skateboard tour wheels

The Best Skateboard Wheels for Skateparks: A Complete Guide

The best skateboard wheels for skateparks should have a Durometer of 99A+ and preferably a diameter between 52 and 58mm. Harder wheels (with a higher Durometer) will perform better in ramps, bowls and verts because they don’t cause as much friction as soft wheels.

However, every skater rides a little bit different. If you want a faster ride, try slightly larger wheels (60mm), or if you want a smoother ride, try wheels with a little bit lower durometer.

Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels

The Spitfire Bighead wheels are a classic choice when looking for quality wheels to shred at the skatepark. They come in sizes 48mm, 52mm, 53mm, 54mm, and 57mm, all with a 99A durometer.

Spitfire is a reputable skateboard brand that is known in the sport for producing some of the best skateboard wheels . Their wheels last a long time and are known for not getting flat spots as easily as some of their competitors.

These are meant for street skateboarding, park skateboarding, and performing technical tricks. The tread is perfect, and the wheels grip perfectly on smooth concrete.

• 99A durometer which provides better speed and traction
• Comes in different diameters (48mm, 52mm, 53mm, 54mm, and 57mm)
• The wide profile wheel gives more grip and stability
• Comes in many differently colors

Give the Spitfire Bighead skateboard wheels a try today!

OJ Elite Hardline Skateboard Wheels

OJ makes the juiciest, highest quality wheels for skateboarding. Whether you’re cruising from one end of town to the other, shredding the local park, or hitting up a grimy street spot, OJ urethane has got you covered.

The OJ Elite Hardline skateboard wheels come in sizes 53mm, 54mm, and 56mm. All of which are great sizes for riding concrete skateparks. The durometer, however, remains 99A.

The Hardline wheels are formed in a conical shape with sharp edges and an extra broad riding surface for maximum traction and control on any terrain. You’ll also be less likely to slip out of your line since the wider profile gives more traction and stability at high speeds.

• 99A durometer
• Comes in different diameters (53mm, 54mm, and 56mm)
• More grip than harder wheels and more slide than softer wheels
• The wide profile wheel provides better traction and stability at high speed

Give the OJ Elite Hardline wheels a shred and let us know what you think.

Bones 100’s Skateboard Wheels

With 100A durometer and made from their original formula urethane, the Bones 100’s are some of the best wheels for the skatepark. The wheels come in four size options; 52mm, 53mm, 54mm, and 55mm.

For park skating, these wheels are ideal. They’re quick, and they won’t flat-spot; you get all the control you need to land tricks on flat or ramps.

• 100A durometer
• 52, 53, 54, and 55mm diameters available
• Provides more grip than harder wheels and more slide than softer wheels
• Perfect for intermediate skaters who have outgrown softer, slower park wheels

The Bones 100’s are affordable skateboard wheels that are perfect for the skatepark. Never overlook Bones 100’s.

Spitfire Formula Four Wheels

The Spitfire Formula Four skateboard wheels are 101A durometer which makes them perfect for concrete skateparks. They are great wheels that can last a really long time if they’re taken care of.

Formula Four Performance Urethane is unlike any other. Formula Four wheels keep more material, have less cone and last longer than most wheels available. The goal of the formula is to combine all desirable characteristics of a performance wheel without compromising any one feature at the expense of another.

• 101A durometer
• 52, 53, 54, 56, and 58mm diameters available
• Slides great and the conical shape help a ton with rougher surfaces

Try out the Spitfire Formula Four wheels with the conical shape that features wider riding surface and and wall that locks in beautifully on ledges and rails. Works great for skateparks, street, and transition skateboarding. 

OJs Team Line Original Mini Combo Skateboard Wheels

The OJs Team Line skateboard wheels are 56mm in diameter and have a durometer of 101A. The Mini-Combo shapes have a wide road surface for stability and consistency, as well as an asymmetrical shape cut with a round back and conical front, allowing you to customize your set up.

These wheels are hard and fast, made for speed. They will be perfect for those that like to go really fast while shredding a skatepark.

• 56mm diameter

Purchase the OJs Team Line Mini Combo wheels now. OJ has you covered with a variety of team-tested hard and soft wheels, whether you’re going to the park, riding a bowl, or cruising down the street.

Why Are Hard Wheels Best For Skateparks?

There are many differences between soft and hard skateboard wheels. Wheels that are harder roll faster, while wheels that are softer grip better. Harder wheels are better for skate parks and traveling on smooth surfaces.

Hard wheels have a slippery, plastic feel to them. On smooth surfaces, they are smooth and quick, but on rough ground, they are chattery and unpleasant to ride.

Hard skateboard wheels are good for skateparks because they are fast, smooth, and have quick reaction when you’re riding on a smooth surface. These wheels will be great for skateparks, vert, and transition skating.

There are hundreds of different skateboard wheels available today. It can be a little overwhelming picking out the right ones for your style of skating, especially if you’re new to skateboarding.

The best skatepark wheels are made from the highest quality materials, have a high durometer rating (99A to 104A), and come in multiple sizes.

We’ve done all the work for you and compiled a list above that includes only the best skatepark wheels currently on the market. As stated above, the best wheels for skateparks are the Spitfire Bighead wheels, OJ Elite Hardline skateboard wheels, Bones 100’s, Spitfire Formula Four wheels, and OJs Team Line skateboard wheels.

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10 Best (& Worst) Wheel Brands For Skateboarding We Tested

By: Author Ruben Vee

Posted on Published: January 21, 2022  - Last updated: December 7, 2023

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There is nothing more intimidating and confusing when you are looking for a new set of skateboard wheels. The vast number of options is overwhelming, not to mention all the different skateboard wheel brands.

Fortunately, there are only a few great brands out there to pick from, the best skateboard wheel brands can be counted on one hand. For those on a tight budget, I added a couple of cheaper options. The best brand also depends on your budget after all.

I picked a couple of brands that are great for technical street skating, cruising, and transition skateboarding. Here’s my list of brands that I recommend.

The top 10 best skateboard wheel brands from best to ‘worst’:

• Spitfire Wheels
• Bones Wheels
• Powell Peralta
• Welcome Orbs

Everyone has their own preference, and the best wheel brand for skateboarding depends on what you want to do. Still, there is a big difference in quality and and some wheels are better suitable for certain styles than others.

I used to think gear is subjective, but in many cases it isn’t. Wheel brands make a difference in performance and durability, unlike decks where the brand is mostly subjective.

8. Santa Cruz

7. mini logo, 6. welcome orbs, 4. powell peralta, 2. bones wheels, 1. spitfire wheels, do skateboard wheel brands matter, which wheel or brand should you choose, 10 best skateboard wheel brands.

Let’s dive into the 10 best and worst skateboard wheel brands. Note that the worst doesn’t mean the wheels are bad, but you pay more than you should. I wanted to start with a relatively new and unknown brand, at the end of this posts you’ll find the absolute premium skateboard wheel brands.

First on the page, but last on the list. Haze is a fairly new brand based in Paris, Europe and was founded in 2010. While they haven’t made u tremendous impact in the US (yet) it’s a brand to consider when they set foot in the US.

Haze offers relatively affordable wheels and quality wheels when compared to the major brands like Spitfire and Bones.

I still owe you an honest review on these as we haven’t tested them long enough to give a final judgement. From what I can tell is that Haze offers great affordable wheels on par with Mini Logo. I will update this post in a couple of months.

Haze offers quality wheels for skaters on a budget. You’d think that Bones and Spitfire master the Urethane formula regarding flatspots, but Haze somehow nailed it. Hard to flatspot, but the harder 101A wheels crumble a little on the side, which happens to many wheels.

Pros of Haze:

• Cheaper than the premium brands
• Solid choice for skateparks and technical street skating
• Very grippy wheels but still allow for powe slides

Cons of Have:

• Tend to crumble on the sides after extensive use
• More expensive than Mini Logo

One thing about Dirty Ghetto Kids I love is their outstanding graphics, even though they fade fast on wheels.

DGK was founded by Stevie Williams in 2002 and made quite a name for themselves. I own one of their Bruce Lee special editions deck and that one is staying on my wall.

As for the skateboard wheels DGK offers, they aren’t the best but certainly not the worst wheels you can buy. DGK wheels are made for street and park skating and offer harder wheels (101A) with a diameter between 48mm and 54mm.

The best thing about their wheels is the wider profile. Just like Orbs wheels, DGK offer wheels with a wider than average contact patch (riding surface) making them very stable and a good choice for street skaters that want extra stability.

At 101A their wheels aren’t great for rough roads, but the skate park is where they really shine. The wheel profile comprises both a flat and rounded side. This means the inside is excellent for locking in grinds.

A more expensive than Mini Logo wheels, but a better choice for those who plan to visit skate parks often.

Pros of DGK:

• Better at locking into grinds on rails and copings
• Their smaller size is great for technical tricks
• very hard and fast wheels
• Affordable compared to the premium brands
• Don’t flatspot easily
• The threaded contact patch provides extra grip

Cons of DGK:

• Only for street and park skaters
• Very hard wheels, not beginner friendly
• Not meant for cruising

Santa Cruz is the oldest skateboard company in the world. They released one of the best affordable and durable skate decks not too long ago (Santa Cruz VX) and their most famous wheel are the Santa Cruz Slimeballs.

Santa Cruz is part of NHS, or turned into NHS which is the main distrubition company for many brands. Orginally, they started out as a surfboard company founded by Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman.

To this day, they are still one of the most famous skateboard brands in the world. While Santa Cruz isn’t the best wheel brand, they offer a couple of very interesting wheels that are great for various disciplines.

7 years after Frank Nasworthy invented the Polyurethane skateboard wheel in 1967, Santa Cruz introduced the Road rider wheel in 1974. It was a huge hit, and they sold over a million sets in 1975. History was written.

Santa Cruz offers wheels that are great for beginners, kids, pool/bowl riders but less suitable for hardcore technical skaters. None over their wheels hit 100A.

Pros Of Santa Cruz:

• Small selection, which makes it less overwhelming
• Great for bowl skating, lots of grip and stability
• Great choice for beginners and kids
• Slimeballs come in almost any size and hardness
• Many wheels that are great for cruiser trick setups

Cons Of Santa Cruz:

• Not great for technical skaters that need small hard wheels/
• Very limited selection.
• Rather expensive.

For skaters on a budget that want maximum quality but can’t afford Bones or Spitfire wheels, Mini Logo is a wheel brand to consider.

Mini Logo offers quality wheels for cheap, the Mini Logo C-cut for example only costs around 20 USD which is almost half of Spitfire Classics. Beginners won’t notice any difference between the brands, so they are an excellent choice.

Mini Logo is a part of Powell Peralta which started selling blank setups mid 90s. I might have actually skated one of their blanks back in the day. Shortly after, the blanks complete setups were branded as Mini Logo.

Often you’ll still find brandless wheels on complete setups that are actually Mini Logo wheels.

While Mini Logo isn’t the Wallmart brand of skateboarding, they aren’t the best nor do they try to be. Mini Logo is great for those on a tiny budget but still want something reliable, and that’s what you’ll get.

Mini Logo offers 3 different types of wheels, which also includes softer wheels for those who like to learn how to ride first.

Their most popular wheel is the C-Cut which is around 101A (give or take) and ranges from 50mm to 54mm. Let’s have a look at their formulas.

Pros of Mini Logo:

• Affordable wheels, cheapest you can get but decent quality.
• Lots of choice, but be sure to pick the wheels that match your desired style.
• Excellent choice for technical skaters, cruising enthusiasts.
• If colored wheels are your thing, you have lots to choose from.

Cons of Mini Logo :

• They wear faster than the premium brands, nothing shocking though.
• Avoid power slides, Mini Logo wheels flat spot fast because of the cheaper plastic formula.

Mini Logo Standard Formula

Mini Logo’s Standard Formula are small, fast, and hard wheels which are great for skate parks and smooth asphalt or concrete. At 101A you don’t want to take them out for commuting.

Both Mini Logo A-cut and C-cut wheels are made from the Standard Formula. Where the C-cut has a tiny contact patch (starting at 18mm) and grippy riding surface, the A-cut wheels offer wider contact patch more stability.

Both wheels are great for technical tricks, it’s more of a personal preference which you like best.

C-cuts range from 50mm to 54mm and are specifically for street and parks skating at 101A (very hard wheels).

A-cuts range from 51mm to 60mm and Mini Logo also offers a softer wheel. For those who want a more comfy ride, you can choose between 90A and 95A.

Hybrid Formula

Hybrid Formula is great for those who live near areas with rougher roads or just want a calm and comfortable ride. The 90A option is perhaps a bit too soft for technical tricks like kickflips and heelflips but great for basic ollies and learning how to ride.

If you’re planning on doing more than ollies, 95A is a good start if you don’t have a skate park in the area, or cracked pavements and gritty asphalt. Hybrid formula wheels come in sizes ranging between 52mm and 58mm. The bigger the wheel, the more comfortable the ride at the expense of performing technical tricks.

AWOL Formula

AWOL is your typical cruiser wheel and perhaps the formula that comes closest is Bones ATF.

AWOL’s are a bit more expensive compared to the other Mini Logo formulas, but cheaper compared to Bones ATF formula.

You can still hop curbs around town, but because of their bouncy nature, AWOL all terrain wheels will cause sketchy landings when attempting more difficult tricks.

With that said, you can pick 3 sizes, 55mm, 59mm, and 63mm. 59mm and 63mm require rise pads! All wheels are 80A which means you will have a very smooth ride and won’t be bothered by pesky pebbles or twigs.

Lastly, the AWOL formula wheels are very wide, offering maximum stability and comfort.

Orbs is part of Welcome skateboards and founded in 2010. Orbs don’t offer many wheels, which makes the choice a lot easier if they match your style.

Orbs Specters, for example, are great all-around wheels with a wider than average contact patch, comparable to Spitfire OG’s but less durable.

Orbs are great for both street and transition skateboarding, and beginners will benefit from the wider riding surface.

Orbs are pretty affordable, most of the wheels are around 27 USD which is a steal. If you are on a budget and looking for a custom setup for street and parks skating, these wheels are the better picks. There is a reason they made it to my list of best skateboard wheels .

Pros of Orbs:

• Jack of all trades, great choice for beginners.
• Great for park and street skating.
• Very affordable, not the cheapest, but a good Spitfire alternative.
• Easy to choose a wheel, you won’t be drowning in options.

