Best Skateboard Wheels – Soft and Hard Skateboard Wheels Review

Skateboard wheels come in different sizes and texture meant for different skating purposes. The makeup of the wheels determines how fast and safe a board can go no matter who is riding it. The best skateboard wheels are made with a high-quality unique and durable type of plastic known as Polyurethane.

The wheels are turned into different sizes and shapes for different skating preferences with the commonest wheel diameter ranging from 48 to 56 millimetre. These wheels are small but apt for beginners, small riders skating in the streets, skate parks and bowls. Longboarders and shalom skaters come in much larger 60-millimetre wheel diameter and above. They are most suitable for speciality skateboarders who prefer downhill and rough surfaces. They are meant for speed and only the experienced skateboarders should mount these wheels.

When purchasing skateboard wheels, the hardness or durometer of the wheel should be a deciding factor for the best skateboard wheels you choose to buy. Harder wheels have a durometer of 99a or 100a. Wheels in this category are prefered choices for most street skaters, while those using longboards and cruisers often mount softer skateboard wheels of 78a to 87a durometer. This is ideal for trick skating and uber smooth rides. The texture of these wheels makes it relatively easy for it to cross large street surface cracks and little pebbles. Medium-hardness wheels in the range of 96a to 99a are ideal for park and ramp skaters.

Depending on your preference, the best skateboard wheels can either fall into the soft or hard wheel category. As such we are going to review the best skateboard wheels in these two categories: the best soft skateboard wheels and the best hard skateboard wheels. At the end, you will be better informed of the best skateboard wheels to exchange your money for against numerous competing substitutes.

Having gone through a thorough review of good skateboard wheels in the market, Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels and Everland 52mm Wheels w/ Bearings & Spacers came tops as our recommended best skateboard wheels for soft and hard wheels respectively. Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels as a soft skateboard wheel is the best skateboard wheel for slightly rough surfaces, street boards and longboards that demand maximum grip for easy rolling across cracks and pebbles. It is slightly harder when compared to known standards but fast over rough surfaces with adequate grip. Everland 52mm Wheels w/ Bearings & Spacers, on the other hand, is perfect for hard surfaces, skateboard tricks etc. Both wheels in their respective categories are quality products that will last a considerable long period of time you might consider transferring them to a new skateboard when your current board is worn out.

Best Skateboard Wheels

Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Skateboard Wheels 70mm, 78a

Shark wheels are futuristic wheels that have defined what future skaters should roll on. Looking as if its unrollable is the 70mm high-performance shark wheel sidewinder longboard wheels that are simply great for all-around cruising activities. It offers more grip and slide control with its unique sine wave design.

The sine wave design provides three lips per wheel for superior lateral grip. When you want to slide, they pathways and recover easily when you are done sliding. To achieve this capability, the width of the wheel was increased while the actual contact patch was decreased. 

With this unique feature, the wheels give out more speed and quicker ride as the wave pattern design allows for a thin contact patch touching the ground. I particularly find it beneficial that the alternating patterns of the grooves minimize hydroplaning by channelling liquid, sand or gravel away from the surface of the wheel.  With this, you get a firm contact patch with the ground no matter the terrain.

Pros:

• Sine wave
• Off-road compatible
• Unique futuristic design
• Excellent on wet terrains
• Available in 12 beautiful colours
• Easily rides over obstacles other wheels will stop at

Cons:

• A bit heavy
• The paints wear off if not properly cared for

With the Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels, you get to have a feel of what it is to skate in the future while being in the present time. With these wheels mounted on your board, there is no limit or restriction any terrain or weather will impose on you. Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels will simply and effortlessly take you wherever you will stand out among other skaters without sweating it out. This is a wheel with a class.

Spitfire Classic Series High-Performance Skateboard Wheel (Set of 4)

The Spitfire Classic Series High-Performance Skateboard is guaranteed to perform against all defects on its range of wheels as one of the best hard skateboard wheels.  Your skating tricks can never go wrong with this wheel.

Over time, I have seen a whole lot of heavy guys gain remarkable speed after mounting these wheels for a short distance. Spitfire Classic wheels will never lose its durometer like most other wheels not reviewed here would. Where simplicity defines your buying choice haven been satisfied with top-notch technical specifications, the hand poured and shaped Spitfire Classic 50mm best skateboard wheel is an ideal choice for your hard surface skateboarding penchant.

