Heeled footwear brand Heelys has issued a statement defending the safety of its products following the recent publication of a study carried out by the American Academy of Pediatrics which claimed that the footwear has led to a rise in accidents and injury amongst children.

The company stated, “As parents, we care deeply about safety, so it is important to shed some light on the recent American Academy of Pediatrics study. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data from the last six years reflects a different story and finds Heelys wheeled footwear is safer than basketball, soccer, baseball, skateboarding, scooters and even bicycling. The key difference here is the American Academy of Pediatrics study is based on a small sample at one hospital versus the much broader CPSC data. Kids must wear their safety gear—such as helmets, wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads. The bottom line is Heelys is committed to safety.”