FAQ

Q: What are Heelys shoes?
A: They are the only shoes with a single or double wheel in the heel that allows the wearers to go from walking to rolling simply by shifting their weight to their heels.
Q: Who invented them?
A: Heelys shoes were invented by Roger Adams.
Q: How do the wheels retract?
A: The wheels don't retract. They are completely removable. After placing Heel Plugs into the heel cavities, you have a normal pair of shoes.
Q: What are the models with four wheels?
A: Those are not made by Heelys. Heelys shoes come with a single or double wheel in the heel.
Q: What about the kind that retract the wheels into the sole with the push of a button?
A: Those are not made by Heelys. They are knock-offs, and this product infringes on our patents.
Q: Does Heelys make shoes with two wheels?
A: Yes! They are great for first-time skaters because two wheels provide more stability and balance. Once the skater is ready for one wheel, the smaller training wheel can be removed. These models, however, DO NOT come with heel plugs or removal tools, and only come in sizes 13C to 8.
Q: Can I purchase from the Heelys website?
A: No. The website is informative only. To purchase shoes, please visit our Store Finder. This will allow you to input your location and find a retailer in your area. In addition, you can check out our online retailers by visiting our Buy Online section.
Q: Where do I purchase Sole Saver heel plugs and removal tool kits and what size do I need?
A: If you look into your wheel brackets, you will see the heel plug size (small, medium, large) you need. Make sure you purchase a replacement kit for the right wheels. If your Heelys shoes have FATS wheels, you will need a Sole Saver heel plugs and removal tool kit for FATS wheels, and so on.
Q: How do I order new axles?
A: We do not sell axles separately. You will need to purchase replacement wheels if you need new axles.
Q: What styles and sizes do your retailers carry?
A: Our retailers carry various styles and sizes, and unfortunately, we do not have this information on-hand. Retailers often move and consolidate products from store to store based on sales, inventory levels, seasons and regional preferences. You should contact a retailer near you for styles and sizes by visiting our Store Finder. This will allow you to input your location and find a retailer in your area. In addition, you can check out our online retailers by visiting our Buy Online section.
Q: The store I visited doesn't have the model I want, what do I do?
A: It's always best to call the store first for an up-to-the-minute status of inventory in the store. You can find a list of retailers and their phone numbers by visiting our Store Locator.
Q: Do Heelys shoes come in sizes larger than Men's 12?
A: We do not manufacture Heelys shoes in sizes larger than a Men's 12.
Q: Will you do a special size run for a size 13 or larger?
A: At this time it is cost prohibitive to make special size runs.
Q: What are the different wheels?
A: Heelys shoes have four different wheels that have been manufactured at different times – the ORIGINALS, the FATS, the BIG DEUCE and the MEGA. ORIGINALS and FATS are smaller than the BIG DEUCE and the MEGA, which provide more surface area and are steadier and easier to maneuver. Because of wheel bracket size difference, the BIG DEUCE and MEGA wheels are interchangeable with each other but not with the FATS or the ORIGINALS, which are even smaller than the FATS. The size does not render one wheel better than the other. All types of wheels are made with high-quality polyurethane (PU) rubber, which makes them more durable and able to withstand force and abrasion.
Q: What happens if I lose my wheels?
A: If you look inside your empty wheel cavity, you'll find what replacement wheel size you'll need imprinted on the bracket. For example, if it reads 'FATS – L (US 9 – 12)' you would need a LARGE FATS wheel, which fits US sizes 9 to 12. Most of our retailers carry replacement wheel kits but not all. Please call the store ahead of time to ensure they have what you need in stock. For a retailer near you, please visit our Retailer Locator, or find an online retailer by visiting our Buy Online section.
Q: How do I insert my wheels back into the shoes?
A: Follow the steps below to insert your wheels back into the shoes: *Place the wheel in the wheel bracket and make sure the axle is aligned with the axle arms. *With the palm of your hand, push the wheel into the bracket as hard as you can. You should hear a clicking sound indicating that the axles are seated securely. *Visually inspect the wheel to make sure it is straight, and after putting the shoes on, stomp each heel to check for seating one last time.
Q: What is ABEC and what does it have to do with my wheels?
A: ABEC, Annular Bearing Engineering Counsel, is a rating system used by the bearing manufacturers (ABEC 1, 3, 5 and 7). Usually the higher the rating the more precise and smooth the ride is. The ABEC rating does not, however, determine the speed of the wheel and is in no way a measure of the quality of the wheel. The tag on the shoes will tell you what ABEC rating they are. You can also tell by the color around the axles. Bearing colors: ABEC 1: Green - ABEC 3: Blue - ABEC 5: Red - ABEC 7: Yellow. If you purchased a pair with ABEC 1 wheels and outgrow them with experience, you can always upgrade to ABEC 5 or 7 wheels as long as they are compatible with the shoes.
Q: Should protective gear be worn when wheels are in the shoes?
A: Yes. While protective gear is not required, we highly recommend its use when the wheels are in the shoes.
Q: Are there any weight restrictions with Heelys shoes?
A: While our product does not have any weight restrictions, we recommend that you try them out at one of our retailers before making a purchase.