Pros:

• Simple design
• Quick spinning
• No colour peeling
• Perfect for hard surfaces
• Hand poured and shaped

Cons:

• Looks a bit old-fashioned

Looking at this wheels, one might wonder if they can ever pull off a flip trick? You will be amazed when you find out that a lot of abilities were packed inside the simple looking Spitfire classic skateboard wheel. I recommend this product for my friends who don’t fancy heavily coloured and sophisticatedly designed skateboard wheels. Spitfire kept it simple with the classic design and is quite affordable for an impromptu purchase. It is simply one of those products we recommend and no one ever regrets buying.

Shark Wheel California Roll (60mm 78a) Skateboard Wheel

Where longboarders are involved, better slide control is needed, must definitely be sine-wave shaped wheels, unique design and colour is appreciated, then the Shark Wheel California Roll (60mm 78a) is what you are looking for. It comes in a square hybrid shape synonymous with the Shark Wheel brand.

This product particularly does well on rough terrains better than any other wheel. The riding experience I got from these wheels was nothing short than smooth even on uneven surfaces such as dirt, grass, cobblestones etc. These set of wheels are ideal for smaller or mini longboards and perfect for cruising around quietly. The less contact it has with the ground makes it gain considerable speed over a short distance and is one of the best soft skateboard wheels in the market.

Pros:

• Decent 60mm
• Reliable 78a durometer
• Smooth and quite riding
• Beautiful design and colour finishing

Cons:

• The colour wears off

If you try this wheels out, you might probably not go back to any other one you hitherto used. Yes, that is how good the Shark Wheel California Roll (60mm 78a) is. The quietness of these wheels is probably the best you will ever find in its category of soft skateboard wheels.

Shark Wheel 72mm 78a Longboard Cruising Wheels, DNA Formula, Set of 4 Wheels

Shark Wheels perfected the reinventing of the wheel in this product. it looks like a square when rolling and is perfect where high performance skating or cruising around is needed. On mounting this soft Shark Wheel 1000S70MMS78ATG longboard wheels, you will discover how extremely fast they roll and this is all thanks to the sine-wave shape of the wheels. Better slide control and easy navigation over rough terrains are some of the benefits you will derive from riding these best value wheels.

Pros:

• Futuristic wheel design
• Extremely smooth when riding
• Uniquely beautiful transparent colour
• Easily rides over small rocks and pebbles

Cons:

• Tiny bubbles might be seen on the wheel

The Shark Wheel 1000S70MMS78ATG longboard wheel is aesthetically one of the best skateboard wheels any true skateboarder should have in their collection. No matter the frequency of use, you will find these wheels absolutely smooth and reliable.

MBS All-Terrain Longboard Skateboard Wheels

The perfect wheels for longboarders on an asphalt path desirous of a wheel that will easily roll over just about anything. They roll smoothly on both pavement and grass no matter who rides them. Whether you are an experienced longboarder, a newbie or someone not just feeling like walking, you will find the MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels suitable to take you anywhere you direct it to. It has 78a hard super-high-rebound urethane wheels moulded into 100mm diameter wheel. These wheels can remarkably be used on standard skateboards too and for this reason, I find them quite versatile in case you want to get a feel of what it is like cruising on a standard board. You can easily remove these wheels on your longboard and mount them on your standard board.

Pros:

• Excellent street traction
• Easily rides over most debris and cracked pavements

Cons:

• A bit heavy
• The traction usually wears down over time

Provided you get yourself some standard packs of bearing, you will enjoy the versatility of these wheels. They are quite affordable and will last long enough for you before the wheels begin to wear out. Everyone who I know to have used these wheels ended up recommending same to others as the best skateboard wheels for soft surfaces known to them. You will simply love it.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Skateboard Wheels

Size (Diameter)

The size of a skateboard wheel is measured by its diameter in millimeters and this is one of the key factors that determine the speed of the skateboard. The most common sizes in circulation are the larger range between 50mm and 75mm, which work best for downhill cruising whereas the smaller wheels are more in demand for technical skating. 

