Heelys X2 Review: Two-Wheel Heelys vs Kick Speed
Heelys X2 are worth considering if your child wants Heelys with two wheels per shoe and the chosen model fits. The X2 design adds a second wheel in the rear section of the sole. Kick Speed heel wheel roller shoes offer a different layout, with a manually fitted wheel under the forefoot and a rear wheel mechanism that varies by model.
This Heelys X2 review focuses on the Pro 20 X2 and compares its wheel setup, fit, and fastening with Kick Speed heel wheel roller shoes. The most useful distinction is where the wheels sit and how you change configurations—not simply which shoe has more wheels.
Review basis: published product specifications and manufacturer photos, not a hands-on riding test. We sell Kick Speed roller shoes; Heelys is a separate brand.
What are Heelys X2? Two-wheel Heelys explained
Heelys describe X2 as a 2x2 wheel system: two wheels in each shoe. The official Pro 20 X2 photos show the wheels positioned one behind the other toward the back of the sole. This remains a heel-based gliding setup.
The official Heelys X2 collection also explains that riders can remove the front wheel as they progress. Here, “front wheel” means the forward wheel of the X2 pair; it should not be confused with a wheel positioned under the forefoot on a Kick Speed heel wheel model.
Both ranges let you change wheel configurations, but they do not put those wheels in the same places.
Heelys X2 vs single-wheel Heelys: are two wheels better for beginners?
Heelys position the X2 design as a beginner option intended to help with balance. Compared with a single-wheel shoe, it adds another rolling contact point at the back. That is a useful design difference to consider when a child specifically wants to learn to Heely.
It does not establish that every beginner will find X2 easier, learn faster, or fall less. Those outcomes also depend on fit, coordination, instruction, and the practice surface. A second wheel does not compensate for a shoe that slips around the foot.
Choose a setup the child can practice with gradually, use appropriate protective gear, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The official Heelys learning guide explains wheel installation and basic riding. Our guide to teaching a child to ride shoes with wheels covers preparation and supervised practice across shoe types.
Heelys Pro 20 X2 features: upper, fastening, and wheel removal
The Pro 20 X2 product description lists a nylon canvas upper, a unicorn design, and laces with a power strap. That combination gives you both lacing adjustment and a strap over the foot; it is not a strap-only shoe.
The Pro 20 X2 uses removable wheels, not button-operated retraction. For the walking configuration, follow the Heelys wheel-removal instructions and fit the appropriate plugs. The X2 replacement plug kit is a separate accessory, not another shoe model. Check compatibility before buying replacement parts.
For current styles and sizes, use the X2 collection and the exact product selector. A count of collection entries can include accessories and does not tell you how many shoes are available in your child’s size.
Heelys X2 sizing: check the product selector and size chart together
Measure both feet while standing, using the socks the child will wear. Compare the longer measurement with the official Heelys size chart, then confirm that the corresponding size is offered on the X2 product page. A brand-wide chart is not a list of sizes made in every model.
Heelys use whole sizes and recommend sizing up when between sizes. A foot measurement ending in “.5” does not automatically require a US half size, and it is not a reason by itself to rule out X2.
Labels such as 6Y/7W identify equivalent Heelys youth and women’s sizes. They do not mean that the shoe fits only children. For an adult considering X2, the relevant questions are fit and any product-specific use limits—not the presence of a youth label alone.
When comparing Kick Speed, check the individual model’s chart and our roller shoe size guide. Keep measured foot length separate from internal shoe length; apply the allowance stated for the chart rather than adding room twice. Our Heelys for girls sizing guide explains youth labels and the difference between those measurements in more detail.
Heelys X2 vs Kick Speed heel wheel roller shoes
The practical comparison is the wheel layout and the work involved in switching to walking. Use the linked model descriptions to check the exact mechanism.
| What to compare | Heelys Pro 20 X2 | Kick Speed heel wheel roller shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel placement | Two wheels in the rear section of each sole | Rear wheels plus a manually fitted forefoot wheel setup |
| Removing the additional wheel | Heelys say the forward X2 wheel can be removed | The forefoot wheels install and remove manually on the models below |
| Switching to walking | Remove wheels and fit the appropriate plugs | Retract the rear wheels on Cloud LOW and Pro-X LOW, or remove them manually on the other models below; remove fitted front wheels |
| Fastening | Laces plus a power strap | Laces, straps, or a twist-lock dial, depending on model |
| Choosing a size | Use the X2 selector with the Heelys chart | Use the exact Kick Speed model’s chart and selector |
The difference in wheel position is visible in the product photos. It does not, by itself, prove that one shoe is safer or easier for every rider.