Q: Safety Rules of Thumb
A: *Always stagger your feet with your strong foot in front – putting them side by side will result in your feet sliding out from under you. *When walking with the wheels in, do not lean back on your heels and make sure to walk with your toes touching the ground first. *Be extra cautious when skating on uneven surface – debris and crevices can cause sudden stops and uncontrolled movements. *Never skate faster than you can walk. When you feel like you are losing balance, stop skating by putting your toes down and lean forward.
Q: Common Courtesy
A: *Crowded public areas are not good places for skating. *Do not cause inconvenience to others by running into them or cutting them off. *Do not endanger others' safety or your own. *Follow the rules in public places – if there is no skating allowed, make sure to take out your wheels. *Respect others' rights to enjoy public places just as you do.
Q: How do I clean my shoes?
A: You can clean your shoes with soap and warm water. Do not wash your shoes in the washing machine as this may damage the shoes and will void your warranty.
Q: How do I remove the axles and bearings from the wheels?
A: This is only for experienced users. Disassembled wheels that the owner cannot put back together are not defective product. If your wheels have the coin axle system, meaning two slits on each side of the axles, you can unscrew the axle by twisting it counterclockwise on each end. If you can't do this by hand, you can also use two quarters on each side of the axle to unscrew it. If your wheels have the C-clip system, meaning that on one side of the wheel, there is a C-shaped clip that secures the axle to the wheel, you will need C-clip pliers, which can be found at your local hardware store, to remove the axle. However, keep in mind that the C-clip will become loose if tampered with frequently. After removing the axles, use a small screwdriver to remove the bearings. Bearings are the colored portion inside the wheels. Place the screwdriver in the space between the outside and the inside of the bearing. Push outward and the bearing should pop out. However, this step is difficult to perform on some wheels. If your bearings won't come out, you can clean the inside with a cotton swab.
Q: How do I clean the bearings?
A: You can purchase bearing solution at your local automotive store. You can also use WD-40 but note that it is a water displacer and degreaser, so there will be little to no lubricant residual once bearings have been cleaned. Most machine lubricants, grease or oil based, will work well. Allow the bearings to soak in the bearing solution to remove rust and debris. Once the bearings have been soaked and lubricated, put them back in the wheels.
Q: What do I do if my wheels are squeaky?
A: Cleaning your wheels with some WD-40 or bearing lubricant will usually solve the problem.
Q: What happens if my wheel bracket wears out?
A: The wheel bracket embraces the wheel and is recessed 3 to 5 mm from the outsole. It is made with high-density polyurethane for stiffness and durability. However, it does not resist abrasion. Even though the outsole is made with highly abrasion resistant rubber, which wears up to 10 times longer than regular outsole rubber, the shoes are no longer safe for skating once the heel bracket wears out and the axles have no proper room for seating.
Q: What sizes do Heelys shoes come in?
A: Men's Sizing: Children's 12, 13, Adult 1-12; "D" Width, whole sizes only. Women's Sizing: Children's 13, Adult 1-9; "B" Width, whole sizes only. Two-Wheels: Children's 13, Men's 1-8, whole sizes only.
Q: What are Heel Plugs and what do they do?
A: Heel Plugs go into the soles of your Heelys shoes when the wheels are removed. They fill up the heel cavities so you have a normal pair of shoes. They also prevent debris from damaging and getting into the wheel brackets.
Q: How do you take the heel plugs out?
A: Heelys models that come with plugs also come with a removal tool to pop the plugs out. To remove the heel plugs, insert the removal tool all the way into the slot between the heel plug and the sole. Then pull away from the plug. The heel plug should pop out. Please be careful to direct the heel plugs away from yourself and others.
Q: Can I use the removal tools to remove my wheels?
A: The removal tool is designed for removing the heel plugs from Heelys shoes. We do not recommend removing your wheels with the removal tool because it may damage the wheels, which are to be removed by hand.
Q: How do I remove my wheels?
A: Follow the steps below to remove your wheels: *Hold the shoe upside down with the sole and wheel facing away from you. Position both thumbs (one on top of the other) against the side of the wheel that is closer to you. *Using your thumbs, push out and upward on the side of the wheel. Because axles are pressure fitted into the axle arms, removing the wheels may be difficult at first. *If after step #2, the wheel has not come loose, turn the shoes around and repeat step #2 on the other side of the wheel. *To prevent potential injury, always point the bottom of the show away from you and others. *Using the heel plug tool to remove your wheels may damage the wheels which are designed to be removed by hand.
Q: Where do I purchase replacement wheel kits and what size do I need?
A: You can check the bracket area - the style and size wheel should be listed inside. Most of our retailers carry replacement wheel kits, but not all. Please call the store ahead of time to ensure you don't make a wasted trip. For a retailer near you, please visit our Store Locator or find an online retailer by visiting our Retailer Locator.
Q: Can I purchase Heel Plugs for Heelys shoes with two wheels?
A: The Heel Plug kits for the 2x2 Heelys shoes are currently available through a limited number of local and online retailers. For questions, please call Customer Service at 1-866-433-5464.
Q: Which Heel Plug kit do I need to purchase if I have two wheels in my Heelys shoes?
A: Heelys Plug kits come specifically made for the 2X2 style of Heelys shoes, and are currently available through a limited number of local and online retailers. For questions, please call Customer Service at 1-866-433-5464.