Take a look at the breakdown below to help you better understand how the size of a skateboard wheel can affect its performance in terms of speed and stability. 

55mm – 75mm (Large Wheels)

These wheels provide good speed which is great for long-distance rides that involve cruising or downhill skating. With a wheel in this range, you will cover more ground per wheel rotation, resulting in high speed. 

Larger wheels also offer more stability especially if you are riding uneven or rocky paths. This is because they are able to provide a cushion when you roll over debris and cracks. 

50mm – 54mm (Small Wheels) 

 The smaller wheels may be slower when it comes to speed and acceleration which is necessary if you want to do tricks in technical riding. However, they also provide better stability which is what you need when technical tricks are involved. But unlike the larger wheels, small wheels do not do well in rocky terrains. 

Whatever the case, it is important to ensure that the size of your skateboard wheel matches your personal skating style and the terrain you use to get the best experience. Again, Smaller wheels are for control and technical tricks while the larger wheels are for speed and stability. 

Skateboard Wheel Size Recommendation for Beginners, Street skating, and Cruising

For Beginners  – Size 52mm–54mm: 

The size range of between 52mm and 54mm is ideal for beginners because it provides the needed balance and stability that will keep them in control and help them feel secure to try basic tricks that improve their riding techniques. 

For Street Skating – Size 50mm–54mm:

Street skating involves a lot of technical tricks like kickflips, ollies, and grinds, and as such, smaller wheels in the range of 50mm to about 54mm work best for it because they are lighter, more agile, and respond better to tricks. 

For Cruising – Size 58mm–65mm:

Cruising is all about speed, and speed requires larger wheels in the range of 58mm and 65mm. These larger wheels roll easier over cracked, rocky, and uneven surfaces. When paired with the softer durometer wheels (78A–85A), you’ll get speed and comfort all in one. 

Hardness (Durometer)

The durometer scale is used to get a measure of how hard the wheels of a skateboard are. Wheel hardness has a crucial impact on speed, impact cushion, and grip, which are crucial aspects of skating styles and tricks maneuvering. Typically the durometer uses the A Scale which ranges from soft (78A) to hard (101A). Take a look at an overview of the Durometer scale below: 

• 78A–87A (Soft Wheels)
• 88A–95A (Medium-Soft Wheels)
• 96A–99A (Medium-Hard Wheels)
• 100A+ (Hard Wheels)

The hardness of a skateboard wheel is one of the major determining factors for different skating styles because its relevance at each point is very different as you will see below.

Durometer 99A–101A – Street Skating

Even though hard wheels are not so effective on rough/rocky terrains, hard wheels in the range of 99A – 101A are your best friends if Street Skating is your style. This range of wheels on the durometer works well for maneuvering and carrying out the technical tricks involved. These can be backflips, slides, grinds, and the like. 

Durometer 78A–85A – Cruising/Commuting/Downhill or Speed Skating

Wheels in the range of 78A to 85A are softer and will give you a good speed for cruising and that will come in handy if you are commuting, speed skating, or navigating a downhill path. At this range, your wheels will comfortably absorb bumps /vibrations and provide a more solid grip on high speed and steep descents. Overall, softer wheels ensure a comfortable ride.  

Durometer 96A–99A – Skateparks & Ramps

Medium-hard wheels in the range of 96A – 99A are the most balanced for skateparks. They offer a good grip for transitions. 

Shape and Contact Patch

Beyond the size, and durometer of a skateboard wheel, the other thing that plays a vital role in how well it works is the shape of the wheel. There are generally five shpaes you will find for skateboard wheels. Take a look at the shapes and their impact on grip and speed:

1. Conical Wheels – Provides high grip with moderate speed and is great for bowls/ramps.  

2. Radial Wheels – Provides a balanced grip and slide but better speed than the conical wheels. It is also versatile for street skating

3. Square Wheels – Provides maximum grip, slower speed on level terrain, and exceptional stability for cruising downhill. 

4. Rounded Wheels – Gives minimal grip, fast speed, and is lightweight/agile for tricks

5. Tapered Wheels – Gives moderate grip, and moderate speed and is very balanced for carving and freestyling. 

Material

When it comes to the material from which skateboard wheels are made the most commonly known is Polyurethane, a synthetic type of polymer that is flexible, durable, and offers great performance. It became the choice material for making skateboard wheels in replacement of other inferior options that were used in the past like metal or even clay. 