Cons of Orbs:

• Limited choice in shapes
• Not great for bowl skating
• Not much variation on the Durometer scale

Orbs offers 4 types of wheels:

Orbs Specters

Cheap all-around wheel for parks and street, great for beginners and intermediate skateboards. They lock in quite nicely when doing ledge, rail, and coping tricks because of their conical shape.

Specters are only 27 USD and you get decent quality wheels that will last for a long time. Made from their plasma urethane formula (whatever that means), Orbs Specters are 99A and come in sizes 53mm, 53mm, 54mm, and 56mm.

Orbs Coral has a full rounded shape, they are great for sliding and have a durometer of 99A. They come in sizes 52mm, 53mm, 54mm, and 56mm. They cost about the same as the Orbs specters and the only difference is the shape.

Great for street skating and parks, less suitable for cruising, though they feel softer compared to 99A Spitfires. Another great option for beginners and intermediate skateboarders on a budget.

Orbs Coral wheels come in 52mm, 53mm, 54mm, and 56mm. Another quality wheel on a budget (27 USD) for beginner and intermediate skateboarders.

Orbs Apparitions

Orbs Apparitions are pretty similar to Corals. The difference is that they are slightly less rounded, making them a good all around wheel for technical flip tricks and lock-in tricks.

Another good option for beginners and more experienced skateboarders on a budget. Apparitions are 99A and come in sizes 52mm, 53mm, 54mm, and 56mm.

Orbs Ghost Lights

The hardest wheel at 102A with a larger plastic core. The benefit of a larger plastic core is faster rolling speed because there is less core and bearing deformation. This makes the overall ride more stable because of even weight distribution.

The downside is that you have less meat on your wheels and you have to replace them more often.

Orbs Ghost Lights sizes are 52mm, 54mm, and 56mm but aren’t cheap, at 44 USD they are the most expensive in the Orbs line up.

Another label under the NHS umbrella, Ricta is both loved and hated by the skateboard community. One side claims these aren’t skateboard wheels but filmer wheels, not meant for technical tricks. New skaters, on the other hand, love them for their smooth ride and stability.

Here lies the answer. Ricta caters the beginners needs and the wheels are great for those who want to learn how to ride properly at first. Once you go down the technical route, they might be a bit too soft for your taste and feel bouncy.

Good news is that Ricta not only offers softer wheels but also has a lineup for technical skaters that need small and hard wheels.

Pros Of Ricta:

• Lots of choice, greay variety in style and hardness
• Awesome beginner wheels.
• Solid choice for trick/cruiser setups
• Great performance on rough roads

Cons of Ricta:

• The softer wheels are sticky and can flat spot
• Not much choice for experienced skaters

The Naturals are an all around beginner wheel that is great for the beginner street skater. They come in a slime and a wide version, meaning the former is great for flippy technical tricks and the latter offers more balance because of the wider contact patch.

At 99A they aren’t exactly smooth but suitable for slick asphalt and concrete parks. The 101A version is faster but less comfortable on rougher surfaces. Naturals are small wheels and not great for cruising: 51mm, 52mm, 53mm, 54mm.

By now you probably know what the purpose of larger plastic wheel cores. It makes wheels faster and offers more stability. I think these are one of the best looking wheels on the market. I really like the design.

Cores have lots of different hardnesses, which makes it harder to pick the right wheel. 78A, 86A, 92A, 95A, 99A, that’s a huge range. Just remember, softer wheels are for cruising and harder wheels are for tricks.

You can pick from the following sizes: 52mm, 53mm, 54mm, and 56mm. With the right combination of size and durometer, these wheels are suitable for all styles.

Speedrings are a very interesting design, perhaps best described as a hybrid cored none-cored wheel. They look great but also offer a smooth and less noisy ride, given your bearings aren’t rusty.

Available at 51mm, 52mm, 53mm, and 54mm at 99A. great for those who love speed on concrete and smoother asphalt.

Clouds might be a bit over-hyped but offer a very stable and comfortable ride. The 92A version is perfect for a cruiser/trick setup and caters the needs of beginner skateboarders.

They also come in 78A, 86A, which offers an even smoother ride but technical skaters should stay away. Ricta Clouds come in an lot of sizes ranging from 51mm to 60mm.

Powell Peralta is a company with an impressive history. With their innovative technology and quality urethane, they are still serious competitors on the skateboard wheel market. Powell also offers many other products, like the almost indestructible Flight Deck.

Powell Peralta is the parent company of Bones. Founded in 1979 by Stacy Peralta (former manager of the famous Bones Brigade) and George Powell, a pioneer for inventing many skateboard products and developing new technologies.

Powell Peralta offers a wide range of wheels for many styles. They offer big and soft 75A cruiser/longboard wheels and hard street skateboard wheels. Great for both cruising, longboarding, downhill and technical skating ranging from 53mm to 72mm.

Powell Peralta offers four different formula’s; Soft Slide, Bomber, Classic, and the Pro Series.

Pros of Powell Peralta:

• Lots of options to choose from
• A brand to consider for cruising, downhill, and cruiser/trick setups.
• A brand with a history like this always makes for a great conversation.
• They offer re-issues for old school skaters

Cons of Powell Peralta:

• Not much choice in the street skating category.
• Softer wheels are prone to chunking.

Soft Slide Formula (SSF)

Soft Slide Formula is interesting because a single while comprises multiple hardnesses. The problem with softer wheels is that they wear fast because of their grip.

Powell Peralta solved this problem by developing wheels with a soft outside and making them harder in the middle. This results durable in wheels that also roll fast and still give a comfortable riding experience.

The Soft Slide Formula offers wheels with a durometer of 75A and 85a. While the former is great for cruising and long distance longboarding, the latter is great for short commutes. Powell Peralta Snakes, for example, are one of the best cruiser wheels I ever tested (but they chunk easily on power slides).

The larger plastic core makes them more durable, faster, and provides more stability compared to smaller wheel cores. Sizes 56mm, 59mm, 66mm, 69mm, 72mm.

All Terrain Formula

Very similar to the Bones ATF wheels, but they come in a different shape, perhaps a bit too pricey for what you get as people find them mushy and a bit too sticky.

Nonetheless, these are great cruiser wheels available in 78A and 80A. Not suitable for technical skating, but great for those who like to cruise and carve a bowl now and then. Available in 56mm, 59mm, and 63mm in various transparent colors and one special Skate-Aid edition.

Pro Series Formula

The Pros Series is an homage to old school skaters like Ray Rodriguez, Steve McGill (invented the McTwist). They come in 56mm and 59mm in 90A and 103A, but the lineup varies from time to time.

Bomber Formula

Bombers are great for versatile skaters that ride damp concrete sidewalks, asphalt and slippery sandy boardwalks. At 85A or 90A they also allow you to hop a few curbs while still offering a comfy ride.

OJ’s wheels are one of the many brands NHS inc (Santa Cruz) and they sold their first wheels back in 1977.

OJ is not just some random brand, they have quite the history, expertise, and offer great but affordable wheels. In 1980, OJ was one of the most popular skateboard wheel brands. they collaborated with famous skateboarders like Christian Hosoi, Steve Olson, and vert pioneer Steve Schneer (RIP).

OJ produces wheels for many disciplines, like street, park, vert, bowl, and even cruising.

For a while it was a bit quiet around OJ, but NHS gave the brand a boost with a killer line up.

Pros of OJ Wheels:

• OJ offers wheels for all disciplines
• Reputable wheel brand for decades
• Great for skateparks, street, bowl, or cruising
• Beginners will appreciate the stability

Cons of OJ Wheels:

• The softer wheels can chunk on sharp ledges
• Hard to pick the right will because of the wide variety

Let’s look at their formulas and wheels.

OJ Mini Combo Shape Formula

The Mini Combo Shape is OJ’s latest formula and designed with the street and park skater in mind. Long-lasting rolls, flat spot resistant, this shape is great for all around skaters (not cruising).

The conical shape and relatively wider contact path provide extra stability and more sliding control, and as a bonus, better lock-ins on grinds and ledge tricks. They offer one of the few 53mm wheels with a 20mm contact patch! You can choose 53mm, 54mm, 56mm, or 58mm at 101A.

OJ Hardlines

OJ hardline shape is great for those who want to ride transition, the extremely wide contact patch (starting at 22mm) offers great stability. Bowl skaters will appreciate the 56mm Elite Hardline 99A which offers both speed and grip.

Available in 53mm, 54mm, 56mm, and 58mm at 99A and 101A.

If you’re looking for a narrow wheel and focus mainly on technical (flat) tricks, The EZ Edge are a great choice. Their slim profile offers lots of responsiveness and is great for street skaters that love to tre-flip all day.

Both the 53mm and 54mm have a contact patch of 18mm, the 54mm comes with an 18.5mm contact patch and 56mm offers a 20mm contact patch. All wheels are 101A.

Less stable for those who like transitions skateboarding, but a skilled skateboarding won’t really mind.

OJ Nomads are great for those who love tricks like grinds, locking onto ledges, copings and flat bars/rounded rails. At 95A the will feel a bit more bouncy compared to the OJ EZ Edge but more forgiving on rough surfaces. Not to be confused with cruiser wheels, but still offer a comfy ride while being able to do technical tricks.

OJ Super Juice

Looking for an affordable cruiser wheel? Look no further! OJ Super Juice wheels are amazing. They offer one of the smoothest rides without spending an arm and a leg.

You can pick 55mm or 60mm wheels, but I personally see no point in riding 55mm wheels at 78A. If you want to cruise, you’ll need at least 60mm wheels and you might want to add 1/8” riser pads to prevent wheel bite.

The Keyframes

OJ Keyframes are great for those who need wheels that offer a smooth ride but still want to do basic tricks. Not great for skate parks but a good choice if you want a comfortable ride or only have rough roads to ride.

This is also a wheel beginners should consider. At 87A, they offer lots of stability and you won’t be thrown off your board when you hit a pebble. Sizes range from 52mm to 58mm.

Bones was founded by George Powell in 1977 and turned into one of the most innovative skateboard wheels offering technology no brand could match. I tested many of the Bones wheels and if I had to pick between Spitfire or Bones; I don’t know which to recommend more. They are very on par and both offer wheels for lots of disciplines.

What started as cooking self made skateboard wheels in a kitchen with george Powell as the chef turned into a skateboard wheel brand which came up with one of the best formulas for skateboard wheels. The brand name Bones comes from the bone like color the wheels represent.

Before Bones introduced their white polyurethane wheels, most brands offered transparent wheels. nowadays, many skaters prefer white wheels (though colored wheels are making a comeback).

Depending on which type of formula you pick you pay between 29 and 49 USD for a set of four bones wheels. While they aren’t exactly the cheapest wheels, they will last for ages.

Bones is part of Powell-Peralta and also offers one off the best and affordable skateboard bearings you can get; Bones Bearings.

Bones wheels are durable, reliable, and fast! Bones offers wheels for different disciplines:

Bones offer the most variety of any skateboard wheel brand categorized into different formulas; STF, SPF, ATF, and Original.

Pros Of Bones:

• Bones offers wheels for almost all disciplines like transition, street, bowl, and cruising
• Grippy enough for most styles
• One of the fastest wheels you can get
• Last longer than most brands

Cons Of Bones:

• The hardest formula isn’t great for bowl and vert skateboarding
• SPF and ATF aren’t comfortable on gritty asphalt
• Beginners will have a harder time learning to ride the harder wheels

Bones STF (Street Tech Formula)

Bones STF wheels last for ages, during our (not very scientific) tests I noticed they last longer than Spitfire Classics.

They offer enough grip for both street and skateparks though some find the 103A versions a bit to hard and slippery in specific conditions like bowl skating. The 99A version is always a safe choice. They are fast enough for both street and transition skateboarding, and still allow you to power slide with ease.

• Best used for technical street skateboarding
• Great wheels for skate parks

Bones Skatepark Formula (SPF)

One of the best transition (skate parks) wheels you can get. Bones SPF wheels come in both 81B (101A) and 84B (104A), they are extremely fast and great for those who love to ride skate parks and skate mini ramp. Bones SPF are one of the hardest wheels you can buy, but not very beginner friendly.

If you are used to slower wheels it will take some time to adjust to their speed, especially when you skate a lot of transition. The grip could be better but is manageble.

While they are flatspot resistant it doesn’t mean it’s impossible but you’ll have a hard time flatspotting these wheels.

Bones All Terrain Formula (ATF)

Bones ATF wheels are my favorite for cruising and tricks (and Ricta Clouds). Rough Riders (80A), for example, offer a very smooth ride but still don’t feel too bouncy when hopping curbs or basic ollies.

Combined with some quality bearings Bones ATF will turn your skateboard into a smooth ride that even can handle bowls. Just great for carving a bowl though, coping tricks are a challenge.

Very grippy wheels that can handle rough patches, a bit of gravel, and never worry about cracks in the pavement again. Solid choice for those who want a smooth riding experience and stick with the basics.

Original Formula

This formula is the latest iteration of the original MDI-polyurethane formula developed by Bones. Original Formula is also very affordable for those that are looking for skateboard wheels on a budget. Bones 100’s for example are great wheels for street skating, last for a long time, and very flatspot-resistant. For about $28,95 you get a lot of value for money.

Spitfire is a wheel company found in 1987 by Jim Thiebaud. Part of Deluxe Distribution (Ermico Enterprises) which also sells brand like Thunder, Real, Krooked, Anti Hero, and Venture.

I had a hard time deciding to place Spitfire as the number one wheel brand over Bones. I have to make a choice here. Even though Spitfire’s line up is less impressive compared to Bones, their wheels are just the best you can get. They won’t flat spot, are made of the highest quality polyurethane and are great for street, parks, bowls, vert, and they even offer a cruiser wheel.

Everyone loves their Classics. I have never heard a single complaint about their performance. I LOVE their Conical Fulls that really boosted my bowl riding skills. Turns out quality wheels make a difference. Their line-up is impressive and I’m not going to mention them all. This post is long enough as it is.

Conical Full

• Radial Slims

Pros of Spitfire

• Very Reliable wheels
• Durable, ride them for over 100 hours on gritty surfaces and they still work
• Very grippy, though at 101A they offer less grip and won’t work for vert.
• Great for almost all styles except cruising

Cons of Spitfire

• Absolutely none, okay they’re expensive but they last twice as long as cheaper wheels.

