Shoes with Wheels for Adults

Pop-out or heel wheel. Pop-out shoes such as the Original LOW White and Kick Air MID put four wheels under the whole foot and tuck them back into the sole for walking. Heel wheel shoes such as the Spectra Glow and Cloud glide on a wheel in the heel; most take a front wheel for a steadier roll, and the Cloud and Pro-X LOW Heel Wheels tuck the rear wheel away at the press of a heel button.

Check the size first. Pop-out styles go up to EU 42, about 28 cm inside the shoe. Heel wheel styles go up to EU 41 in the Cloud and Pro-X LOW Heel Wheels and EU 40 in the others. Measure your foot and use the size finder before you order.

Lights or plain. LED soles charge over USB: 7-LED models have seven light modes, NEW LED models are brighter. For the office, pick a pair without LED such as the Original LOW White, Kick Air MID, Tokyo or Vapor MID, or the Cloud and Nebula heel wheel styles.

Learning as an adult. Start on smooth, flat ground. On heel wheel shoes, fit the front wheel for the first sessions; on pop-out shoes, keep your knees bent and practise stopping before you pick up speed. A helmet and wrist guards are a good idea at any age, and the safety guide has the checklist. Our guide to roller skate shoes for adults compares more options.