Chief among the reasons why it became the gold standard for skateboard wheels is its durability especially when it comes to its high resistance to wear and tear. It can withstand the abrasive nature of repeated impact associated with skateboards and the terrains they are used on. 

Most importantly, skateboard wheels made from polyurethane are less prone to developing flat spots, and they maintain consistent performance even during powerslides. 

Style of Skating Guide

Street Skating

• Wheel Size: 50mm–54mm (small)
• Durometer: 99A–101A (hard)
• Shape: Slim or conical

Park Skating

• Wheel Size: 54mm–58mm (medium)
• Durometer: 96A–101A (hard)
• Shape: Conical or radial

Cruising

• Wheel Size: 60mm–75mm (large)
• Durometer: 78A–85A (soft)
• Shape: Wide contact patch

Downhill Skating

• Wheel Size: 70mm–80mm (large)
• Durometer: 78A–85A (soft)
• Shape: Square lips

Vert Skating

• Wheel Size: 55mm–60mm (medium-large)
• Durometer: 97A–101A (hard)
• Shape: Radial or conical

Types of Skateboard Wheels

Street Wheels

Street wheels come in the small range of 50mm to 54mm, have a hard durometer and are often conical in shape. As a result, it is lightweight and offers good control for carrying out tricks. 

Park Wheels

Park wheels are usually hard and medium-sized in the range of 54mm and 58mm in either the conical or radial shape which improves stability for transition and enhances good grip. 

Cruiser Wheels

Cruiser wheels provide the most comfort because they absorb shock effectively. They are typically on the larger side around 55mm to 75mm with a soft durometer of 78A–85A and wide with rounded edges. It is perfect for commuting. 

Downhill Wheels

Downhill wheels are ideal for racing downhill at high speeds. They come in the large 70mm to 80mm, are soft within the range of 78A–85A, and have a square shape for maximum traction to maintain stability during a fast descent. 

Vert Wheels

Vert wheels are designed to tackle big airs, halfpipes, and vert ramps. They have a wide radial shape in the larger range of 55mm to 60mm with a hard durometer of between 97A and 101A. 

Specialty Wheels

Specialty wheels often come with LED lighting for extra visibility and better aesthetics. They also often have longboard wheels which work best for downhill racing, commuting,or carving. They are closely similar to cruiser wheels but some of their features differ. 

Suggested Skateboard Wheel Types by Skill Level and Terrain

1. Beginners

If you are a beginner, the most important things to consider are good grip, shock absorption, and balance. The best skateboard wheel type to achieve this with is the Cruiser wheel in the size range of 55mm–60mm and a soft durometer. 

2. Intermediate & Advanced

If you are already broken in but have not elevated to the full expertise as a skateboard rider or even if you are in the advanced category, consider prioritizing a balanced grip and wheels that will allow you to practice advanced tricks on mixed terrains. To achieve this, Park wheels or a hybrid wheel in the size range of 54mm–58mm and a durometer of 96A–101A which is hard is your best bet. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Choosing your Skateboard Wheel

• Never choose your skateboard wheels based on their looks and how much they appeal to you physically. Their function is what really matters. 
• Never ignore the type and style of skating that appeals to you the most, this will help you know the wheel to choose for the terrain you use. 
• Decide the kind of experience you want to get first because this will determine the durometer of the right wheels for you. 
• If you choose a wheel that is too big for your regular skateboard, it will cause wheel bite and cause you to be thrown off. In the same vein, if your wheel is too small, it will affect how stability and speed when you are cruising. 
• Cheaper wheels may cost you more money in the future because they will wear and tear easily. 
• Never overlook maintenance in little ways like checking for flat spots and replacing your wheels when necessary. 