Let’s Look at a selection of the Spitfire lineup:

The single best street and park skate wheel you can buy. It has a slim to medium contact patch with rounded edges on both sides. One of the most durabable wheels you can buy and they will last for a year if you skate asphalt 3 to 5 times per week. Pretty good investment!

They only come in 99A and 101A. Even though these wheels are pretty hard, they really offer a lot of grip for a wheel at the end of the durometer A scale.

99a are a bit more comfortable for different typees of surfaces and maintain their grips in parks and bowl. 101A are fast and super hard, still they offer enough grip.

The flat shape on the inside of the wheel benefits skaters that love to grind rails, copings, ledges, or anything that requires a stable lock-in. Again, only available in 99A and 101A, and they come in 52mm,53mm, and 55mm.

If there’s one wheel to rule them all, this is it. Conical Fulls are currently my favorite wheels, one of the best wheels for bowl skating . They have a wide contact patch, are grippy enough for dusty bowls (at 97A). great for technical skating and ride comfortably.

Sure not a commuter wheel, and the wider riding surface makes locking in a bit more challenging, but overall one of the best wheels you can get. I currently ride 97A because we have some nasty ashpalt over here, and I love bowl and mini ramp skating. Absolutely recommended! comes in 97A, 99A and 101A in almost all sizes.

There is a vast difference in quality between premium and cheaper brands. Spitfire and Bones are the top skateboard brands that offer the best urethane formula. Even though you pay more, they last longer than 2 and sometimes 3 sets of cheap wheels.

There isn’t a simple answer to this because it depends on what you want to do. There is no wheel to rule them all, but a few come close. As a beginner you shouldn’t worry too much, 99A at 53mm is always a safe choice, you just have to pick the wheel you like.

Let’s briefly divide wheels by style and the recommended type of wheels.

Wheels for Technical Street Skating & Skate Parks

Bones STF, Spitfire Classics are the premium wheels to pick. Want a faster ride go with 100A/101A. Want a bit more grip? Go with 97A or 99A.

Cheaper options are Mini Logo C-cuts and Orbs Specters, can’t go wrong.

Wheels For Bowl Skating

Typically, you want a larger and slightly softer wheel for extra speed and the much needed grip. From the top of my head you should consider Spitfire Classics or Conical Fulls at 56mm and durometer 97A are great. Same goes for Santa Cruz Slime balls with the same specs.

Wheels for Cruising

Big soft wheels are essential for a smooth and fast cruising experience. OJ Super Juice 60mm/78A are great. The same goes for Orangatang Fat Free 65mm 77A, these are a dream to ride. There are so many options for this that it requires a post of its own.

Wheels For Cruising and Tricks

You should take a look at OJ wheels or Ricta wheels, both offer great wheels in this category.

Ricta Clouds 56/92A allow you to do basic tricks and have a comfy ride without too much bounch. OJ Nomads 54mm/95A are better at tricks than cruising but still offer a very smooth ride. Any wheel between 54mm to 56mm and a hardness between 92A and 95A will work.

You’ve finally reached the end of this post, thanks for reading.

I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.

Our editorial process is dedicated to providing high-quality, fact-checked content, ensuring the best experience. If you spot any inaccuracies, please let us know ([email protected]), and we will take immediate action.

Skateboarding Info

Skateboard wheels explained (beginners guide).

Skateboard wheels are one of the most important parts of a skateboard, and can have a major impact on the way a board skates.

Even the slightest difference in the size or hardness of your wheels can completely change the way a board functions.

The wheels on your skateboard can effect your speed, acceleration, grip, and even the amount of impact you feel while skating.

Finding the best skateboard wheels for your board might seem a little confusing at first, but it largely comes down to personal preference and what you like to skate.

Once you understand the basics, figuring out the best skateboard wheels for your set up is relatively easy.

In this skateboard wheel guide, we’re going to cover the types of skateboard wheels, diameter, durometer, and the various wheel shapes.

(Note: If you’re a beginner, the best skateboard wheel is mid-sized 52mm-54mm with a medium durometer 90a – 99a)

Types Of Skateboard Wheels

Skateboard wheels tend to fall into one of three categories: street/park wheels, cruiser wheels, and longboarding wheels.

Finding the best skateboard wheels for your setup is largely dependent on the type of skating you do, so figuring out which of these categories you’re in will make it a lot easier.

Street / Park Wheels

Diameter 50-60mm, Durometer 95-101a , Narrow Shape

Generally speaking, most skateboarders ride some form of street / park wheels. These wheels fall in the 50-60mm diameter range with a durometer of 95-101a.

Hard wheels are the best skateboard wheels for park and street skating because they’re lighter, slide easier, roll faster on smooth surfaces.

This makes them better for doing flip tricks, slides, and airs.

The range from 50-60mm and 95-101a can be pretty wide, so if you’re a street / park skater and are unsure of what to go with, try starting with wheels somewhere in the middle.

Cruiser Wheels

Diameter 54-60mm, Durometer 78-90a , Wide Shape

Typically cruiser wheels are larger and softer than most street / park wheels. This makes them heavier and harder to slide, but also gives them a smoother ride.

Cruiser wheels are best suited for skaters just looking to cruise around without doing very many tricks.

The great thing about cruiser wheels is that they can be used on most boards including penny boards, normal skateboards, cruiser boards, and even some longboards.

Longboard Wheels

Diameter 60-75mm, Durometer 75-85a , Wide Shape

As the name suggests, longboard wheels are designed specifically for longboards. This type of wheel is intended to provide the maximum amount of speed and grip possible.

Longboard wheels can vary depending on the style of longboarding, but they’re typically much larger and softer than normal skateboard wheels.

Skateboard Wheels Explained

There are three main things to understand when it comes to skateboard wheels: diameter , durometer , and shape .

Wheel Diameter Explained

The diameter is the size of the wheel, and is measured in millimeters with most wheels in the 50mm-75m range. Wheels 60mm + are generally considered “large”.

A wheels’ diameter can affect a lot of things including speed, how smooth the ride is, and how heavy the wheels are. The larger a wheel is, the faster, smoother, and heavier it becomes.

Park skaters, cruisers, and long boarders prefer larger wheels since they are smoother and provide more speed.

Street skaters on the other hand prefer smaller wheels because they’re lighter and easier to control.

TIP:  If you have wheels larger than 56mm, consider adding riser pads to prevent wheel bite.

Wheel Durometer Explained

The durometer is the hardness of a wheel, and is measured on a scale of 0-101a, with most ranging between 75a to 104a.

( Note: Bones Wheels sometimes uses the B scale instead of the A scale. The measurements are similar, but the rating is 20 points below the A scale. For example, a wheel that is 80b is the same as a wheel that is 100a. )

A wheels’ durometer affects speed, grip, and how fast the wheels wear down. The higher the durometer, the harder the wheel is and the less grip it has.

Skateboard wheels in the 78a – 90a range are considered soft wheels, 90a – 98a are in the middle, and 99a+ are considered hard wheels.

Hard wheels are best for skating parks and street because they’re easier to slide when doing technical tricks.

Soft wheels are the best for cruising and longboarding since they provide more grip and a smoother ride.

The key thing here is finding a balance between a smooth ride and the amount of grip needed. For example, some street skaters prefer slightly softer wheels for when they’re skating on rough ground.

Wheel Shape Explained

Skateboard wheel shapes can vary greatly according to the style of wheel and the company making them.

The shape of a skateboard wheel can affect the weight, grip, and how the wheel locks into grinds.

Generally speaking, more rounded wheels slide easier, while sharper wheels will provide more grip.

Another important feature regarding wheel shapes is the contact patch.

The contact patch (also known as the riding surface) is the part of the wheel that’s actually touching the ground when rolling.

The size of the contact patch can affect the amount of grip and the speed that the wheel has.

Wheels with a narrow contact patch are usually lighter, faster, and slide better, while wheels with a wide contact patch grip better.

In general, street skaters prefer narrower wheels so they can slide better when doing technical tricks. Vert skaters and people who just cruise around prefer wider wheels so they can grip better and go faster.

What are the best skateboard wheels?

When it comes down to it, there’s no such thing as “the best skateboard wheels ” because it varies from person to person.

Some wheels are going to be better suited for certain styles of skating than others, so it ultimately comes down to what you like to skate.

If you’re unsure of what the best skateboard wheels are for your situation, go with a middle of the road option to start with.

A lot of skateboarding made up of trial and error, and figuring out what your own personal preferences are.

As you spend more time on your board, you’ll figure out what you like to skate, and from there it will be much easier to know what the best skateboard wheels are for you.

I've been skating for 10+ years, and along the way I've learned a few things that work, and a lot of things that don't.

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When choosing your skateboard wheels, there are several factors you need to consider. Making sure you pick the right size and durometer (hardness or softness of the wheel) is crucial, as this makes all the difference to how the board feels when you start skating.

Skateboard Wheel Size

Skateboard wheel sizes vary, ranging from 50–75 mm, and there are some key differences between small and large sizes. Smaller wheels are lighter, making them more responsive. Larger wheels are heavier, but they roll faster and allow you to pick up more speed. The wheels you choose for your skateboard will mostly depend on the type of skating you do.

Street Skateboarding

Street skaters will be best served by a wheel size range of 52–56 mm, a balance of speed and lighter weight is ideal for performing technical tricks.

Skate Park and Bowl

55–60 mm wheels have a greater surface area, making them ideal for maintaining speed in parks and bowls and locking into grinds on coping. These typically come in the same or softer durometers than street wheels for added grip in concrete parks.

Much like for parks and bowls, 55–60 mm wheels are also ideal for vert skating on ramps. Wider surface contact area helps with stability on ramps as well.

60 mm wheels and larger offer a smooth ride on rough surfaces, perfect for cruising and longboarding. Soft durometers offer superior grip and shock absorption, typically 75a-90a.

Longboarding

60 mm and over, with a soft durometer of 75a-90a for superior grip and shock absorption.

For Beginners

52–54 mm wheels are great for those starting out, especially for young kids. This range is ideal because it’s a great sweet spot in size and weight.

SHOP WHEELS

Skateboard wheel durometer.

Durometer refers to the hardness of the skateboard wheel and helps to determine whether a particular wheel is better suited to skateboarding or longboarding.

What Are Skateboard Wheels Made Of?

Skateboard wheels are made of a synthetic rubber known as polyurethane. How hard or soft this rubber is can be measured with what’s known as the durometer scale, a ranking system often represented in chart form. The measurement from the durometer scale tells us how much grip a skateboard wheel has and how much shock it can absorb.

Difference Between A Scale and B Scale Durometer

The A scale durometer is usually used for measuring softer rubbers. Most skateboard wheels fall somewhere between 75A and 104A; the lower the number, the softer the rubber.

The B scale durometer, on the other hand, is usually used for measuring harder rubbers and is 20 points lower than the A scale. For example, a wheel with 75B is as hard as a wheel with 95A.

Durometer Scale

Since the A scale durometer is used by most skateboard wheel manufacturers, we’ll list those wheel measurements and their benefits here.

Wheel Cut or Shape

Standard Wheels , or classic wheels, have a narrow contact area and slightly rounded edges. They are the most common and popular skateboard wheel.

Cruiser wheels are similar in shape to standard wheels, except they have a much lower durometer. The softness of the wheels makes for an extra smooth ride.

Full wheels have a wider contact area with more slanted edges. This makes them a good choice for transition skating because they have great stability, can maintain speed, and can easily lock into grinds on ramps and bowls.

Rounded wheels also have a wider contact area, but with overtly rounded edges designed for smooth rides regardless of durometer.

Rounded slim wheels contain the same overtly rounded edges as normal radial wheels, but with a narrower contact area, increasing speed control and slide responsiveness.

Although skateboard wheel sizes, durometers and shapes are designed with different types of skating in mind, they really come down to personal preference. The recommendations on this guide are a good place to start, and then you can switch things up based on what feels right.

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12 Best Skateboard Wheels For Cruising (Ultimate Guide)

Gliding down the sidewalk, feeling the wind in your hair, while maneuvering around cracks and pedestrians on a skateboard delivers an unmatched sense of freedom. But to truly enjoy the magic and exhilaration of cruising, you need the best skateboard wheels for cruising to handle rough roads and absorb vibrations. With so many cruising skateboard wheels options available from top brands, choosing the ideal set for your riding style and budget can be daunting.

This ultimate guide will help cut through the confusion to discover the highest quality best cruiser skateboard wheels and skateboard wheels for cruising. Learn which specs like size, durometer, shape, and thane formula provide the smoothest, most responsive ride for effortless cruising. Then get ready to experience pure rolling bliss on your perfectly dialed cruiser setup!

Table of Contents

Best Skateboard Wheels For Cruising

I’ve spent many hours testing wheels to find the absolute best skateboard wheels for cruising around town. Here are my top picks for cruising skateboard wheels to give you that smooth, butter-like ride:

OJ Hot Juice Mini Cruiser Wheels

When it comes to cruising, you can’t do much better than OJ’s Hot Juice lineup. The Mini Cruiser wheels measure 60mm and feature OJ’s signature stone-ground edges for increased slide ability. The urethane formula rates 78A, providing a soft ride that absorbs vibration.

Despite the soft urethane, these wheels still hold their speed well. The graphic-less white colorway gives them a classic, clean look on any cruiser board. For one of the smoothest rides out there, you can’t go wrong with OJ Hot Juice Minis.

Powell-Peralta Snakes Cruiser Wheels

Snakes from Powell-Peralta represent an awesome intersection of affordability, quality, and performance. The 69mm size and 78A hardness give a faster roll speed while absorbing cracks and rocks with ease.

These wheels feature Powell’s proprietary Fast Slick formula, an engineered urethane blend optimized for cruising. The stone-finished edges increase grip and stability when carving or sliding.

For a versatile wheel suited to cruising, carving, pumping, and everything in between, Snakes are easily one of the best options under $30. The classic shape and finish look great on any setup as well.

Orangatang In Heat Cruiser Wheels

If you want a lively cruiser wheel that can handle some slides and tricks, check out the In Heats from Orangatang. The 55mm size and 77A durometer give a smooth ride across rough surfaces. The small core keeps them lightweight with a quick acceleration.

