Roger Adams Dies at 71; Invented Heelys Rolling Sneakers That Sold Millions
Roger Adams, who invented Heelys sneakers with wheels hidden in the heels, died at age 71. His shoes let kids walk normally or roll like skates by rocking back on their heels. The company sold millions of pairs in the early 2000s.
Roger Adams, the inventor behind the Heelys craze that swept playgrounds in the early 2000s, has died at 71. His sneakers featured wheels hidden in the heels, allowing wearers to walk normally or glide like roller skates by shifting their weight backward.
Adams grew up around skating. His parents owned the Adams-Tacoma Roller Bowl, which he called the biggest roller rink in the Pacific Northwest. He described himself as a tinkerer who worked on everything from automatic door openers to hydraulic jacks before creating his breakthrough invention.
Heelys became a massive hit, with the company selling millions of pairs of the patented athletic shoes. Kids could seamlessly switch from walking to rolling without changing footwear, making them popular in schools and malls across America.
But the success didn't last. After years of losses, Heelys sold its operations to a private equity firm in 2012 for just $13.9 million. This came four years after Skechers had offered $142.8 million for the company at its peak. The brand still exists today but never regained its early popularity.
Adams created a playground craze that millions of kids experienced in the 2000s. His invention shows how simple ideas can become huge businesses, though the company later struggled and sold for much less than its peak value.
Heelys continues operating under new ownership, though with much less market presence than during its 2000s heyday.
Was this article helpful?
0 people found this helpful