How to measure skateboard wheels 

Tools Needed for Measurement

• Ruler or tape measure
• Digital/Vernier Caliper
• Durometer Tester
• A Flat clean surface to work on
• Pen/Paper/Smartphone

How to Measure Skateboard Wheel Size (Diameter)

To effectively measure the diameter of a wheel in millimeters, just follow the steps below: 

• Get your tools (skate tool/wrench ruler, tape, or digital caliper with millimeter markings). 
• Use the skate tool/wrench to remove the wheel from the skateboard. This will help you get a more accurate measurement
• Clean off the wheel you just removed with a towel because a layup of debris can distort your measurement
•  Lay the wheel down upright and in a steady position on your flat surface
• Place your ruler across the wheel and ensure that it passes through the center and spans the widest part of the wheel. 
• Measure from one outer edge of the wheel to the other in millimeters. 
• Compare the numbers you got to the wheel size range listed above and ensure it matches your skateboard before making a choice. 

It is important to get the right measurement because a wrong measurement will lead to getting the wrong set of wheels and that will limit your experience. To make sure that you get the right numbers, keep your readings to the widest and outermost parts of the wheel. Moreover, you can measure up to three times for consistency. 

Measuring Wheel Width and Contact Patch

• Get your digital caliper with millimeter markings. 
• Lay the wheel down flat on its side on your flat surface
• Gently place your caliper so that it grips the outer edges of the wheel, then measure from one edge to the other going as wide as possible.
• Note down the numbers in millimeters

The contact patch is the flat part of the wheel that makes contact with the ground. If you are unsure, carefully examine the wheel to find the part that shows visible marks of wear. Then set your caliper directly on the contact area to measure the width of the area that makes contact with the ground. Remember to record your numbers in millimeters.

Impact of Skateboard Wheel Widthon Grip and Ride Quality

The importance of the width of a skateboard wheel lies in the style of skating that a user prefers to use it for, but either way keep in mind that the width of the wheels you choose will affect your grip, balance, and overall, the quality of your skating experience. 

Wider wheels make more contact with the ground and as such, the rider will get better stability and traction especially if they are cruising or skating downhill. These wider wheels are also the best for beginner skaters because it is wide enough to give them a lot of control. Wheels that are on the slim side have a lighter weight and as such, they are agile for carrying out tricks and respond faster to turns. If the need does not match the wheel, you will have poor ride quality. Hence it is important to first define your skating needs and style before deciding on the wheels to choose. 

Checking Durometer (Hardness)

How to Identify the Durometer Rating Printed on a Skateboard Wheel

Finding the durometer rating of a skateboard wheel is not very complicated since it is often written on the wheel. Just feel along the side of the wheel for the printed specs, and you will see a set of numbers after which there will be a combination of numbers and letters like 78A, 99A, or 83B. This is what the durometer rating will look like. 

For the durometer of skateboard wheels, the A Scale is the most commonly used to measure hardness. The progression goes from soft to hard beginning from 78A. Higher numbers like 101A go for harder wheels. 

The B Scale is not as commonly used, but it uses a 20-point scale to measure how hard a skateboard wheel is especially for hard wheels. This means that an 83B wheel will be the equivalent of 103A on the A Scale. 

Also note that the durometer markings will come along with other important details like the brand name, logo, and size of the wheel. A

Durometer Scale Interpretation

The durometer scale is very important for tailoring your skating style and personal needs to the kind of wheels that will give you the best skating experience. For emphasis take a look at the scale range and the styles they are best adapted to; 

• Soft Range (78A and 87A) – Best for cruising, longboarding, and riding on rough surfaces

• Medium to hard Range (88A to 95A) – Best for park and street skating

• Hard Ranging (96A to 101A) – Best for tricks, slides, and skateparks

Common Issues in Measurement

Potential Mistakes and Issues To Avoid in Measuring Skateboard Wheels

1. Using the wrong tools.

2. Reading the durometer rating wrong

3.  Measuring the wrong area will give you an incorrect size

4. Ignoring the contact patch will lead to misreading the full width of the wheel

5. Taking measurements with a dirty or worn-out wheel is not likely to give you the original size

6. Measuring with only one wheel rather than multiple wheels means overlooking manufacturing defects

7. Pressing the caliper down too hard on soft wheels will distort the shape. 

Final Tip

If you have sufficiently understood how to measure skateboard wheels to enable you to know the size and durometer that best works for you, you are good to go. But bear in mind that whatever wheel you do end up choosing, regular maintenance is the one sure way to keep it in tip-top shape. It is also important to measure your wheels regularly as you maintain it to ensure it is still compatible with your decks and the terrain you use it on for the sake of balance.