Despite the soft urethane, the Formula FX finish allows for controlled slides at lower speeds. You can kick out fun tailslides without icing out. For cruising runs punctuated by tricks, the In Heats are ideal. Their vibrant colors and stylish graphic design add major visual appeal too.

Sector 9 Top Shelf Slide Cruiser Wheels

As part of the Top Shelf lineup, Sector 9 designed these Slide wheels specifically for cruisers. The wide contact patch and stone-ground edges allow you to hold an easy slide at low speeds. At the same time, the 70mm size and 78A hardness soak up sidewalk cracks and vibrations.

These great all-around wheels suit mellow cruising, carving, pumping, and hanging loose slides equally well. Triple laminate urethane construction gives them the longevity to handle daily street skating abuse too. For the versatility at this affordable price, Sector 9 Slides deserve a spot in your wheel rotation.

Ricta Clouds Cruiser Wheels

If you want the ultimate cushy cruiser wheel, turn to the Ricta Clouds. The 86A hardness feels like riding on marshmallows over the roughest concrete. The soft 54mm urethane mold blows away sidewalk cracks and rocks with no vibration passed to your feet.

These wheels shine for laid-back cruising or long-distance push sessions. Despite the soft flex, they still have enough rebound to maintain momentum. The Clouds also come in a 78A hardness if you want something firmer for maneuverability.

The miniature size and distinct branding graphic give these wheels a chill, surfy vibe perfect for cruising. If all you want is a silky, smooth ride, you can’t beat the comfort of Ricta Clouds.

OJ Keyframe Mini Cruiser Wheels

OJ knocked it out of the park again with their Keyframe Minis. Like the Hot Juice lineup, the 60mm size and 78A durometer create a cushy ride that handles rough terrain with ease. The Mini shape gives them a smooth roll speed while still accelerating quickly.

The wide contact patch and beveled edges allow for controlled slides when needed. Keyframes shine for all-around cruising versatility though. OJ’s premium urethane formulation feels great under feet, whether you’re carving streets or kickflipping off curbs. For a reliable cruiser wheel ready for anything, OJ Keyframes are a stellar choice.

Remember Hoots Cruiser Wheels

Cult Classics’ Remember Hoots offers a magical combo of slide ability and shock absorption. The 72mm size and 80A hardness give them enough slide and grip to lock into slides at moderate speeds. However, the proprietary Reflex thane also dampens vibrations, cracks, pebbles, and other street debris.

Between the smooth roll and slide precision, Hoots are ideal for stylistic cruising lines punctuated by buttery slides. They excel at downhill and freeride maneuvers, too, thanks to the Versa-Grip design. For cruisers who want lively action in their wheels, Hoots is a top-tier option.

Spitfire Chargers Cruiser Wheels

As expected from Spitfire, the Chargers deliver ultra-high performance for cruising. Available in 56mm/80A or 60mm/78A, both options provide a fast roll speed and responsive feel. The Hard Formula technology optimizes rebound while giving bump absorption too.

Chargers shine if you want to incorporate ollies, kickflips, and ledge tricks into your cruising lines. The beveled edges allow for slide moves as well. Ultimately, Chargers are ideal for technical street skating alongside relaxed cruising. Spitfire’s quality and heritage justify the premium price too.

Powell Peralta G-Slides Cruiser Wheels

With the G-Slides, Powell Peralta aimed to create the ultimate easy-sliding cruiser wheel. The rebounds 70mm/78A formula excels at controlled slides and reverts at mellow speeds. The slide-friendly shape locks effortlessly into stand-ups, shutdowns, and pendies.

Despite the slip factor, these wheels still grip well for carving and stability at speed. The ample size rolls smoothly over imperfections too. For cruiser skaters who want wheel slide abilities beyond the norm, Powell G-Slides is a fantastic option.

Landyachtz Mini Monster Hawgs Cruiser Wheels

Coming from Landyachtz, you know the Mini Monsters will handle any kind of cruising terrain. The 70mm size treads cracks and debris without sacrificing much speed. The 76A urethane feels soft yet lively underfoot.

As part of the venerable Hawgs lineup, these wheels can also power slides when you need them. For cruising runs with the potential for freestyle tricks, Mini Monsters get the job done. They also come in a wide range of stylish, artistic colorways to match your setup.

Bones Rough Riders Cruiser Wheels

You can always count on Bones to make high-performance cruiser wheels, and the Rough Riders deliver. Available in 55mm/80A or 60mm/78A, both formulas give you a smooth roll, cushioned ride quality, and ample slide.

Rough Riders stand out for their durability miles ahead of competitors. The wheels withstand chunked concrete, rocks, and other abrasions that quickly destroy lesser-quality urethane. For unbeatable longevity from premium wheels, Bones Rough Riders are well worth the cost.

Ricta Cloud Nines Cruiser Wheels

As an extension of the original Clouds, Ricta’s Cloud Nine lineup optimizes that cushy cruiser feel. The 69mm size and 78A durometer absorb rough terrain while maintaining rebound and speed. Beveled edges allow for smooth predrifts and shutdown slides as well.

Advantages of Using the Best Skateboard Wheels For Cruising

Here are some key advantages of using the best skateboard wheels for cruising:

Smooth Ride Quality: Good cruiser wheels absorb vibrations from cracked sidewalks, rocks, and other street debris. This provides a more comfortable and controlled ride.

Speed & Momentum: Quality cruiser wheels maintain speed well and continue rolling smoothly. Lesser wheels often feel sluggish and slow you down.

Slide Ability: Many top cruiser wheels now incorporate slide-friendly shapes. This allows controlled slides and reverts to add style to your cruising.

Durability: Premium wheels withstand chunking, flatspots, and abrasions far better than cheap brands. Good wheels deliver longer lifespans and value.

Versatility: Great cruiser wheels transition seamlessly between pushing, carving, cruising, sliding, tricks, downhill, and more riding styles.

Confidence: With quality wheels, you can ride harder and push faster knowing your wheels will handle whatever the streets throw at you.

Style: High-end cruiser wheels come in attractive colors and graphics that amplify the visual style of your setup.

Overall, investing in proper wheels pays dividends by enhancing the performance, comfort, and longevity of your cruiser board. Quality wheels optimized specifically for cruising deliver a superior riding experience.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Cloud Nines are ideal if you want a grippier, faster Cloud but with the same silky-smooth ride quality. If you need to commute long distances or keep up pace with friends, Cloud Nines are a smart upgrade from standard Clouds.

With so many cruising skateboard wheel options to enhance your ride, choosing the best skateboard wheels for cruising may seem daunting initially. However, by considering your riding style, desired versatility, and budget, it becomes easy to select the perfect set of best cruiser skateboard wheels to satisfy your needs. With quality wheels that fit your preferences, you’ll be carving up the streets in style in no time. So try out a few of these top-rated skateboard wheels for cruising and experience the freedom and joy of cruising like never before!

What size wheels are best for cruising?

For cruising, larger wheel sizes typically between 65-75mm are ideal. The larger diameter helps wheels roll over cracks, pebbles, sticks, and other rough terrain on sidewalks. Smaller wheels under 60mm can work but will sacrifice some comfort and speed.

What hardness rating is best for cruiser wheels?

Look for durometers or hardness ratings of 75A to 80A for the optimal balance of comfort and response. Softer wheels around 70A-75A offer more vibration dampening but less stability at speed. Harder 80A-85A wheels feel more nimble but transmit more road shock.

Can longboard wheels be used for cruising?

Absolutely! Many skaters prefer longboard wheels like Orangatang Kegels for cruising since the wide size rolls over objects easily. The only downside is longboard wheels are slower to accelerate and harder to kickturn. Standard skateboard wheels have more snap and response.

What shapes help cruiser wheels slide?

Wheels with a wide contact patch, rounded lips, and stoneground edges make sliding easier at low speeds. These shapes allow you to break traction smoothly before gripping again without icing out. Look for descriptions like “easy slide” from reputable brands.

Should I rotate my cruiser wheels?

Rotating wheels helps them wear evenly for a longer lifespan. After a few sessions of heavy cruising, rotate the wheels by moving the front two to the back and vice versa. Keep an eye on uneven wear and always replace wheels once they cone or flatspot significantly.

Kristie Taylor

Kristie Taylor is a skateboarding enthusiast and a dedicated advocate for the skateboarding community. With a lifelong passion for riding and an unwavering commitment to the sport, Kristie has become a respected voice in the skateboarding world.

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25 Best Skateboard Wheels in 2024 (Genuine and Tested)

Last Updated: January 01, 2024

Do you love cruising and street skating ? If so, you need to make sure that you have the right wheels on your board. Not all wheels are created equal, and some are better suited for certain styles of skating than other wheels. In this blog post, we will discuss the 25 best skateboard wheels on the market today. We’ll talk about what makes good skateboard wheels for cruising and street riding. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a novice or an expert!

Product # 1: Best Skateboard Wheels For Street - FREEDARE 60mm 83a

• ➕ Smooth ride comfortably
• ➕ Durable for street skating
• ➕ Great gift idea
• ➕ Packaged well
• ➕ ABEC- bearings and spacers included
• ➖ May not be good for rough terrain
• ➖ May not be good for tricks requiring more grip

The FREEDARE Skateboard Wheels are perfect for your cruising board. These street wheels are great at rolling over cracks and small pebbles, which makes street skating more comfortable. They can also do well on smooth concrete or asphalt, making tricks easier to complete. And with the ABEC- bearings and spacers included, you can be sure that you’re getting a great product. Plus, the delicate packaging makes it perfect skateboard wheels for a gift! So if you’re looking for some great cruising wheels, the FREEDARE Skateboard Wheels are a great option.

Product # 2: Powell Peralta G-Bones 64mm 97a

• ➕ Cruising, street riding, light park skating
• ➕ 97A hard wheel rating
• ➕ Wide wheels range of colors and graphics
• ➕ Affordable option from a trusted brand
• ➕ Made in the USA
• ➖ Only one size option (size is a bit narrow for some)
• ➖ Only available online

These are street wheels designed for cruising and street riding. These street wheels come in at a width of 42mm, making them some of the narrower wheels options on our list. However, don’t let that fool you – these wheels still offer a ton of speed and performance. They have a 97A harder wheels rating, making them one of the soft wheel on our list as well as one of the most popular. These bones wheels come in a wide range of colors, including some bright options and some classic colors like black if you want to keep it simple.

Product # 3: Shark Wheel 60mm 78a

• ➕ Great quality wheels
• ➕ Durable
• ➕ Great for cruising and street riding
• ➕ Roll smoothly over rough riding surface with ease
• ➕ Unique design
• ➖ Little on expensive side
• ➖ No bearings included

The Shark Wheel 60mm 78a Pro Skateboard Wheels are made in California and they have a unique 30-degree approach angle to strike objects at an angle. This cruiser wheel helps to reduce shock and creates a smoother ride experience. These cruiser wheels are designed to explore the world and can be used for cruising down the backroads, taking hard curves, or skating at the park. The wheels have a sine wave design and they’re made with high-quality materials so that you can get the best performance and durability possible.

Product # 4: Best Skateboard Wheels For Rough Roads - Shark Wheel 72mm 78a

• ➕ Good grip on rougher riding surface
• ➕ Smooth rides with sine wave approach angle
• ➕ High-rebound polyurethane provides a fast and smooth riding experience
• ➕ Made in California for the best quality
• ➕ Reduces shock and friction
• ➖ May be too grippy on smooth surfaces
• ➖ May be too fast for some riders

The Shark Wheel 72mm 78a DNA Longboard Cruising Wheels Set of (Set of Three) are all-terrain wheels, which come in different skateboard wheel sizes and designs. They are made with a DNA formula which is said to reduce shock and friction. Shark Wheels are designed in California, sourcing the best rebound polyurethane in the world. This is said to provide a fast and smooth riding experience for all-terrain exploration. These street wheel shapes have been tested and tried by many and are quickly becoming a favorite for street cruising and longboarding. Whether you’re looking to cruise downhill racing, take hard curves, or skate at the park, Shark Wheels have you covered.

Product # 5: Best Skateboard Wheel Size - Spitfire Bighead

• ➕ Solid
• ➕ Good choice for street skaters
• ➕ Soft durometer of 80a
• ➕ Absorb shocks easily
• ➕ Packaging was good
• ➖ Some skaters prefer hard wheels for more speed and distance
• ➖ Not as popular as they once were

The Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels are solid, durable and a good choice for street skaters who want to perform technical street skating tricks. Spitfire wheels are softer wheels having very soft wheels with durometer scale of 80a, making them great for cruising and grinding on ledges and rails. Spitfire formula four softness of the wheels also makes them less likely to cause damage to your skateboard deck, as the wheels can easily absorb shocks of landing jumps or tricks.

Product # 6: Best Skateboard Wheel Brands - Orangatang Caguama 85mm

• ➕ Larger Wheels diameter
• ➕ Soft and grippy urethane formula
• ➕ Attractive colors
• ➕ Smooth ride
• ➕ Fast speed
• ➖ Slow acceleration
• ➖ Less contact patch

The Orangatang Caguama 85 mm Longboard Wheels are the best wheels choice for their durability, softness and fast speed. The color is bright and attractive as well. Orangatang wheels are designed to provide an incredibly smooth and fast ride. With bigger wheels 85mm diameter, the Caguama can easily plow over cracks, rocks and the roughest roads. The 56mm contact patch with its surface skin provides a confident grip while rounding edges help to pass smoothly across pavement cracks. The original Orangatang urethane formula is roll fast, smooth, plush and grippy.

Product # 7: Best Skateboard Wheels For Beginners - FREEDARE 54mm

• ➕ Smooth
• ➕ Quiet
• ➕ More Grip Edge
• ➕ Great for Tricks
• ➖ Not Best for Cruising Fast Short Dist

The FREEDARE Skateboard Wheels are a great option for beginner and intermediate skateboarders. They are 54mm in diameter and come with pre-installed bearings. The wheels are made of 90A polyurethane material, making them a quality skateboard wheels option that will last for years. The bearings are very smooth and quiet when skating, making them perfect for cruising and doing tricks. The wheels also come with a gift package, making them an excellent option as a gift for friends.

