Guide · Setup
How to Choose Skateboard Wheels
There are two numbers that define a skateboard wheel: its diameter (how big it is) and its durometer (how hard it is). Together with the shape of the wheel, they determine how fast it rolls, how smoothly it handles rough terrain, and whether it's suited for tricks or cruising. This guide walks through the decision framework from your skating style to the right wheel spec.
1. Diameter — how size affects the ride
Wheel diameter is measured in millimeters. Skateboard wheels typically range from 48mm (very small, low-pro street) to 70mm+ (longboard/cruiser). The diameter affects three things:
- Speed — larger wheels cover more ground per rotation. A 60mm wheel rolls faster than a 52mm wheel at the same cadence.
- Ground clearance — larger wheels sit the deck higher off the ground, which changes clearance for tricks and affects center of gravity.
- Roll-over ability — larger wheels roll over cracks, pebbles, and surface irregularities more easily than small wheels, which tend to catch.
| Diameter | Typical use | Speed | Trick feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48–50mm | Technical street / low-pro tricks | Slower | Very responsive, lightweight |
| 51–53mm | Street / all-around | Moderate | Standard feel, most popular range |
| 54–56mm | Street/park transition, rough pavement | Faster | Slightly more roll, still trickable |
| 57–60mm | Cruiser / transition / mixed terrain | Fast | Less suited to flip tricks |
| 60–65mm | Cruiser / longboard hybrid | Very fast | Not for tricks |
| 65mm+ | Longboard, downhill, commuting | Very fast | Pure rolling, stability focused |
For more detail on size selection, see Skateboard Wheel Size Guide.
2. Durometer — hardness and terrain
Durometer measures wheel hardness on the A scale (or B scale for very hard wheels). Higher = harder. Most skateboard wheels fall between 78A and 101A.
| Durometer | Feel | Best surface | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78A–87A | Very soft | Rough pavement, cracks, mixed terrain | Cruising, commuting, longboarding |
| 88A–95A | Medium-soft | Rough to moderate pavement | Cruiser with some trick potential, beginners on rough pavement |
| 96A–99A | Medium-hard | Smooth pavement, skateparks | All-around street and park, beginners |
| 100A–101A | Hard | Skateparks, smooth concrete | Street tricks, park skating, technical skating |
| 83B–84B (≈103A–104A) | Very hard | Polished skateparks, smooth concrete only | Advanced street, competition park |
The key insight: hardness is not about quality — it's about matching your terrain. A 101A wheel on rough broken sidewalk will vibrate your feet apart and catch every crack. A 78A wheel on smooth skatepark concrete will feel slow and sticky. Match hardness to surface first, then optimize for style.
The B scale
Some brands rate wheels on the B scale (Bones uses this). B scale is 20 points lower than A scale for the same hardness — so 84B = 104A. It's used for very hard wheels where the A scale has already maxed out at 100–101.
3. Wheel shape
Wheel shape — particularly the lip profile and contact patch — affects how the wheel grips and slides.
| Shape | Contact patch | Edge | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic / round lip | Moderate | Rounded | All-around street and park; slides initiate easily |
| Square lip / sharp edge | Full width | Sharp 90° | Maximum grip; ramp, vert, cruising — doesn't slide out |
| Conical / tapered | Narrower | Tapered | Light, fast; less grip on slides |
| Wide / fat | Wide | Various | Stability, grip; cruisers and longboards |
For most street skaters and beginners, classic round-lip wheels are the right choice — they're forgiving and predictable. Square-lip wheels are preferred by pool and vert skaters who need maximum grip through transitions.
4. By riding style
Street skating
Street skating prioritizes lightweight, responsive wheels that allow flip tricks and manual tricks. Small, hard wheels minimize weight and keep the board close to the ground for better control of kickflips and ollies.
- Diameter: 51–54mm
- Durometer: 99A–101A
- Shape: classic or conical
- Riser needed: usually none with standard trucks
Skatepark / transitions
Park and transition skating (ramps, bowls, mini-ramps) benefits from slightly larger, grippier wheels for coping tricks and smooth roll-in speed.
- Diameter: 53–56mm
- Durometer: 99A–101A
- Shape: classic or square lip for ramps
- Riser needed: possibly 1/8″ at the larger end
Cruiser / transportation
Cruiser setups prioritize smoothness over rough surfaces, rolling speed, and vibration absorption. Softer, larger wheels are essential — hard wheels on city pavement make for a punishing, unstable ride.
- Diameter: 58–65mm
- Durometer: 78A–87A
- Shape: wide with square-ish lip for grip
- Riser needed: 1/4″ (6mm) to 1/2″ (10mm) depending on truck height
See Best Skateboard Wheels for City Commuting for a complete commuter build guide.
Surfskate
Surfskate setups need wheels that grip through tight carves while the wedge truck geometry generates turn. Medium-soft wheels work well — grippy enough to hold through a carve, but not so soft they slow the board down significantly.
- Diameter: 56–62mm
- Durometer: 78A–87A
- Shape: wide with square lip
- Riser needed: 1/4″–1/2″ plus wedge risers for truck angle
See Surfskate Wedge Riser Guide for wedge angle recommendations.
