Material:
Almost all skateboard wheels are made of urethane, but their size and hardness vary depending on how you skate.
Size (Diameter):
Measured in millimeters (mm)
Durometer (Hardness):
Typically measured using the A-scale
Size affects speed and stability:
54mm: Small, good for street skating, technical tricks, and lighter setups.
55–59mm: Medium, more for transition skating, bowls, and ramps.
60mm+: Large wheels are better for cruising, vert, or downhill — more speed and smoother ride over rough surfaces.
Durometer is a measure of how hard or soft the wheel is.
Most common scale:
A-Scale
78A–87A: Soft — Grippy, great for rough terrain, cruisers, longboards.
88A–95A: Still soft but faster — good hybrid for both grip and slight tricks.
96A–99A: Hard — Good all-around street/park wheels; balance of grip and slide.
100A+: Very hard — Slidey, fast on smooth surfaces, less grip on rough ground.
When it comes to street skateboarding, the best wheels are those that balance performance, durability, and comfort on rough urban terrain. Generally, street skateboard wheels range between 50mm and 54mm in diameter, with a durometer hardness of between 99A and 103A being the sweet spot for most riders.
Street skate
When it comes to street skateboarding, the best wheels are those that balance performance, durability, and comfort on rough urban terrain. Generally, street skateboard wheels range between 50mm and 54mm in diameter, with a durometer hardness of between 99A and 103A being the sweet spot for most riders.
Street skateboarding involves a lot of technical tricks, so wheels on the smaller side (50mm-52mm) allow for more control and quicker responsiveness. These wheels are ideal for doing flip tricks, grinds, and slides. A slightly larger size (52mm-54mm) will provide more stability while still being agile enough for technical street tricks.
Harder wheels, typically around 99A to 103A, are favored by street skaters because they slide easily and provide a smoother ride on rougher pavement. They’re better at maintaining speed on concrete and asphalt surfaces and are less prone to wear than softer wheels. However, the downside of harder wheels is that they can feel more "chattery" on rough terrain, so choosing the right size is important to balance ride quality and control.
Street wheels usually have a square-edged profile, which gives skaters better grip when landing tricks and also enhances their ability to lock into grinds and slides. A well-defined edge helps you avoid "slipping out" during tricks while giving you more control over your board when performing technical maneuvers.
Urethane is the go-to material for street skateboard wheels because it offers a perfect blend of durability, grip, and smoothness. It absorbs impacts well and doesn’t wear down too quickly. Plus, urethane maintains its performance in various weather conditions, so you'll get consistent performance no matter if you’re skating in dry or damp conditions.
Bones STF (Street Tech Formula) 52mm 103A Wheels – These are considered one of the top choices for street skating due to their durability, speed, and excellent slide control. The STF formula is specifically designed to withstand the harshness of street surfaces, offering an optimal mix of grip and slideability. They’re great for technical tricks and provide a smooth ride over cracks and rough terrain.
Ultimately, the best street wheels are those that suit your individual skating style and environment, but with a good balance of size, hardness, and material, you’ll be able to shred with the best of them.
When it comes to skatepark skateboarding, the best wheels are those that provide a balance between speed, grip, and control, allowing you to navigate smooth ramps, bowls, and transition features with ease. The key factors for selecting the right wheels for skatepark use are diameter, hardness, and profile, each contributing to a different
When it comes to skatepark skateboarding, the best wheels are those that provide a balance between speed, grip, and control, allowing you to navigate smooth ramps, bowls, and transition features with ease. The key factors for selecting the right wheels for skatepark use are diameter, hardness, and profile, each contributing to a different aspect of performance.
Skatepark wheels are typically larger than street wheels, ranging between 52mm and 54mm in diameter. This size offers stability while still allowing for good maneuverability on ramps and in bowls. Larger wheels give you the speed needed to carry momentum over transitions and help you maintain a smooth ride when carving or hitting bigger obstacles. A 53mm wheel is often seen as the perfect middle ground for park riding, offering both control and speed.