Product # 8: NONMON 52mm 95A

• ➕ Smooth on skate park terrain
• ➕ Abrasion resistant urethane material
• ➕ Ideal Replacement Wheels
• ➕ Smooth on smooth concrete or asphalt
• ➖ Not for high speed riding

The NONMON Skateboard Wheels are extremely smooth on skate park terrain and street skating. They are made of abrasion-resistant urethane material to withstand heavy use and roll smoothly. These replacement wheels are ideal for penny boards, cruisers, and many early street tricks.

Product # 9: Best Soft Wheels For Skateboard - FREEDARE 58mm 82A

• ➕ Smooth rides
• ➕ Great for cruising and early street tricks
• ➕ ABEC-high steel bearings and spacers installed
• ➕ Delicate packaging, good for gift
• ➖ May be too soft for some skateboarders

The FREEDARE Skateboard Wheels 58mm 82a are some of the best softest wheels than other soft wheels that you can find on the market today. It is considered the most suitable for cruising and street skateboarding. They come with ABEC-high steel bearings and spacers installed on the wheels, making them extremely smooth rolling and durable for street skating. They are also great on skate park terrain, providing a smoother ride on all surfaces. If you are looking for some great wheels to cruise around on your board, the FREEDARE Skateboard Wheels is a great choice.

Product # 10: Best Skateboard Wheels For Tricks - Spitfire F4 Classics 99A

• ➕ Great for beginners
• ➕ Best for flip tricks
• ➕ Affordable price tag
• ➖ Not good for longboarding
• ➖ Can be difficult to ride in wet weather

The Spitfire F4 99 Classics Wheels are some of the best skateboard wheels on the market. They are perfect for cruising and street riding, and they have a durometer of 101D. The wheels are made to be perfect for street and park skating, and they have a diameter of 54mm.

Product # 11: Best Skateboard Wheels For Asphalt - LOSENKA 52mm

• ➕ Cool color
• ➕ Good Stability
• ➕ ABEC-11 high precision bearing Included
• ➕ Instantaneous cold infusion processing
• ➖ May need spacers for some trucks

The LOSENKA 52mm Skateboard Wheels are good for asphalt cruising and street skating, the wheels are very durable and the color is cool. They help you glide effortlessly on rough roads in a stable and smooth manner. ABEC-11 high precision bearing ensures you a stable and smooth cruising. The image of the North American grey wolf shouting to the moon inspired the design.

Product # 12: Best Skateboard Wheels For Powerslides - Powell Peralta Rat Bones

• ➕ Fast for street skating
• ➕ Durable, made of urethane
• ➕ Good quality wheels
• ➕ Very reasonable price
• ➕ Smooth and comfortable ride
• ➖ Wheels are a bit heavy
• ➖ Small for some riders

The Powell Peralta Rat Bones Re-Issue Skateboard Wheels are highly regarded in the market these days. The wheels are made of urethane, which makes them not only durable but also resistant to abrasion. In addition, they are designed for cruising and street riding. They are strong enough to handle, the largest drops, grinds, slides, and carves. The wheels offer a smooth and comfortable power slide ride. If you are looking for a good set of wheels, these will be an excellent option.

Product # 13: Best Skateboard Wheels For Concrete Parks - Powell Peralta Park Ripper II

• ➕ Hassle Free Ride
• ➕ Quality Wheels
• ➕ Extra Grip on Smooth Surfaces
• ➕ Twice the Life of Ordinary Wheels
• ➕ Great for Skateparks and Ramps
• ➖ Not great on rough surfaces

The Powell Peralta Park Ripper II Wheels are the perfect choice for those looking for quality wheels that will provide a smooth ride on concrete parks. The Powell-Peralta Park Formula is unsurpassed for skateparks and ramps, providing extra grip on smooth surfaces and twice the life of ordinary wheels. No matter where you ride them, you’ll enjoy a smoothing ride.

Product # 14: Best Cheap Skateboard Wheels - FREEDARE 52mm 92A

• ➕ Most Affordable
• ➕ Fast and durable
• ➕ Great for street tricks
• ➕ Lightweight
• ➖ Not good for freestyle skaters
• ➖ Smaller wheels may not be suitable for all boards

The FREEDARE Wheels are the perfect choice for beginner skateboarders due to their affordable price range. The 52mm diameter wheel is a great size for cruising and offers a smooth, fast ride. They are made of 95A polyurethane material, which is very durable and stable. These cheap but good wheels for skateboard also come with high quality wheels bearings that make them perfect for street tricks.

Product # 15: Best Skateboard Wheels For Park - TOBWOLF 60/70mm 78A

• ➕ Grippy edge
• ➕ Two sizes
• ➕ ABEC rated bearings
• ➕ Polyurethane
• ➖ Not for street skating
• ➖ Some complained bearings quality

The TOBWOLF 4 Pack 60mm 78A / 70mm 78A Wheels is a great choice for beginner and intermediate skateboarders. The wheels are durable and have a grippy edge that makes them perfect for park riding. The set comes with four wheels and eight ABEC-rated bearings. The TOBWOLF wheels come in two sizes, 60mm and 70mm. Both sizes are made of polyurethane, which is known for its durability and traction.

Product # 16: Best All Terrain Skateboard Wheels - MBS All-Terrain 100mm 78A

• ➕ High-rebound
• ➕ Strong and sturdy
• ➕ High rough road resistance
• ➖ Lacks speed
• ➖ Little Pricey

The MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels are perfect for the rider who is looking to take his or her set up off-road. You can add these skate wheels to any longboard and increase your capabilities. These wheels are made from 78a super-high-rebound urethane and are cast for extra durability and strength.

Product # 17: Best All Around Skateboard Wheels - Shark Wheel 60mm 78A

• ➕ Smooth Ride
• ➕ Less Friction
• ➕ Less Shock
• ➕ Suitable for All Surfaces
• ➕ Made in California
• ➖ Only Available in One Size
• ➖ Not fit for all terrain

The Shark Wheel 60mm 78a is a well-made product for any skateboarder. Made in California, the 60mm wheels are suitable for all types of surfaces. They are designed with a unique approach angle that lessens shock and friction. The Shark Wheel 60 mm 78a is the perfect cruising wheel for any street rider.

Product # 18: Best Electric Skateboard Wheels - Orangatang Caguama 85mm 83A

• ➕ Large Diameter
• ➕ Rounded Edges
• ➕ Fast and Smooth
• ➕ Plush and Grippy Formula
• ➕ Compatible with Electric Skateboards
• ➖ May be too large for some riders

The Orangatang Caguama 85 mm Longboard Wheels are perfect for cruising and street riding. With a large diameter, they provide plenty of speed and comfort while the rounded edges help to smoothly pass over pavement cracks. The urethane is fast, smooth, plush, and grippy, making for a fun and safe ride. Compatible with any electric skateboard that may accommodate Orangatang Kegels, allowing for a more efficient and smoother ride.

Product # 19: Best For Gravel - IWONDER Cloud Wheel Discovery 120mm

• ➕ Easy to install
• ➕ Good grip
• ➕ All-terrain
• ➖ Vibration at high speeds
• ➖ Not for beginners
• ➖ May not be good for tight turns

The IWONDER Cloud Wheel Discovery 120mm is perfect for cruising and street riding. With a diameter of 120mm, these polyurethane all-terrain wheels can go anywhere you want, from mud and grass to rocks and concrete. It has a patented damping foam core that filters out most vibrations and is curved with unique treads to increase grip and antiskid force. This wheel core has thicker spokes that are made of a high-strength composite material for better impact resistance.

Product # 20: Best Hybrid - Sure-Grip Shaman

• ➕ Quality materials
• ➕ Nice design
• ➕ Variety of colors
• ➕ Grip is great
• ➖ Limited sizes
• ➖ Too much Pricey

The Sure-Grip Shaman Wheels are made from quality materials, and they come in a nice design. With that, these hybrid cruiser wheels are recommended for skateboarders looking to get it as smooth as possible when cruising and street riding. Durometer is also a big factor to consider, so the blue hybrid wheel offers great grip with the firmness of an aluminum hub. All in all, the Shaman Wheels are a great choice for those who love to skateboard.

Product # 21: Best Led Wheels - Sunset Skateboard Co. 59mm 78a

• ➕ Fun
• ➕ Flashy
• ➕ Easy to ride
• ➕ No batteries required
• ➕ Perfect for all ages and skill levels
• ➖ Some may find them too flashy
• ➖ Little noisy while skating

The Sunset Skateboard Co. 59mm 78a LED Light-Up Cruiser Wheels light up when they spin, and no batteries are required. The Sunset Skateboard Co. 59mm 78a LED Light-Up Cruiser Wheels are made using clear, soft and durable 78a Durometer Urethane for a smooth and solid ride. The Sunset Skateboard Co. 59mm 78a LED Light-Up Cruiser Wheels are designed in California, and they are perfect for all ages & skill levels.

Product # 22: Best Skateboard Wheels For NYC - CALLON 52mm 100A

• ➕ Wear-resistant
• ➕ Ideal wheel size and hardness
• ➕ Great for riding in cities
• ➕ Engaging design
• ➖ May be hard to control for some riders
• ➖ Bearings may need to be replaced often

The CALLON 52mm 100A are perfect for cruising and street riding cities like NYC. These wheels are drawn by our in-house artist and have a cool touch to any board. They are made with high resilient PU infusion processing material, making them durable and wear-resistant. The wheel size is ideal for trick & technical riding and has a wheel hardness of 100A durometer scale. Versatile for use in standard skateboards and regular skateboards and are a great all-around wheel.

Product # 23: Best Old School Wheels - Ricta Clouds 78A

• ➕ Fast
• ➕ Great for cruising and filming
• ➕ Old school shape
• ➖ Not fashionable
• ➖ Not standout as others

The Ricta, Clouds 78a is a great choice for anyone looking for a smooth, fast ride with an old school touch. The soft urethane provides a great amount of cushioning and the modern-shaped design is ideal for cruising or filming. The first thing you’ll notice about this skateboard wheel is its shape. The Ricta Wheels has a modern shape that is ideal for anyone looking to cruise around town or film themselves.

Product # 24: Best Off Road Skateboard Wheels - IWONDER CLOUDWHEEL Donut 105mm

• ➕ Reduced Vibrations
• ➕ Increased Speed
• ➕ Curved Tread Design
• ➕ Larger Wheel Size
• ➕ Patented Damping Foam Core Technology
• ➖ Not for Street Riding
• ➖ Expensive

The IWONDER CLOUDWHEEL Donut 105mm is the latest and greatest innovation in skateboarding. With patented damping foam core technology, this wheel reduces vibrations and mileage loss, making for a smooth, fast ride. The larger wheels size and curved tread also make this wheel ideal for high-speed sliding, while the increased speed means you can get where you’re going faster. If you’re looking for the best skateboard wheel on the market, look no further than the IWONDER CLOUDWHEEL.

Product # 25: Best Skateboard Wheels For Wood Ramps - Cloud Ride 65mm 78A

• ➕ Versatile and fun
• ➕ Good lip profile
• ➕ Very smooth
• ➕ Great for carving and sliding
• ➕ Reliable
• ➖ Not suitable for downhill ride
• ➖ Leaves thane lines

The Cloud Ride 65mm 78A wheels are a good choice for you if you are looking for perfect product to cruise on wood ramps. They are versatile and undeniably fun with a well-rounded lip profile. The cruiser urethane makes for an easy yet consistent slide wheel ideal for long stand-ups and playful riding. These wheels are also stone ground which makes them slide much easier than smooth wheels right out of the box.

How to Choose Wheels for Your Skateboard

• Size:

There are a few different sizes of wheels, with the most common being 50mm. These are great for beginners, as they are versatile and provide a good amount of speed and stability. If you’re looking for a wheel that is specifically designed for cruising or street riding, then 50mm is the size you want.

• Hardness:

The hardness of a wheel of the skateboard is measured in durometer on the A-scale. The higher the number, the harder and more resistant to wear a wheel will be. Smaller wheels are generally softer because they will wear out quicker, but larger wheels can be softer as well.

• Shape:

There are two basic shapes of wheel of skateboard: the modern shape and the old-school shape. The modern shape is more rounded and ideal for cruising or filming, while the old-school shape is pointy and perfect for slides.

• Other Features to Look For in a Wheel:

There are a few different features you need to look for when choosing a wheel for a skateboard.

• The Profile of the Wheel:

The profile of the wheel is the shape of the lip. A well-rounded lip profile is ideal for cruising and provides more stability than a sharp lip profile.

• The Core of the Wheel:

The core is what holds everything together. A metal core provides more stability than a plastic one and can help keep your wheels from deforming under pressure.

• The Contact Patch of the Wheel:

The contact patches are where the wheel touches the ground when you land a trick or ride over rough terrain. The larger the contact patch, the more stable your wheels will be when riding at top speeds and performing tricks.

• The Urethane of the Wheel:

The urethane is what keeps your wheels from slipping or sliding when you’re riding. It’s important to find a wheel with good quality urethane for the best performance.

How to Clean Your Skateboard Wheels

Most wheels come with a urethane coating that helps keep them from wearing down quickly. Over time, this coating can become dirty and gunked up, which will affect the quality of your ride. Here’s how to clean them:

• Grab a bucket or container.
• Fill it with warm water.
• Add a generous amount of soap or dishwashing liquid to the bucket, and mix it around.
• Dunk the wheels in the bucket, and let them soak for a few minutes.
• Use a brush or your hands to scrub the wheels clean.
• Rinse the wheels off with warm water, and let them dry thoroughly.
• Once they are dry, you can wipe them down with a rag or paper towel to get rid of any excess water.
• Voila! Your wheels should be good-as-new.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the best wheels for cruisers.

The best cruiser wheels have a diameter of less than 60mm, and they can be made of plastic, urethane or clay.

2. What are the top 5 best skateboarding wheels?

• Best for Street: FREEDARE 60mm 83a
• Best for Cruising: Shark Wheel 60mm 78a
• Best Soft Wheel: FREEDARE 58mm 82a
• Best for Electric: Orangatang Caguama 85 mm
• Best in Parks: Powell Peralta Park Ripper II

3. Can I use Street wheels specifically for cruising around?

You can use street skateboard wheels for cruising, but they will not perform as well.

4. What skateboard wheels are best for the street?

Street skateboard wheels are typically 58-62mm in diameter and have a harder durometer wheels than cruiser wheels.

