If you grew up between the 1950s and 1970s, you might remember a peculiar object that looked more like a woodworking tool than a toy. But this strange item had a completely different purpose—it was actually an early pair of roller skates.
Before the sleek, modern roller skates we know today, there were these heavy, unusual models made with a metal base and secured with leather straps. They were designed to be worn over your regular shoes, making them both practical and slightly awkward.
What made these skates even more unique was the special key that came with each pair. At first glance, it didn’t look like much—but it was essential. This key allowed users to adjust the tightness of the skates to fit securely. However, losing the key meant big trouble: without it, you couldn’t adjust the fit, and you might even have to buy a new pair entirely.