Longboard
Longboard wheels prioritize roll speed, stability, and grip at higher speeds. Larger diameter, softer urethane, wide contact patch.
- Diameter: 65–75mm
- Durometer: 75A–85A
- Shape: wide, square-lipped for grip; round-lipped for controlled slides (downhill)
- Riser needed: 1/2″ (10mm) or more
| Style | Diameter | Durometer | Riser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street tricks | 51–54mm | 99A–101A | None |
| Skatepark / transition | 53–56mm | 99A–101A | 0–3mm |
| Rough street / all-terrain | 56–60mm | 87A–95A | 3–6mm |
| Cruiser / commuter | 58–65mm | 78A–87A | 6–10mm |
| Surfskate | 56–62mm | 78A–87A | 6–10mm + wedge |
| Longboard | 65–75mm | 75A–85A | 10mm+ |
5. Riser requirements by wheel size
As wheels get larger, they get closer to the deck during turns — eventually causing wheel bite, where the wheel contacts the deck and stops abruptly. Riser pads lift the trucks to create clearance.
| Wheel diameter | Riser needed (standard trucks) | Bolt length increase |
|---|---|---|
| Under 54mm | None needed | — |
| 54–56mm | 1/8″ (3mm) | +1/8″ |
| 56–60mm | 1/4″ (6mm) | +1/4″ |
| 60–65mm | 1/2″ (10mm) | +1/2″ |
| 65mm+ | 1/2″–3/4″ (10–15mm) | +1/2″–3/4″ |
These are guidelines — exact clearance depends on truck height and your turning range. Always verify clearance with a physical test (lean the board hard to each side and check the gap between wheel and deck) before trusting the riser to be enough. Use the Wheel Bite Tool to model your setup, and the Bolt Length Calculator to verify hardware after adding risers.
See Riser Height Guide for a full breakdown of riser sizes and their effects.
6. Brand reference
These are the most widely available and consistently reliable brands. Within each, the specific model determines shape and durometer — check the product spec before buying.
| Brand | Known for | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Spitfire | Street / park, Formula Four line is high-end urethane | $30–$55 |
| Bones | Street Tech Formula (STF) for streets, Rough Riders for rough terrain | $35–$55 |
| OJ Wheels | Softer wheels, cruiser / mini-logo value line | $25–$50 |
| Powell Peralta | Wide range, Dragon Formula high-rebound | $30–$50 |
| Ricta | Clouds (78A) for rough terrain; Naturals for park | $25–$45 |
| Orangatang | Longboard / freeride, high-quality cast urethane | $45–$65 |
| Seismic | Downhill / high-speed, precision urethane | $50–$80 |
| Mini Logo | Budget street wheels, good value | $15–$25 |
7. Beginner recommendations
If you're new to skateboarding and not sure what to get:
Street / park beginner
52–54mm at 99A–101A. This covers the widest range of skateboarding activities. You can practice tricks, skate park ramps, and roll on smooth pavement. Spitfire Formula Four 99A in 52mm or Bones STF 103A in 53mm are entry-level choices that last well. Expect to pay $30–$45.
Beginner who skates rough pavement
56mm at 87A–92A. A middle-ground wheel that handles cracks and rough surfaces without sacrificing all trick ability. Ricta Naturals 92A or OJ Hot Juice 78A (if pavement is very rough) are good choices.
Beginner cruiser
60–62mm at 78A–82A. Smooth riding is the priority. Ricta Clouds 78A or OJ Super Juice 78A are popular choices. Remember to add 1/4″–1/2″ riser pads and longer bolts. See Cruiser Skateboard Setup Guide for the full build.
Whatever style you choose, don't overthink the brand — diameter and durometer matter far more than the logo. Get the right spec for your terrain and style, and the difference between mid-tier and premium urethane will be hard to feel as a beginner.
Wheel FAQ
What size wheels should a beginner get?
For street or park skating, 52–54mm at 99A–101A is the most versatile starting point. For rough pavement, go 56–58mm at 87A–92A. For a cruiser setup, 60–62mm at 78A–82A — but add riser pads and longer bolts to prevent wheel bite.
What's the difference between hard and soft skateboard wheels?
Hard wheels (99A–101A) are fast on smooth surfaces and suit tricks and park skating. They transmit vibration and catch cracks. Soft wheels (78A–87A) absorb vibration, grip better, and roll smoothly on rough terrain — ideal for cruising and commuting. Match hardness to your terrain, not your preference.
Do bigger wheels need riser pads?
Generally yes above 54mm. 54–56mm needs 1/8″ (3mm) risers; 56–60mm needs 1/4″ (6mm); 60–65mm needs 1/2″ (10mm). Exact clearance depends on truck height — always do a physical lean test and use the Wheel Bite Tool to verify your setup.
What wheel durometer is best for rough pavement?
78A–87A in 56–65mm diameter. This combination rolls smoothly over cracks, absorbs road vibration, and gives a stable ride on mixed surfaces. If you still want some trick potential, 87A–92A is a workable compromise.