5. What is the difference between a cruiser and street wheels?

Street wheels are harder, faster and smaller than cruiser wheels. They also have a wider surface area for grip.

6. What is the best type of skateboard wheel?

The best type of skateboard wheel depends on what you want to use it for. For cruising, plastic or clay wheels are best. For street skating, urethane wheels are best.

7. What is the best size of the skateboard wheel?

The best size of the skateboard wheel depends on your height and weight. Larger riders should use larger wheels, and smaller riders should use smaller wheels.

Video Credits: Tactics Boardshop

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Having the right type of wheels to suit your style of riding is essential. Your wheel size will affect your stability, speed, and performance, and so you need to choose wheels that compliment your aims.

When it comes to street skating, your wheel needs to be lightweight, on the small side, and tough. Having smaller wheels will help with ollies and flip tricks, make grind tricks a lot easier, and help you gain the correct amount of speed needed in a short space of time.

If you are on the lookout for a new set of wheels for your street skating setup, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll discuss our 10 favorite street skateboard wheels, along with what to look to when buying wheels for street.

Street Skating 101

Street skateboarding is fairly self-explanatory and involves the use of any obstacles in the street you can find, including steps, rails, and banks.

In this way, street skating is truly an art form, as skaters aim to turn anything and everything into a canvas on which they can paint in their unique way.

A small concrete bank becomes something to flip on, a set of stairs becomes the next ollie to conquer, and simple handrails become the canvas for hundreds of possible combinations.

With the rising popularity of street skating in the last few decades, boards and their components have evolved massively . Decks have gotten thinner and lighter yet stronger and easier to “pop”, trucks have also become stronger and lighter, and wheels have become smaller and faster to cater to the ever-evolving technical tricks that street skaters are performing.

The top 5 skateboard wheel brands

There are tons of different wheel manufactures to choose from these days, but some have stood the test of time. According to sales and the pro skateboards that ride them, these are some of the top 5 brands in the world today:

With over 30 years in the game, the Spitfire flame-head logo is one of the most recognizable brands in skateboarding. The company hails from San Francisco and has long been associated with some of the biggest names in skateboarding including Andrew Reynolds, Chris Cole, and Ishod Wair to name but a few.

Known more for their world-class bearings, Bones also make some of the best skateboard wheels around. The US-based company has been around for over 40 years and its team includes some of the best pro skateboarders on the planet, including Aaron “Jaws” Homoki, Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, and Ryan Decenzo.

With a team that includes names like Nyjah Huston, Bob Burnquist, and Rune Glifberg, Ricta makes some of the best street skateboarding wheels in the business.

Ricta was founded in 2000 with the aim to provide skateboarders with wheels that could keep up with the punishment dished out by street skating, and they most definitely succeeded.

Powell Peralta

Founded by George Powell and Stacy Peralta in the late 1970s, Powell Peralta has had skin in the game for longer than almost any other wheel manufacturer.

The company also produces high-quality decks and accessories and is associated with pros like Kilian Martin, Steve Cabellero, and Andy Anderson.

Santa Cruz was founded in the early 1970s in Southern California and has long been a trusted name in the world of street skateboarding, producing high-quality decks, wheels, and clothing.

It is one of the oldest skateboard companies in the world, and the team currently includes names like Blake Johnson, Steve Alba, and Tom Asta.

What to look for

While a skateboard wheel may seem like a simple component, there are some important factors to look out for before purchasing a set. Skateboard wheels can vary widely in size, texture, and color, and even the slightest change in size can dramatically affect how your board feels.

It may take you some time and trial and error to find the exact right fit for your style, but here are some of the basic criteria to take into consideration.

Wheel diameter will greatly affect your ability to perform tricks, your speed, and your turning ability. Wheel diameter is usually measured in millimeters and typically ranges from 49-75mm.

For street skating, you want to stick to the smaller end, and anything around 50mm is ideal, with a maximum of around 60mm. This size range is ideal as it is lower to the ground which will give you more board control, the wheels are lighter, and although they are slower overall, have much faster acceleration than big wheels.

Smaller wheels will not last as long as big wheels and are more susceptible to getting stuck on small stones and cracks, but for street, the smaller the better. Anything larger than 60mm will require you to add risers under your truck to prevent wheel bite when pulling sharp turns.

The durometer or hardness of your wheels has a vital part to play in overall feel too. Almost all skateboard wheels are made from polyurethane and their hardness is measured in durometer.

Most wheels generally measure between 75a and 104a, the lower number being the softest. In essence, a softer wheel will compress slightly when pressure is added, giving it slightly more shock absorption while a harder wheel will have almost no compression and far less grip.

For street skating, you’ll want wheels on the harder end, around 99a, and anything harder is more suited toward park and bowl skating. Softer wheels are great for cruising as they have more grip, while harder wheels are faster and will give you far more awareness of what you are rolling over.

Also, hard wheels will respond directly to your movements, applying all of the pressure you exert to your trucks and deck and, in theory, giving you more pop. For beginners , you may want to opt for something on the medium side, allowing you to roll over stones and give you slightly more control of your board.

The profile or shape of your wheel will also affect your riding experience. In general, wheels for street come in 2 shapes: a rounded profile will slide easier, deliver great stability, and grip better while turning.

Flat profile wheels have the most urethane in contact with the ground and are thus resistant to wear and have great stability, but less turning capability and more risk of wheel bite.

Best Skateboard Wheels for Street — Reviews 2020

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for, here are our top 10 choices of skateboard wheels for street (in no particular order).

1. Spitfire Classic Series Skateboard Wheels — Best Overall

Our top choice overall for street skateboarding wheels are the Spitfire Classic Series. These wheels are a great place to begin your journey into choosing street wheels, as they are perfectly suited to most street situations, plus they are great for park and bowl skating too.

They have a smooth riding surface that is great for riders who like to slide, and the 54mm diameter and 99a durometer is a great middle-ground size and hardness. They are hand-poured and hand-shaped and crafted 100% in the USA.

It’s difficult to fault these wheels, and the only downside may be the lack of tread — if you’re not into power sliding or need more grip from a wheel, these are probably not for you.

• Hand-poured and shaped
• 54mm diameter and 99a durometer
• Smooth riding surface
• Made in the USA
• May be too smooth for some riders

2. Mini Logo A-Cut Skateboard Wheels — Best Budget

The A-cut Mini Logo skateboard wheels are our top choice if you’re on a tight budget. With a 52mm diameter and a super hard durometer of 101a, they are fast and smooth and perfect for park skating too.

The A-cut shape has a side cut profile and wider contact area with the ground giving you more stability in a wide variety of situations. They are made with a unique Super-High Rebound formula that will outlast many other wheels on the market.

While these wheels are ideal for street, the narrow profile may be a bit difficult for beginners to learn on, and you may want to opt for something slightly wider.

• 52mm diameter
• A-cut profile
• Super-High rebound formula is long-lasting
• Inexpensive
• Not ideal for beginners

3. Ricta McCoy Pro Slim Skateboard Wheels — Premium Choice

If you are looking for some of the best skateboard wheels for street out there, look no further than the Ricta McCoy Pro’s, the signature wheel of pro skater Maurio McCoy.

These wheels have a diameter of 54mm and a durometer of 99a, the perfect size and hardness for street. They are crafted with Rapido urethane, a formula that Ricta describes as its most balanced for maximum speed and roll, and the longest-lasting urethane with fewer flat spots. Of course, this high quality comes with a high price tag.

• Crafted with Rapido urethane
• Long-lasting
• Slim shape and profile

4. Bones Wheels Rough Riders Skateboard Wheels

The Rough Riders from Bones Wheels are made with an all-terrain formula, making them able to go almost anywhere. They have a durometer of 80a and a diameter of 59mm, so offer great grip and size for cruising without having to worry about small sticks or cracks.

While these are not the traditional size or hardness for technical street skating, they are an ideal choice for beginners who are just starting to do tricks and want something grippy and easy to roll on — they are the perfect combo of harness for tricks and soft enough for rolling.

If you are strictly into street skating, these wheels will be both too big and too soft for big drops, grinds, and complicated flips.

• Made with a specialized all-terrain formula
• 59mm diameter and 80a durometer
• Ideal for cruising and street skating beginners
• Classic Bones look and feel
• Not ideal for street skating purists

5. Ricta Wheels Clouds 92a Skateboard Wheels

The Cloud series from Ricta is lightweight, has a classic shape and design, and has the quick acceleration needed for street. They are 54mm in diameter and have a durometer of 92a, soft enough to give you grip when you need it and absorb some shock, but hard enough to withstand the punishment of rough terrain.

They are crafted with an NRG Hi-Energy urethane formula by one of the best wheel manufacturers on the planet. There is little to fault with Ricta wheels, and the only downside may be the high price.

• Lightweight
• 54mm diameter and 92a durometer
• Crafted with an NRG Hi-Energy urethane formula

6. Spitfire Formula Four Classic Skateboard Wheels

The Formula Four wheels from Spitfire feature a classic design with several color options to choose from. The formula four urethane is made to last and can withstand the abuse from street skating better than most other wheels on the market.

This 100% pure urethane compound construction means fewer flat spots and less wear. They are designed with an exclusive anti-stick compound that will give a fast and smooth ride, and the 54mm diameter and 101a durometer is the ideal blend for street.

The only drawback of these wheels is that they are expensive, although worth every penny.

• Formula four urethane construction
• Feature an anti-stick compound
• 54mm diameter and 101a durometer

7. Santa Cruz Slimeballs Gooberz Skateboard Wheels

The Slime Balls from Santa Cruz are classic in skateboard history, and they have now been reissued from the original molds and with the original graphics that Santa Cruz first offered them in.

The Gooberz have a 97a durometer and 60mm diameter that is perfect for cruising the streets, bowls, and skateparks, with a no-flex radius lip design. They are fast and grippy, but hard enough to slide if needed too. While they are not 100% street skating wheels, they are great for beginners.

These wheels are a classic but may not be suited to modern technical street skating as they are heavy and difficult to flip and grind with.

• Original classic design
• 60m diameter and 97a durometer
• No-flex radius lip design
• Great for beginners
• A bit large for pure street skating

8. Powell Peralta Rat Bones Re-Issue Skateboard Wheels

Another classic re-issue, the Rat Bones wheels from Powell Peralta harken back to the time when 60mm was the standard size for street wheels. The wheels come in a variety of colors, including black, white, and blue, and have a durometer of 90a.

This makes them soft enough for cruising but hard enough to break out some tricks too, and perfect for pool and park skating. The wider, 44mm width will give you ultimate stability at high speeds, just be sure to put some risers under your trucks to avoid wheel bite!

These wheels are fairly large and thus heavy, making them a bit tougher for flip tricks and grinds, and they won’t give you the quick acceleration of smaller wheels.

• Classic design
• 60mm diameter and 90a durometer
• Ideal hybrid street wheel
• Added stability and speed
• Flip tricks may be more of a challenge
• Fast, but slow acceleration compared to smaller wheels

9. Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels

The Spitfire Bigheads come in a few different sizes, but the 52mm is in the perfect pocket for the street with the standard 99a durometer. Spitfire makes some of the best wheels on the planet, and these are no exception.

They are reliable, smooth, don’t wear out or get flat spots easily, and ideal for street, parks, and even bowl skating. They are treaded for ultimate grip where you need it most, and once the tread wears, they are still smooth and natural feeling.

These wheels are almost impossible to fault, although may feel slightly unstable for riders used to bigger wheels.

• Ultra-Durable
• Treaded for extra grip
• 99a durometer
• Not ideal for bowls or vert

10. Super Blanks Pro Skateboard Wheels

If you are on a budget and don’t skate often, these Super Blanks may be a good choice. At 53mm in diameter and 101a durometer, they are a great middle-ground for a beginner or casual skaters.

These wheels are as simple as it gets, with no complicated graphics and plain white coloring — the perfect affordable, no-frills wheel that can hold their own with some of the bigger brands.

Some skaters report that the wheel feels more like a 90a rather than the stated 101a, and they definitely won’t last as long as reputable brands.

• 53mm diameter and 101a durometer
• Plain white and no graphics
• Wheels are softer than stated
• Not long-lasting

Technically, you can use any wheels you want for street — large, small, hard, soft, it’s all about your personal preference. That being said, big wheels are heavier and bulkier, making it far more difficult to flip your board, do grinds, and you are far more likely to get wheel bite. While big wheels are faster overall, small wheels have faster acceleration initially, ideal for street and park tricks. Big wheels are ideally used for longboards , pools, and vert, or cruising, and for street, the biggest you want to go is around 60mm. This a great size for beginners as your less likely to get caught up on stones and they’ll give you more stability, but once you start doing more complex tricks, you’ll soon see the rationale behind smaller wheels.

This is a highly subjective question, however, if you ride every day and are hard on your wheels (flipping a ton, doing a lot of stairs or gaps, etc.) you’ll probably need to replace them every 4-6 months. Rotating your wheels regularly will help prolong their life and they’ll wear out more evenly. Of course, if you have any chips or flat spots, it’s high time for a new set!

With wheels that are the typical size for street, around 50-55mm, risers are not necessary. When you start putting bigger wheels, anything around 60mm and up, you’ll need to fit risers as the smallest turn will likely result in wheel bite.

There is a lot that goes into the perfect skateboard wheels for the street, but in essence, you want a wheel that is the ideal size and softness for your personal style.

Street skating is a progressive art form, and every skater has their personal preference with their own unique style. The best way to find the right wheels for you is trial and error — you may get lucky and find wheels you dig almost instantly, for others it may take years.

Our top recommendation is the Spitfire Classics. This is a brand and wheel that you can’t really go wrong with, and they are long-lasting too.

All in all, street wheels are typically small and hard, and as durable as possible. To find these qualities, we recommend sticking with the brands that have stood the test of time and make the best wheels on the planet. Hopefully, our reviews and guide have helped you find the best street skating wheels for your unique needs.

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8 Best Skateboard Wheels For Tricks & Street Skating

When you want to focus your skateboarding on flat ground tricks and street skating, the type of wheel you choose will change how your board rolls, slides, and pivots. Especially with technical tricks or any kind of rotation beyond a 180, having harder, more slippery wheels makes life a lot easier. The problem is, with so many wheels to choose from, how can you tell which ones are best for street and flat ground tricks?

