There's lots of people spooked by these shoes. I'm 37, and have been heeling for the last 4 years. It's phenomenal in airports when you've only got a few minutes to try to make a connecting flight. And most parking lots as well. Granted that it takes some patience while you're learning to "get the hang of it", but after becoming proficient I find it to be an excellent timesaver. Don't be fooled with how simple it looks, it ends up being moderate exercise. You can really only go maybe 50% faster than walking on most sidewalks due to all the cracks. In Wal-Mart or Costco where there's a nice surface you can get up to about twice walking speed in an 100% safe manner. I walk 100% in the busy sections at the front of the store or aisle intersections, and heel in the empty aisles to make my way to the back of the store. (Seems like everything you really want is always in the back of the store, right?) It really is 100% safe. I've never run into anyone.

The #1 question I get asked when I'm heeling: "wow, where did you find a pair in your size?" They're available on eBay or at Mervyn's and Big 5 sports. Remember that there's a significant learning curve involved here, and you'll build up ankle muscles you never knew you had. But after you're practiced up, it's an excellent way to get around.

For all those naysayers: with something that's currently this popular with the youth, and has the potential to make the everyday commute easier, there's a good possiblity that it won't die out like the hoola-hoop. I expect that in another decade these heely-proficient youth will still use the shoes to get around. I recommend going out and trying it for yourself to see what all the fuss is about before you blindly try to get the shoes blacklisted.