Check out this headline, A new childhood threat: roller shoes. These “roller shoes” are on the top of the list from the group W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm) as one of the ten top worse toys for kids last year. Last year there were 1,600 emergency visits because of injuries received on roller shoes.

Because these are considered footwear, parents do not make their children take the proper precautions that they would if they were skateboarding or rollerblading, such as wearing a helmet and protective gear.

This seems to be causing quite a debate (see comments) amongst parents as to whether these shoes should be sold as “footwear”.

Some parents believe this footwear is great exercise for kids, while others find them annoying and think they should be banned in public places? Now banned in some stores, some want to know what the big deal is? Are they any more dangerous then any other sport? The leading maker, Heelys, reported in April that the shoes have a lower injury rate than many other sports, including skateboarding, inline skating and even swimming.

So, Heely’s considers their sneakers a sport. So essentially, they should not be called footwear. And we as parents should follow the same precautions as if our children were skateboarding or rollerblading.

What do you think?