The best skateboard wheel for street skating and flat ground tricks is one with a 50mm – 53mm diameter, a 99a – 103a durometer, and a narrow wheel profile. These wheel specs allow your wheels to roll faster on smooth surfaces, while also sliding easier for technical tricks and spins. 

With this range in mind, you can generally find a solid wheel for doing tricks. However, the exact specs you choose will vary on your skill level, where you typically skate, and what tricks you do.

That’s why this post will break down exactly what to consider before buying a wheel for street skating to help you feel more educated in the buying process. I’ll then share a list of my favorite skateboard wheels for street and flat ground after over a decade of skating.

So first, let’s break down why these particular wheel specs matter.

What Are The Best Types Of Wheels For Street & Flat Ground?

Whether you are skating primarily at the skatepark , or are just getting started in skateboarding , the best wheel specs will vary. Regardless of what type of skating you want to get into, there are 3 main factors to consider. These factors are wheel diameter (size), wheel durometer (hardness), and the wheel’s contact patch (how much of the wheel contacts the ground).

– Wheel Diameter For Street Skating

Street skating focuses primarily on technical tricks on ledges, rails, and stair sets. For the most part, that means you don’t need to be going at the fastest possible speeds for these tricks. With that in mind, you can opt for a smaller wheel diameter between 50mm and 53mm since speed isn’t the main priority.

Although I’ve talked about this more in another post about making your wheels spin faste r, wheel diameter plays a huge role in speed. In a nutshell, a larger wheel has more leverage over the axle so it can spin longer than a smaller wheel. Likewise, since the wheel itself is also larger, each revolution of the wheel covers more physical distance per rotation. With a larger distance covered per rotation, plus increased leverage over axle friction, larger wheels kick-butt over small wheels in terms of speed.

The downside to larger wheels (55mm+) is that they are heavier and are often more grippy (since they have a wider contact patch). For technical trick skating, this proves to be more of a hindrance than anything.

So that means that a smaller wheel has the opposite effect, being lighter weight, has a narrower contact patch, and works better for all types of tricks.

With a wheel diameter between 50mm and 53mm, you are in the sweet spot for tricks on a skateboard. If you are a beginner to intermediate skater, I would recommend a 53mm wheel since they will last longer as they wear down, and roll faster if you want to try out transition skating for example.

– Wheel Durometer For Street Skating

Since street skating is a “style” of skateboarding rather than physically needing to skate street spots, you will find yourself in a variety of places skating both skateparks and around town. Features like ledges, rails, and stairs are found in skateparks where the concrete is smooth and fast, but you also will find these same features around town on more rough and uneven surfaces.

With these different types of terrain, the wheel durometer will affect how smoothly your board rolls on different surfaces. A harder wheel, for example, will roll extremely fast on smooth concrete but feel terrible and bumpy on rough concrete. Meanwhile, a softer wheel will roll slower on smooth concrete, while better absorbing the vibrations on rough concrete.

Unfortunately, a very soft wheel isn’t great for trick skating since they are far more grippy. When you try to pivot a trick, you’ll need the strength of the hulk to get that wheel to slide. That’s why you’re somewhat forced to choose a harder wheel durometer, despite it feeling less smooth on rough surfaces.

For street skating, a wheel durometer between 99a and 103a is the most ideal. I would suggest 99a if you plan to skate both smooth and rough concrete but would suggest 101a or 103a if you’re strictly doing tricks on the smooth concrete at the skatepark.

Now if you have no idea what these numbers mean, it’s easy to understand with the A-scale durometer rating most commonly used by wheel manufacturers. This durometer scale rates wheel hardness from 0 to 100, with 100 being the hardest. For example, a 99a wheel would be much harder than an 87a wheel. The “a” beside the rating simply indicates the type of scale being used, which is the A-scale.

There are some manufacturers that use the B-scale for durometer ratings which is the equivalent of 20 points less than the A-scale. That means an 83b wheel is the same hardness as a 103a wheel, which is considered extremely hard.

– Wheel Contact Patch

The contact patch of a wheel is the flat part around the wheel that actually rolls on the ground. If you’ve looked at different wheels in a skate shop, you likely noticed how some were more narrow than others. This is because the wheel profile and contact patch sizes were different.

The contact patch of a wheel is directly responsible for how grippy it is. With a wider contact patch, you have more grip since there is more surface area and more friction against the ground. This is awesome for stability at high speeds but sucks when you want to make your tricks look steezy. That’s why the ideal wheel for street skating and tricks will have a more narrow contact patch that allows you to pivot tricks easier, something that’s super helpful for 270 tricks or big spins.

So Which Wheel Specs Should You Look For?

With these three factors in mind, you now know the basics of why a 50 – 53mm wheel with a 99a – 103a durometer is ideal for tricks.

But what wheel should you choose within this range as a beginner, intermediate, or advanced skater?

For those just getting started with street skating , go for a 99a durometer with a 53mm wheel diameter. This is a great all-around wheel spec that will last longer and can roll adequately well on all surfaces. However, smooth concrete is still going to be preferable.

For intermediate skaters starting to get into more technical tricks, opt for a 101a wheel with a 52mm or 53mm diameter. This wheel won’t feel great on rough concrete, but it will slide like butter for tricks you spin and pivot through.

For more advanced skaters, opt for a 103a 52mm wheel if you primarily skate at the skatepark, or a 99a 52mm wheel if you tend to session street spots.

The reason I recommend not getting a smaller diameter such as 50mm is that your wheels won’t last as long. Over time your wheels will wear down from skating them, so having a larger wheel, to begin with, allows for more room for wear. After all, 1mm or 2mm of extra wheel diameter won’t make or break a trick.

So now that you know the type of wheel specs you should be looking for, let’s get into some of the best skateboard wheels for street skating and tricks.

The 8 Best Wheels For Street Skating & Flat Ground Tricks

1. bones stf v3 slims – 99a (best overall).

Wheel Profile – Narrow

Colors – White

Sizes – 52mm, 54mm

Best For – Flat Ground, Ledges, Rails, Street Spots

The Bones Street Tech Formula (STF) wheel is one of the most narrow wheels Bones makes with its V3 profile. This means it has a smaller contact patch making powerslides and pivots a lot easier than with other wheels. However, with a 99a durometer, it’s still sufficiently grippy when you need it to be and can be skated at both the skatepark or your favorite street spot with less than ideal concrete.

The STF formula from Bones is impressively durable and doesn’t seem to flat spot easily even after doing powerslides. What is great about these wheels is how fun they are to skate, offering a little more freedom in how you slide your board around during tricks.

With that said, some skaters feel that the slightly smaller contact patch isn’t super noticeable compared to other wheels, but that’s subjective. These wheels can be quite slippery for more beginner and intermediate skaters, but it’s a trade-off for easier powerslides and pivots.

2. Bones STF V2 Locks – 103a (Best For Tech Grinds)

Sizes – 52mm, 53mm

Best For – Ledges, Rails, Smooth Concrete

The Bones Street Tech Formula (STF) V2 wheels are shaped with locking into grinds in mind. With a shape that slightly bulges around the bearing bore, this wheel shape hugs onto ledges and rails better than other wheel shapes. If you prefer grind tricks over flat ground, these wheels are the ideal option.

Since they are extremely hard at 103a (83b), these wheels will be terrible on rough concrete and should be avoided if that’s what you plan to skate. However, if you primarily skate indoor parks or outdoor skateparks, these wheels are an awesome choice. They roll faster than many other wheels of equivalent sizes on smooth concrete and pivot out of tricks like a dream.

Although they have a wider contact patch than the V3 slims, this is still a pretty narrow wheel that’s easy to slide when needed. However, it is quite slippery to skate on at first if you aren’t used to this durometer. Likewise, they can flat spot faster simply because of how hard the wheel is.

That’s why this wheel is only suited for those wanting to focus on grind tricks with the least friction possible. For skaters that want an all-around wheel, this might be overkill.

3. Spitfire Formula Four Tablets – 99a (Best For Flat Ground)

Best For – Skateparks, Street Spots, Flat Ground

Spitfire is one of the most popular wheel brands around, known for its Formula Four urethane that spins fast and seems to last longer than many other wheels. For flat ground tricks, these wheels are some of the best since they strike a balance between width, hardness, and durability. Whether you’re practicing in front of your house, at the skatepark, or a rough patch of concrete in a back alley, these wheels will work for all of it.

Although still a narrow wheel profile, the contact patch of these wheels is wider than the Bones. That means you get a bit of extra grip which can be useful when just learning new tricks. That’s why these are one of my first picks for beginner skaters in particular who are learning flat ground.

With that said, that doesn’t mean these are only good for beginners. With a 99a durometer, these wheels are suited for all skill levels and all types of tricks. This wheel is super responsive and lightweight making it quite versatile. The shape of this wheel is a simple straight cut though, making it relatively average for locking into tricks on ledges and rails.

4. Spitfire Formula Four Classics – 101a

Wheel Profile – Medium

Sizes – 52mm, 53mm, 54mm, 55mm, 56mm, 58mm

Best For – Skateparks, Smooth Concrete, Flat Ground

The Spitfire Classics are probably one of the most popular overall skateboard wheels around since it comes in a variety of sizes and durometers. However, for street and trick-specific skating, the 101a version of this wheel is a great option to go with.

This wheel is slightly wider than any other wheel on this list so far, which makes it a great option for beginners who want more stability and grip with their tricks. Luckily, since it’s a 101a durometer, you can pivot and slide tricks easily when you want to.

Since this is considered a hard wheel, it’s not the best for rough concrete but kicks butt at the skatepark. It rolls super fast and has some impressive grip considering the wheel durometer. What many skaters love about this wheel is how durable it is, with some people I know saying it’s the longest-lasting wheel they’ve skated.

For skaters of all skill levels who tend to skate at the skatepark more than session street spots, this is a great wheel to go with.

5. Ricta Naturals Wheels – 101a

Sizes – 52mm

Best For – Skateparks, Smooth Concrete, Flat Ground, Ledges, Rails

The Ricta Naturals line is one of the most durable and fastest rolling wheels they sell. For street skating, these are another great option to go with. With a shape very similar to the Bones V2 Locks, this wheel has a narrow contact patch that slides easily when you want it to but doesn’t sacrifice grip.

Since it has a 101a durometer, this wheel isn’t great for street spots and is better used on smooth concrete. On smooth concrete, it rolls fast and slides nicely out of tricks which is something I really appreciate. Since the narrow contact patch allows for the wheel to slide easier, these definitely aren’t ideal for skating transition and are more likely to wash out on you.

Ultimately, if you want a harder wheel that rolls fast on smooth concrete and is super durable, this is a good pick for any skill level.

6. Orbs Apparitions Wheels – 99a

Colors – Coral/Black

Sizes – 52mm, 53mm, 54mm, 56mm

Best For – Skateparks, Flat Ground, Street Spots

So far on this list, all the wheels have relatively bland and uninteresting color schemes. Fortunately, Orbs is here to break that trend while also offering a great all-around skateboard wheel for street skating. Although this particular wheel is two-tone with coral and black, there are several other versions of this wheel with different color schemes if that’s important to you.

Orbs is a smaller wheel brand that’s a branch of Welcome Skateboards. Their wheels don’t have anything particularly unique in terms of shape and build, but they do have some awesome colors. This set of wheels in particular has a wider contact patch that’s great for added stability and grip that many beginners look for. However, they’re still slim enough to work well for more technical flat ground tricks and grinds.

At a 99a durometer, these wheels roll great at the skatepark and are passable on rough concrete. Although they certainly aren’t going to offer a perfectly smooth ride if you’re looking to session the street in front of your house.

For those who want a more colorful wheel with a versatile shape and wheel profile, these are a great option.

7. Bones OG Formula V4 Wheels – 100a

Wheel Profile – Wide

Colors – White, Black

Sizes – 53mm, 54mm

Best For – Skateparks, Flat Ground, Ledges, Rails

Now unlike any other wheel on this list, the Bones Original (OG) formula wheels are noticeably wider than the others. For beginner skaters who want to skate a bit of everything, but focus on street skating, these wheels are an awesome option. They have a ton of grip that proves useful when skating bowls but are hard enough to slide and pivot out of flat-ground tricks and grinds.

These are also among the cheapest version of Bones wheels with a slightly lower-performance urethane than the other formulas they offer. With that said, the Original Formula still has great grip, rebound, and feels great to skate on.

The downside to these wheels is that they flat spot easier than other Bones wheels and don’t last as long. However, for someone just wanting to get started with skateboarding tricks, these are a good starter wheel.

8. Mini Logo C-Cut Wheels – 101a

Colors – White, Black, Multi

Sizes – 50mm, 51mm, 52mm, 53mm, 54mm

Best For – Skateparks, Flat Ground, Beginners

Mini Logo is the ultimate beginner skateboard wheel for skateparks and tricks on smooth concrete. Although there are two versions of their wheels known as A-cut and C-cut wheels, the C-cuts have a slight bulge around the bearing bore to help lock into grinds. They also have more narrow wheel options which are ideal for trick-specific skateboarding.

Coming in as the cheapest skateboard wheel on this list by a significant margin, these are a good option to go with if it’s your first skateboard setup, or you’re on a tight budget. Since they are a hard wheel, they roll super fast at skateparks and powerslide well too. The only downside is that they tend to wear out and flat spot faster than other wheel brands like Bones or Spitfire.

For the same reason these are awesome for skateparks, is the same reason why these wheels aren’t great for rough concrete. If you’re looking to use these at your favorite street spot, you’ll likely notice excess vibration that can throw off your tricks. That is why these are better suited for skatepark-specific skaters who are in the beginner to intermediate skill range.

So Which Wheels Should You Choose?

At this point in the article, I wouldn’t blame you if you felt completely overwhelmed by your options. To help make the choice easier, let me offer a few to-the-point suggestions.

If you want the best wheel for technical tricks on flat ground, ledges, rails, and street spots, go for the 99a Bones STF V3 Slims.

Now if you’re a more advanced skater who wants the most response out of their wheels, go for the 101a Spitfire Formula Four Classics.

Lastly, if you primarily skate at the skatepark and don’t skate rough concrete often, go for the 101a Ricta Naturals or the 101a Bones STF V2 Locks.

