Wheel Buying Guide
How to choose skateboard wheels
Choosing skateboard wheels becomes much easier once you understand size, hardness and where you will be skating. Smaller, harder wheels suit smooth streets and skateparks, while larger, softer wheels roll better over rough ground.
What do skateboard wheel sizes mean?
Skateboard wheel diameter is measured in millimetres, usually shown as 52 mm, 54 mm or 56 mm. Smaller wheels feel lighter and accelerate quickly. Larger wheels maintain speed and roll over cracks and rough surfaces more easily.
| Wheel size | Best for | How it feels |
|---|---|---|
| 49–52 mm | Technical street skating and flip tricks | Light, quick and responsive |
| 53–54 mm | All-round street and park skating | Balanced speed, weight and control |
| 55–56 mm | Parks, ramps, bowls and mixed terrain | Faster with improved clearance over cracks |
| 57–60 mm | Transition, filming, cruising and rough ground | Fast rolling with more momentum |
| 60 mm+ | Cruisers, surfskates and longboards | Maximum roll and comfort over rough surfaces |
If you are unsure, a 53 mm or 54 mm wheel is usually a safe all-round choice for a standard skateboard.
Choose your wheel hardness
Wheel hardness is called durometer and is usually measured on the A scale. A lower number means a softer, smoother and grippier wheel. A higher number means a harder, faster and more slide-friendly wheel on smooth surfaces.
Soft
Smooth, quiet and grippy. Best for cruising, surfskates, longboards and rough ground.
Medium-soft
A useful compromise between comfort and trick performance for rough streets and mixed terrain.
All-round
Firm enough for tricks while offering slightly more forgiveness than very hard skatepark wheels.
Hard
Fast and slide-friendly on smooth concrete. Best for technical street, parks, ramps and bowls.
Durometer can feel different between manufacturers because wheel formulas vary. Some very hard wheels use the B scale; for example, 81B is approximately comparable to 101A.
Choose by skating style
| Skating style | Suggested size | Suggested hardness |
|---|---|---|
| Technical street | 50–54 mm | 97A–101A+ |
| Street and park | 52–55 mm | 97A–101A |
| Ramps and bowls | 54–58 mm | 97A–101A+ |
| Rough street spots | 54–58 mm | 87A–97A |
| Filming | 56–60 mm | 78A–95A |
| Cruising | 56–65 mm | 78A–90A |
| Surfskate or longboard | 60 mm+ | 75A–85A |
Hard wheels or soft wheels?
Hard wheels
- Fast on smooth concrete
- Slide more easily
- Feel responsive during tricks
- Create less grip during powerslides
- Can feel noisy and uncomfortable on rough ground
Soft wheels
- Roll more smoothly over cracks
- Provide more grip
- Reduce vibration and noise
- Make cruising more comfortable
- Can feel slower or sticky during technical tricks
Understanding wheel shape
Two wheels with the same size and hardness can still feel different. Width, contact patch and edge shape affect grip, speed, weight and how easily the wheels slide.
Narrow profile
Lighter and responsive with less surface touching the ground. A popular choice for technical street skating.
Wide contact patch
Provides more grip and stability. Useful for bowls, ramps, high-speed skating and rough surfaces.
Rounded edges
Help wheels move into slides and can reduce the chance of catching during certain tricks and grinds.
Square edges
Create a broader edge and more grip, making them useful for carving, transition and maintaining control.
Match wheels to your truck height
Larger wheels sit closer to the underside of the deck and can cause wheel bite during deep turns. Your truck height, bushing hardness and preferred truck tightness all affect the amount of clearance available.
| Wheel size | Setup guidance | Riser pads |
|---|---|---|
| 49–54 mm | Suitable for most standard street trucks | Usually not required |
| 55–57 mm | Mid or high trucks provide more clearance | May help with loose trucks |
| 58 mm+ | High trucks or a cruiser-style setup are recommended | Often recommended |
This is general guidance. Deep turns and loose trucks may require riser pads even with smaller wheels.
What is wheel bite?
Wheel bite happens when a wheel touches the underside of the deck during a turn. This can cause the wheel to stop suddenly. You can reduce wheel bite by using smaller wheels, adding riser pads, choosing higher trucks, fitting harder bushings or tightening your trucks slightly.
Skateboard wheel buying checklist
- Decide where you will skate most often.
- Choose a wheel diameter that suits your skating style.
- Select a hardness for the surfaces you ride.
- Check that your truck height provides enough wheel clearance.
- Add riser pads if you use larger wheels or loose trucks.
- Remember that skateboard wheels are normally sold as a set of four, while bearings are usually sold separately.
Skateboard wheel FAQs
What skateboard wheel size is best for beginners?
A 53 mm or 54 mm wheel is a versatile starting point for most beginners using a standard skateboard. It provides a useful balance of speed, stability and responsiveness.
What hardness is best for street skating?
Wheels around 97A–101A are popular for street skating. Choose the harder end for smooth surfaces and easier sliding, or the softer end for additional comfort and grip on rough ground.
What wheels are best for rough UK roads?
Larger wheels between approximately 55 and 60 mm with a hardness of around 78A–95A will handle cracks, paving and rough tarmac better than small, hard skatepark wheels.
Are bigger skateboard wheels faster?
Larger wheels generally maintain speed for longer and roll over rough surfaces more easily. Smaller wheels accelerate quickly and feel lighter but lose momentum sooner.
Do softer wheels make tricks harder?
Soft wheels can feel heavier and grippier during technical tricks and slides. However, many skaters use medium-soft wheels successfully when they need a balance between tricks and comfort on rough ground.
Do skateboard wheels come with bearings?
Bearings are normally sold separately unless the product listing states otherwise. A complete skateboard requires eight bearings—two for each wheel.
When should skateboard wheels be replaced?
Replace your wheels when they become heavily coned, develop large flat spots, crack or wear down enough to noticeably affect your setup. Rotating the wheels regularly can help them wear more evenly.