Kick Speed heel wheel alternatives to Heelys X2
Start with the wheel mechanism, then choose the fastening and whether you want lights. All models below have manually fitted and removable front wheels. Their rear-wheel systems differ, as shown in the table. The linked product pages provide the size charts and current purchase options.
| Model | Rear wheels | Fastening | LED sole |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud LOW Heel Wheel Roller Shoes | Button-operated retraction | Laces | No |
| Pro-X LOW Heel Wheels Roller Shoes / LED | Button-operated retraction | Velcro strap | Yes |
| Kick Air LOW Heel Wheel Roller Shoes / LED | Manual removal | Twist-lock dial | Yes |
| Photon Glow LOW Heel Wheel Roller Shoes / LED | Manual removal | Twist-lock dial | Yes |
| Spectra Glow MID Heel Wheel Roller Shoes / LED | Manual removal | Laces and Velcro strap | Yes |
| Air Pegasus MID Heel Wheel Roller Shoes / LED | Manual removal | Laces | Yes |
| Drift MID Heel Wheel Roller Shoes / LED | Manual removal | Twist-lock dial | Yes |
| Plasma Flow LOW Heel Wheel Roller Shoes / LED | Manual removal | Twist-lock dial | Yes |
| Nebula LOW Heel Wheel Roller Shoes | Manual removal | Twist-lock dial | No |
| City LOW Heel Wheel Roller Shoes | Manual removal | Twist-lock dial | No |
The twist-lock dial fastens the shoe; it does not release the wheels. If lights are part of the decision, compare the dedicated LED heel wheel roller shoes and heel wheel roller shoes without LED lights collections.
Cloud LOW and Pro-X LOW: heel wheel roller shoes with a button
Compare Cloud LOW heel wheel roller shoes for a lace-up model without lights and Pro-X LOW Heel Wheels roller shoes for an LED model with a Velcro closure. Both have button-operated retractable rear wheels.
The convenience is specific: the rear wheels stay in the shoe. Front wheels still need to be removed manually when fitted. Make wheel changes while stationary and follow the exact model’s instructions.
Manual heel wheel roller shoes: compare fastening and style
Choose among the manual models when removable wheel units suit how you plan to use the shoes. For example, Kick Air LOW heel wheel roller shoes offer a low-top dial fastening with LED lights, while Spectra Glow MID heel wheel roller shoes combine a mid-top cut with laces and a strap.
Inspect the wheels and mounts, follow the care instructions, and confirm replacement-part compatibility for your model. Keep removed wheel units together so they are ready for the next ride.
Heelys X2 price and value: compare the pair you can actually buy
Check the current Pro 20 X2 price against the exact Kick Speed model you are considering. Then compare fit, wheel operation, fastening, and the design your child wants. An advertised starting price elsewhere in a range is not the price of your chosen pair.
Keep accessory listings separate from shoes, and check delivery costs and timing before ordering. Our shipping page covers Kick Speed delivery information; the Heelys product page links to its own shipping details.
Should you buy Heelys X2 or a Kick Speed heel wheel alternative?
- Consider Heelys X2 when your child wants the Heelys brand, likes an available X2 style, and the measured fit works. Its adjustable double-wheel setup is a legitimate option to compare for learning.
- Consider Cloud LOW or Pro-X LOW when retractable rear wheels are a priority. Choose between them by fit, fastening, and lights—not by assuming the button also removes the front wheels.
- Compare the manual Kick Speed models when you want a forefoot wheel option and a particular closure or style. Check the chart for each shortlisted model.
If neither model fits correctly, keep looking. Neither a second wheel nor a preferred brand is a reason to accept uncomfortable sizing.
For the remaining buying checks, read what to look for in heel wheel roller shoes. For a wider comparison beyond X2, see our Heelys alternatives for kids guide.
Heelys X2 review: frequently asked questions
Can you remove a wheel from Heelys X2?
Yes. The Heelys X2 collection description says the front wheel can be removed as riders progress. Follow the X2 instructions and use the correct plug for the empty wheel well.
Do Heelys X2 have retractable wheels?
No. X2 uses removable wheels rather than a heel-button retraction mechanism. Cloud LOW and Pro-X LOW Heel Wheels roller shoes offer retractable rear wheels; their front wheels remain manually removable.
Are two-wheel Heelys safer than single-wheel Heelys?
An additional wheel does not establish a lower injury risk. Choose a correct fit, use protective gear, and follow the riding instructions. This specification comparison does not include comparative safety testing.
Can adults wear Heelys X2?
Check whether the exact X2 model offers a suitable size and meets the rider’s requirements. A youth/women’s combined label does not automatically exclude an adult, and a brand-wide adult size chart does not establish availability in X2.
Can you walk normally in Heelys X2?
Heelys describe a walking configuration with the wheels removed and plugs fitted. Follow the official Heelys instructions for changing the setup; do not treat wheels still installed in the shoes as equivalent to ordinary sneakers.
Which Kick Speed heel wheel roller shoes have removable front wheels?
The models in the comparison table above have manually fitted and removable front wheels. Check the rear-wheel column separately: Cloud LOW and Pro-X LOW retract at the rear, while the other listed models use manual rear-wheel removal.
What should a beginner check before the first ride?
Check the fit, fastening, and wheel installation. Read the shoes with wheels safety guide, use appropriate protective gear, and start with supervised practice on a smooth, flat, dry surface away from traffic.
Ready to compare a specific pair? Browse Kick Speed heel wheel roller shoes and open the models that match your preferred mechanism. If you need help reading a chart, send us the model name and both foot measurements before ordering.