out your arm to try to stop your fall when you begin falling. Not surprisingly the wrist and lower arm are often injured by kids who are heeling. They also can wind up with elbow dislocations and skull fractures, both serious injuries.

My next statement might surprise you but I would ask you to stop and consider for a moment. Watch some children, especially younger children, who are wearing these shoes in a crowded setting. Think about this before you buy these shoes.

Even good kids aren’t going to be super careful watching out for other people. That is not a failure of parenting, it’s just the nature of young kids.

The kids dart in and out around people in the crowd. Some people, especially older people, may have trouble moving out of the way. That can pose a hazard to the child and to the person who is now an obstacle to be run into.

Wheeled shoes can be harmless fun. But, there are problems with these shoes as well. Do your research before you decide whether they are a toy you want for your own child.

Aside from safety tips, this author additionally regularly publishes information about pewter wine goblets and monogrammed wine glass.