How to Use Your Heelys

Reviewed by Melissa Young

Last Updated: September 11, 2024 Approved

Do you have a new pair of Heelys, but you aren't sure how to use them? Once you learn how to use them, you'll be flying around the sidewalks and streets. See Step 1 and beyond to learn how to tip back on your heels, push off and roll.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting Ready to Roll

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The sole saver is the flat piece on the bottom of the shoe. Keep the sole savers in place when you want your shoes to operate like regular shoes, but when you're ready to roll, pop them out.
You should hear a click when heels are popped in all the way. You may want to stomp down on each wheel just to be safe.

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Look for a somewhat sloping, smooth area, but not too steep. A sidewalk, hallway or road works well. Avoid streets with car traffic or areas with lots of cracks, stones or other obstacles on the ground.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Starting and Stopping

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Stand near a table at first so you can get used to how it feels to put your weight on your heels, where your wheels are. Rocking back on your heels is how you roll.
Now that you're familiar with your heelys, time to put them to the test. Rock back on the heel of one foot, and use the toe of your other foot to take a step and push forward. As you push forward, transfer your weight to the heel.
3
Balance on your heels. Now that you're in motion, put the heels of both feet on the ground and roll. Don't lean back too far, or you might fall on your rear end!
- Keep your weight balanced over your heels.
- Keep one foot slightly ahead of the other foot.
When you want to go faster, use one of your feet to push off again, just like you would if you were riding a scooter - only the wheels are attached to your foot instead of a board.
Leaning back so that the heel part of your shoes (the part behind the wheels) touches the ground will bring you to a slow stop. You can also slam your toes down, but you'll have to start running, since your upper body may keep going forward if you are moving very fast. Get comfortable with stopping both ways.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Using Your Heelys Safely

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It will be really hard to stop yourself, and you'll probably end up falling down.
If you lose control of your wheels, you could end up in a dangerous situation!
If you're going to be in a busy area, it can't hurt to wear a helmet, elbow and wrist guards, and knee pads to keep yourself from getting bruised up.

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Question

Why do I keep stopping when I'm heelying?

Community Answer

Because you're not stable with your balance. Try to start again holding onto a table or person to get used to your balance.

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How can I turn with heelys?

Community Answer

Lean your body to the side you want to turn to. But don't lean too much, otherwise you'll fall on your side and it'll be painful.

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How do you get faster and more confident on heelys?

Community Answer

Do it over and over again until you feel safe, then push off harder than you did before. This should give you a better and faster speed.

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Tips

Start off walking. Then, put one foot at a time to the test.

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Helpful 66 Not Helpful 11
It's easier to learn by holding to a pole or other nearby surface and balancing on your heels to give yourself a push.

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Helpful 54 Not Helpful 9
Balance on the flatter part of your heels, or you'll stop.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Don't attempt any tricks on your Heelys until you can confidently roll forwards. When you attempt any tricks, you should always wear a helmet.
When you are rolling, make sure one foot always stays behind the other. Otherwise, if it catches up, you will fall backwards.
If you're not comfortable with the scooter technique, try a little jog and jump and land on your heels. It will help.

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Warnings

Don't have another person push you. There's a good chance that he/she will unintentionally push you over.

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Helpful 13 Not Helpful 3
Go slow if it's your first time, until you are more comfortable with faster speeds. Wear protective gear.

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