With all that said, you might also be interested in more general-use skateboard wheels for cruising around town or larger wheels to rip around the bowl at your skatepark. In that case, check out the other guides I’ve written below to offer some additional wheel options:

• 10 Recommended Skateboard Wheels For Beginners
• 4 Best Skateboard Wheels For Bowl
• 5 Awesome Wheels For Skateparks

Happy Shredding!

About The Author

Hey, I'm Brendan! I've been skating for over 10 years and love to get out every moment I can. I spent 5 years teaching skate camps during the summers and love to share the stoke of skateboarding with others! Join me and The Shred Tactic to improve your skills and have more fun shredding in the process.

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Here at the Shred Tactic, our goal is to be the ultimate resource for skateboarding, with articles written by skaters for skaters. Everything you read on this site is backed by decades of first-hand experience from our writers & contributors.

We aim to share tips, tricks, and gear guides to help you have more fun on your board, no matter your skill level. You can learn more about us here.

Best Skateboard Wheels For Street (Know Before Ride)

• January 24, 2023

Every skating soul loves to skate outdoors. And choosing the best skateboard wheels for the street is indispensable if you take your eyes to the outside of the skate park. It matters as wheels impact your skating performance. 

When it comes to skating on the street, you must take the wheel diameter and durometer into account. Every wheel size and hardness will not provide the grip and balance you need for street skating. 

For street skating, wheels between 52-54 millimeters are perfect as they provide the stability you need. And the durometer between 88A-100A is ideal as they offer both the speed and grip for smooth riding. 

Considering these, we reviewed the top 7 best street skateboard wheels that meet the requirements. So, let’s dive deeper to check them out. 

07 Best Skateboard Wheel For Street Riding

After thorough research, we enlisted some of the best skateboard wheels for the street. Each of them provides the speed and stability you need for a smooth ride. However, you can consider our top three picks into account if you don’t have enough time to read this entire article. 

• Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels

Ricta Wheels Clouds 92a Skateboard

Powell peralta rat bones re-issue skateboard wheels.

Best Seller

Editors Chioce

All Rounder

High Quality

Best for freestyle

Wheels For sliding

budget-friendly

TOp Feature

• 60mm Diameter
• 90a Durometer
• 44mm Contact patch
• A set of 4 wheels in 5" package

Skating around the street is fun. But the cracks, pavements, and rocks may push you back to the skate park as all of the wheels are not suitable to ride over those culprits. Fortunately, this wheel-set from Powell Peralta is here to skate around the street. 

The diameter of these wheels is 60mm , and the contact patch is 44mm. In other words, those wheels are wide and big enough to go over the cracks, rocks, and stones. On top of this, these wheels offer a 90a durometer. Indeed, wheels are not so soft or not so hard. So, you will get a better grip and speed at the same time for a smooth ride. 

However, you will experience wheel bite as the wheels are a bit bigger. To avoid this issue, get some riser pads. 

A bit heavy- is another downside of these wheels. Because of this, you may find it a bit tricky to perform tricks. The good news is- this extra weight is worth it as the  wheels float over the rough terrain like a champ . 

• Big and soft enough to ride over rough streets smoothly
• Perfect for all ages of skaters
• Long-lasting
• Great over bumps
• You need to put extra efforts for performing tricks as they are a bit heavy

Shark- Best Skateboard Wheels For street Skating

Top feature.

• 78a wheels hardness
• 30-degree approach angle
• Used by multiple fortune 500 companies

Shark Skateboard Wheels is one of the best wheels for street skating. The wheel’s unique shape, design, and size make these wheels suitable for street skating . 

The unique sine wave shape tends to kick the pebbles and rocks out of the way. In other words, bumps, rocks, and cracks can’t stand in their way. On top of this, the diameter of these wheels is 60mm. Due to the big size, you can glide your skateboard over the bumps and cracks with ease. 

Turns out, the unique 30-degree approach angle reduces shocks the way a car does. Indeed, you can’t even notice if you ride over the bumps. 

Now, let’s move on to its durometer. These wheels from Shark Wheel offer a 78a durometer, which is grippy. You will get enough grip to perform sliding even on a wet surface. 

Wheel bite is the only shortcoming we spot out. To overcome this issue, you should get 1/2″ riser pads.

• Perfect for skating around the street
• Unique 30-degree approach angle reduces shocks and impacts
• Deliver smooth riding experience
• Good for beginners and heavy riders
• Only three contact points instead of the whole wheels, which offer less traction.

• 52mm in size
• 92a wheels hardness
• Black and white in color
• Comes with 4 wheels

Ricta Cloud Skateboard Wheels is a reliable name to every street skater because of its medium profile wheel shape. With it, you can skate around the street or in the skate park without compromising performance. 

The durometer of these wheels is 90a . It means this set of wheels is not soft enough like the wheels rated 78a or 87a. Though they are not so soft, you will get enough grip to roll over every surface. 

Due to its slight softness, you can go over the craggy street with sidewalks, asphalt, and bricks. Also, these wheels make all smooth surfaces feel relatively equal. As a result, it will be easier for you to pop an ollie on pretty much any terrain.

Besides, they provide you with a nice dampening effect on landings due to the slight softness. You can also perform tricks and slide with this set of wheels. 

Indeed, Ricta is the best skate wheel for streets and parks. They are  perfect for beginners , and you can hit rough terrains without any hesitation. Indeed, Ricta infused a lot of magic and wonder inside these wheels to glide over the  street.

• Perfect for skating, tricks, and sliding
• Smoothly glide over pavements, cracks, and bumps
• Smooth wheels come with a shiny coating
• Make ollie easier for you
• Some users claim that 1 of the 4 wheels come with visible lopsided

Ricta Clouds 78a-Best Skateboard Wheels For Street Cruising

• 54mm Diameter
• 78a Durometer
• Comes with attractive co;or

If you look for a bit softer and grippy wheels than the Ricta 90a, go for the Ricta Clouds 78a Skateboard Wheel. They are smooth and provide the grip you need for  skating and cruising  around the street. 

This set of 4 wheels offers a 78a durometer. These wheels are softer and sticky. Indeed, they are smooth as butter and grip like glue. With them, you can glide over rougher ground and will get the speed you need. You will gain more skating speed if you use this set of wheels with red bearings.

Turns out, these wheels are excellent for skating on the street as they absorb bumps and cracks optimally. 

Now, let’s talk about the diameter of these wheels. Each of the wheels is 54mm. They are medium in size and perfect for a standard skateboard and their softness is right to handle every situation. Indeed, you can ride with these wheels both on smooth and rough surfaces with ease. 

The only shortcoming is- this set of wheels is too sticky. You will get stuck if you land tricks on these wheels.

• Comfortable and fast
• Provide greater stability to ride over every surface smoothly
• Perfect for beginner
• Rides well on rough surfaces and sidewalks
• Too sticky and not perfect for tricks

Spitfire Bighead-Wheels For FreeStyle Street Riding

• 52mm Diameter
• 99a Durometer
• Comes with white and Red color
• Fit in all size bearings

Spitfire is another trustworthy brand every skater trusts to get high-quality wheels for their skateboard set-up. And this set of wheels is the best spitfire wheels for the street. The durometer of these wheels is medium. In other words, they are not so hard and so soft. 

These wheels come with a 99a durometer . You will get more grip than the hard wheels and more slides than the softer wheels. Indeed,  this set of wheels from Spitfire is ideal for skating on the street. 

Unlike other wheels, the diameter of these wheels is 52mm. They are smaller in size, which makes these wheels perfect for skating on smooth surfaces. Due to their small size, most freestyle riders recommend them as they are lightweight. With it, you can perform tricks and slides. 

The only downside is- you can’t ride over bumps and cracks with these wheels because of their compact size. But they are worth it if you look for wheels to skate on the street or skating parks. 

• Not so hard and so soft.
• More grip than the hard wheels
• More slides than the softer wheels
• Good for tricks and slides
• Little bit pricey

Sector 9- best skateboard wheels for sliding

• 70 mm Diameter
• 80a wheels hardness
• 44mm contact patch
• Comes with white color

If you are looking for a set of skate wheels to learn sliding and drifts , don’t hesitate to go for the Sector 9 Slide Butterballs Skate Wheels. Their unique core and wide contact patch will provide the grip you need for sliding. 

These wheels come with a 70 mm diameter and 44mm contact patch. Unlike other wheels on this list, they are large and provide the stability you need for a smooth ride. You can effortlessly go over the bumps, cracks, and rocks. 

Due to its wide contact patch, these wheels stick with the ground and deliver the grip you need for sliding. On the other hand, the sturdy core helps to resist wear & tear when sliding. 

Apart from these, the durometer of these wheels also helps to do slides. They come with an 80a durometer. In other words, these wheels are soft and grippy. 

• Allow you to perform basic drifts and slides
• Provide enough traction to roll over every harsh surface
• Wide contact patch delivers superior grip
• Soft and grippy.
• Paints on the wheels may scrape away easily

Losenka- Best Budget Friendly Skateboard wheel

• 95a Durometer
• Come with ABEC-9 bearings
• Polyurethane polymer material

Do you look for budget-friendly wheels for your skateboard set-up? Then, you can’t find the best alternative to this set of wheels from LOSENKA. 

You don’t need to spend a leg and arm to set up your skate for riding around the street. This 4 set of wheels comes fully assembled with ABEC bearings. So, you don’t need to hassle to install it on your skateboard. Just unpack it and attach it to your skate and start riding right off the bat. 

The size of these wheels is 52mm, which is smaller and perfect for skating on the street or in the skate park. They provide a 95a durometer, which is hard and rolls smoothly on smooth surfaces. You can ride over asphalt roads, extremely on skate park terrain.  

When it comes to longevity, you can hardly find wheels like this set at this price point. These wheels adopt unique patent instantaneous cold infusion processing to make wheels solid & wear resistant. In other words, they last for a long time. 

• Come with ABEC-9 bearings to cost you no additional bucks to get bearings
• Made of high-quality materials to make wheels wear-resistant
• Roll over every smooth surface
• Long lasting
• Don't include washers

Buying Guide: What To Look For When Buying Skateboard Wheels For Street

Take a look at the following criteria before picking the best skateboard wheels for street skating. 

Types of Skateboard Wheels

You can find three different skateboard wheels- street wheels, cruiser wheels, and longboard wheels. 

Street wheels are smooth and lightweight. So, you can use them to perform tricks, slides, rails, and ledges with ease. The diameter of this type wheel falls between 50-53 millimeters. And the hardness is between 95a-104a.

On the other hand, cruiser wheels are comparatively soft and grippy. The hardness of cruiser wheels falls between 78a-98a and the diameter is between 54-59 millimeters. This type of wheel is perfect for riding over pavements and cracks. 

And lastly, longboard wheels are the softest and grippiest compared to other two wheel types. They are specially designed to go over cracks, pavements, rocks, and bumps. The durometer of this wheel type falls between 75a-85a and the diameter is between 60-75mm. You can go for the longboard wheels to perform carving, sliding, and racing. 

As you are here to get street wheels, pick the wheels that come with 50-53mm diameter and 95-104a durometer. 

Benefits of Street Wheels

Consider what benefits you will get from street wheels before making a purchase. With street wheels, you can go over smooth surfaces like a champ and can learn tricks, bowls, rails, and ledges. 

How long the skateboard wheels will last depends on the material they use as their construction. Most wheels use polyurethane as their built-in element as they are heat-resistant and tough. As a result, they last for a long time, and you can use the wheels under extreme conditions. 

The durometer of wheels is used to measure the hardness of the wheel. The range of it is between 78a-101a+. A common rule of the durometer is the higher the number, the harder the wheel will be. And the harder the wheel will be, the more speed you will get from those wheels. If you look for street wheels, go for the wheels that come between  96a-99a durometer . They provide the speed and grip you need to skate around the street. 

Diameter is the next criterion you must consider when picking the wheels for your skateboard set-up. How much speed and stability you will get depend on the diameter of the wheels. A wheel between 50-53 mm will be perfect for new skaters as they provide greater stability. On the other hand, wheels between 54-59 mm will be ideal for intermediate skate lovers. And lastly, 60-75 mm wheels are perfect for pro skaters who need the speed for racing.  

Contact patch

Contact patch means the surface area of your wheels that stick with the ground. We recommend you go for the wheels with a wider contact patch if you have a longboard or cruiser board. In return, you will get the grip you need for smooth riding.

Wheel shape

You can find two types of wheel shapes- sharp-lip and round lip. A sharp-lip wheel provides excellent grip. So, you can carve, cruise, and slalom with ease. On the other hand, a round-lip shape wheel is best for learning power slides. 

Most frequent questions and answers

What is the best skateboard brand for street skating.

You can find a lot of skateboard brands that offer the best skating equipment for street skating. But the heck is- all of them are not the best as they claim. Here is the list of skateboard brands you can consider to get the best skate accessories.

• Alien Workshop
• Toy Machine

What wheels do street skaters use?

Most street skaters use the wheels between 88a-100a durometer. They offer less grip but deliver the speed you need for smooth riding on smooth surfaces. They offer less grip as they are slightly harder. 

What size skateboard wheels are best for street skating?

Skateboard wheels between 52mm-54mm are best for street skating. These wheels are lightweight and easy to maneuver. As a result, you will get better control over the skateboard and perform tricks, bowls, and rails. However, you can ride over rough surfaces with street wheels. In this case, you should go for larger wheels. 

Are soft wheels better for street skating?

Yes, softer wheels are better for street skating. Softer wheels provide the ultimate grip you need for safe riding. Regular street skaters recommend going for the wheels between 96A-100A. They are not super soft and not so hard, which makes them ideal for smooth riding on the street. 

Is 99a Good for Street Skating?

Yes, they are good for street skating. The durometer of wheels between 96A-100A provides both the speed and grip you need for a smooth skating experience. You can use the 99a wheels for street skating, skate parks, and ramps. 

Final Words...

Street skating will be more fun and interesting than in the skate park if you choose the right street wheels for skateboarding. To help you out, we researched those 7 best skateboard wheels for the street. 

Among them, we recommend the Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels most as it comes with the right diameter and durometer. The size of the wheels is 52mm and the durometer is 99A. As a result, you will get the speed and grip you need for skating on the street.

However, you can also go for any skateboard wheels from the list based on your personal preferences. 

Skate Insider is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

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