For skatepark wheels, a slightly harder durometer range (97A to 101A) is ideal because it provides the speed and slide-ability you need on smooth concrete or wooden surfaces. Harder wheels are also more responsive to transitions, making them great for carving, hitting coping, and grinding rails. That said, if you're skating a rougher, older skatepark with cracks and uneven surfaces, you might opt for a softer wheel around 95A for a smoother, more forgiving ride.
The shape of the wheel plays a significant role in your ride, and skatepark wheels typically have a more rounded or conical profile. A rounded edge will allow you to maintain speed as you carve through transitions and keep a consistent grip when landing on ramps. Some skaters also prefer a slight square edge for extra grip during grinding or slides. The profile will depend on whether you prefer a quicker, more agile ride or a more stable one for higher-speed runs.
Just like with street wheels, urethane is the top choice for skatepark wheels because it provides the perfect mix of grip, durability, and smoothness on concrete and wooden surfaces. Urethane wheels also perform consistently, whether you're skating a smooth, modern park or a slick, older one. They can absorb impacts from drops or transitions without compromising performance, giving you confidence when going for bigger airs.
Spitfire Formula Four 53mm 99A Wheels – These are a fan favorite for skatepark use. The Formula Four urethane is designed to provide an exceptional combination of speed, durability, and grip. With their perfect size and hardness, these wheels offer excellent control on both smooth transitions and technical skatepark features. They maintain a smooth roll and are ideal for skaters looking to carve, grind, and hit bowls with ease.
In summary, skatepark wheels should offer the right mix of speed, grip, and control to take on a variety of features found in skateparks. A good set of wheels in the 52mm–54mm size range, with a hardness between 97A–101A, will provide you with the ideal balance of performance for ramps, bowls, and transition skating.
When it comes to longboarding, the best wheels are designed to offer a smooth and stable ride, especially when cruising at higher speeds, carving through turns, or downhill bombing. Longboard wheels are generally larger, softer, and more durable than traditional skateboard wheels, which makes them well-suited for the unique demands of lo
When it comes to longboarding, the best wheels are designed to offer a smooth and stable ride, especially when cruising at higher speeds, carving through turns, or downhill bombing. Longboard wheels are generally larger, softer, and more durable than traditional skateboard wheels, which makes them well-suited for the unique demands of longboarding.
Longboard wheels are typically larger than standard skateboard wheels, with most falling in the range of 50mm to 60mm+. The larger the wheel, the more stable it is at higher speeds, making it ideal for downhill or freeride longboarding. For cruising or carving, wheels around 52mm to 54mm can provide a more responsive feel, while wheels between 55mm and 60mm offer smoother rides over rougher terrain, cracks, or small obstacles.
Longboard wheels tend to be much softer than street wheels, usually falling within the 78A to 87A hardness range. Softer wheels are better for absorbing bumps and vibrations from rough terrain, providing a smoother, more controlled ride, which is essential for long-distance cruising or downhill rides. Softer wheels also offer more grip, which is important for cornering, carving, and preventing wheel slippage at higher speeds.
The shape of longboard wheels affects how they grip the pavement and slide. For cruising and carving, you'll want wheels with a square-edged profile, as they offer maximum grip and control when turning. For downhill or freeride riding, beveled or round-edged wheels are often preferred, as they provide smoother slides and less resistance during slides.
Additionally, contact patch plays an important role. A wider contact patch means more grip, which is great for downhill riders, while a smaller contact patch allows for easier sliding and is preferred by freeriders or those looking to do technical slides.
Like most skateboard wheels, longboard wheels are made from urethane, as it offers a perfect balance of grip, durability, and smoothness. Urethane can withstand the wear and tear of long-distance cruising and the forces of downhill riding, maintaining its performance over time. High-quality urethane also ensures a quiet, smooth ride on both smooth pavement and rougher surfaces.
Sector 9 Race Formula 60mm 78A Wheels – These wheels are a great all-around option for longboarding, especially for downhill or freeride enthusiasts. The large 60mm diameter provides excellent speed stability, while the 78A durometer offers superb grip and smoothness on rough pavement, making them ideal for fast, downhill runs or carving. The urethane material is durable and responsive, and the wider contact patch offers maximum traction when you need it most.
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