• Resources for finding compatible wheels

To get good guidance on how to measure your wheels, try any of the options listed below: 

• Local Skate Shops
• Manufacturer’s Website
• Online Tutorials and guide
• Youtube

FAQs

What are skateboard wheels made of? 

The primary material you will find in the makeup of skateboard wheels is the plastic material polyurethane (PU). This was not the case in the 60s but it became the standard sometime in the 70s because PU has great shock absorption, a good grip, and is resilient when compared to other materials used before it. 

What are the best skateboard wheels? 

Determining the best Skateboard is largely dependent on factors like the style of the person and where they intend to ride the skate. However, the names that stand out either way are: Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Skateboard Wheels, and Spitfire Classic Series High-Performance Skateboard Wheels

What size of skateboard wheels do I need? 

Choosing the right size of skateboard wheels for anybody depends on a few things like: 

• The terrain you want to use it on
• Your skating style
• How experienced you are as a skater

Once you have determined the factors above, they will help you decide the Diameter (Wheel Size in mm), and Durometer (Wheel Hardness) to choose. 

Do LED skateboard wheels slow you down? 

LED skateboard wheels definitely slow you down more than the traditional wheels will and this is because it has inbuilt magnets and other electric components that add to their weight. But beyond that, it also generates rolling resistance because the internal magnets cause it to slow down over time. But even more important, LED wheels are made from soft polyurethane which has a better grip on the rider but rolls slower. 

Can you put longboard wheels on a skateboard? 

You can absolutely make longboard wheels work on your skateboard, but there are several things to consider so that you don’t create problems in the long run. Consider the size of the wheels since longboard wheels are typically longer than those of the traditional skating board. if the size does not match, it can cause the wheels to hit the deck while you are in motion, and that will surely throw you off balance. Also, consider adding Riser pads to prevent wheel bite. And finally, make sure that the trucks are compatible.

Conclusion

Having gone through all of the above, there is no gainsaying the fact that chosing the right skateboard wheels is essential to the kind of experience you will have overall. To successfully choose the right skateboard wheels, be sure to match the size, durometer, and shape of the wheels to your skating style and the terrain you want to use it on. 

If your style is Street tricks, go for small (50-54mm), hard (95A-101A) wheels. For cruising, your best choice will be larger (55-75mm), softer (78A-85A) wheels that offer comfort and good grip. For Racing downhill, you will require soft, large wheels for speed and stability whereas if Vert skating is your preference, it will work excellently with medium-sized hard wheels that offer durability and control. 

If you are unsure of how to make the right choice to make that would serve you the best, consider consulting the local skate shop in your area. While there, try out as many wheels as possible to see what feels the most comfortable.

The best skateboard wheels whether for soft or hard wheels reviewed here will offer you nothing less than speed, maximum control, quality traction and durability. Never go skating on wheels that are not guaranteed to give you the above. Skating is meant to be enjoyed, but when you skate on any of our reviewed best skateboards, it becomes a recurrent memorable experience as you improve and master the art steadily.

How We Tested Skateboard Wheels

• Number of Wheels Tested: 12
• Testing Period: 30 days
• Methodology: Wheels were tested on various surfaces, including smooth pavement, rough streets, and skateparks. Both hard and soft were assessed for different skating styles, such as street, park, and longboarding.
• Factors Considered: Durability, grip, ride smoothness, material quality, performance on different surfaces, design, weight, and overall value.

Meet Our Experts

We consulted two highly experienced skaters and gear specialists to determine the best skateboard wheels for optimal performance and control, for both hard and smooth surfaces.

• Derrick Liu is a skate shop owner technician based in California. With hands-on experience fitting wheels for skaters of all skill levels, Derrick fully understands how things like durometer, size, and shape impact overall ride quality.
• Maya Collins is a park skater and gear content creator who regularly tests skateboard components, including wheels, on various surfaces like rough concrete, smooth concrete, wood, asphalt, brick, and even dirt for off-road riding. She has contributed her reviews and buying guides to leading skateboarding forums, blogs and publications.