Readers of a certain age may remember those old-school roller skates that were strapped on over top of the user’s regular shoes. The Cardiff Skate Company recently brought the general idea back, but using rollerblade-type wheels instead of the original steel ones. Walk Wing takes the idea further, with strap-on skates that feature retractablerubber wheels.
Each Walk Wing attaches to the user’s existing footwear via a heel strap, toe cover, and a ratcheting ankle strap. Sliding a lever at the back causes the four polyurethane wheels to drop down into place, allowing for some roller skatin’ action. Stopping is achieved using a heel brake, located below the wheel-release lever.
When the user encounters an obstacle such as stairs or a gravel surface, they just pull the wheels back up by flipping the lever over to its original position. Given that they’d be a little gawky to walk in for extended periods – even with their wheels pulled up – the Walk Wings also come with a backpack for carrying them when not in use.
If you’re interested getting a pair, they’re currently the subject of an Indiegogo campaign. A pledge of US$90 will get you some, when and if they reach production. The planned retail price is around $200.
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