Wheels are one of the most essential parts of your skateboard. They affect your speed, grip, and control. The right wheels make skating easier and more fun. But there are so many options, how do you choose the best ones?
Do you need hard wheels for street skating or soft wheels for cruising? Don’t worry! I’ll help you find the best skateboard wheels for your style.
Today, I will explore the best brands for skateboard wheels, like Powell Peralta, Bones, Spitfire, and OJ Wheels. You’ll also learn how to choose the best skateboard wheel size, hardness, and shape for your board.
So, are you ready to roll smoother and faster? Let’s dive into the best skateboard wheels reviews!
Why Choosing the Right Skateboard Wheels Matters
When you start skateboarding, your wheels make a big difference. The right wheels help you stay balanced, ride smoothly, and turn easily. The wrong wheels can make learning harder, slow your progress, and make skating uncomfortable. The best skateboard wheels will help you learn faster and have more fun. Let’s explore below:
1. Better Balance and Control
Staying steady on your board is key when you’re learning to skateboard. The right wheels keep your board stable, making it easier to ride a skateboard. Medium-soft wheels are a great choice for beginners. They roll smoothly while giving you enough control.
2. Smoother Rides on Rough Ground
If you skate on sidewalks or rough roads, hard wheels can make your ride shaky. Softer wheels absorb bumps, helping you roll over cracks and small rocks with ease. This means a smoother, more comfortable ride.
3. Easier Turning and Pushing
Turning and pushing should feel natural, not difficult. The right wheels make it easier to turn and push your skateboard without struggling. This helps you focus on riding, not fighting to control your board.
4. Faster Learning
Your wheels should match your skating style. If you want to do tricks, small, hard wheels are best. If you want to cruise, larger, softer wheels make riding easy. The wrong wheels can slow you down and make skating frustrating.
5. More Comfort, Less Tiredness
Skating should be fun, not tiring. If your wheels are too hard, your feet will feel every vibration. Over time, this can make your legs tired. The right wheels make your ride smoother and more enjoyable.
The best skateboarding wheels should give you stability, control, and comfort.
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How to Choose the Right Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard wheels might look similar, but they can feel very different when you ride. There are different types of skateboard wheels. Some wheels roll fast and smoothly, while others grip the ground tightly. Some help you do tricks, while others make cruising easier. To find the best wheels for skateboarding, you must consider size, hardness, and shape. Here’s what you need to know.
1. What Is the Best Skateboard Wheel Size?
The size of your wheels affects speed, balance, and how easy it is to turn. Let’s explore the best wheel size for skateboard:
| Wheel Size | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| 50-54mm | Best street skateboarding wheels, tricks, technical skating | Lightweight, easy to flip | Slower, not great for rough roads |
| 54-58mm | Best all-around skateboard wheels | Good balance of speed and control | Not as fast as larger wheels |
| 58-62mm | Best skateboard wheels for rough roads and cruising | Smooth ride, rolls over cracks | Harder to do tricks |
| 70mm+ | Best skateboard wheels for cruising and downhill | Fast, super smooth ride | Too big for tricks |
For beginners, 54-56mm wheels are a safe choice. They give you a mix of speed, control, and comfort.
2. Wheel Hardness (Durometer Rating)
Wheel hardness controls grip and ride smoothness. It’s measured on the Durometer A Scale (75a-101a).
- 75a-87a (Soft wheels): Best for cruising and rough roads. These grip well and absorb shocks.
- 88a-95a (Medium wheels): Good for mixed terrain. A balance of grip and speed.
- 96a-101a (Hard wheels): Best for street skating and skateparks. Hard wheels slide better and roll faster.
If you’re skating on rough roads, go with 78a-87a wheels for a smooth ride. If you’re skating in parks or streets, 99a-101a wheels are best for tricks.
3. Wheel Shape & Contact Patch
The shape of your wheels affects grip and how they feel on different surfaces.
- Rounded edges: Easier to slide, great for tricks.
- Square edges: More grip, better for cruising.
- Wider contact patch: More stability and control.
The right wheels will make your skateboard easier to ride and more fun. If you’re just starting, go for 54-56mm wheels with a medium hardness (90a-95a). This will give you the best mix of speed, control, and comfort.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s find the best skateboard wheels for your style!
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Top 07 Best Wheels for Skateboarding: From Beginners to Expert Riders
Are you looking for the best skateboard wheels? The right wheels can make a huge difference in speed, grip, and control. In this section, I’ll explore you best type of skateboard wheels with different styles like: street skating, cruising, or downhill riding. I’ve picked the top 7 best skateboard wheels for performance, durability, and smooth rides. Let’s check them out and find the best wheels for skateboards:
01. Spitfire Bighead 52mm Skateboard Wheels: Best Skateboard Wheels for Street
Key Features:
- Brand Name: Spitfire Wheels
- Size: 52mm (also available in other sizes)
- Hardness: 99a (hard wheels)
- Color: White/Red
- Item Weight: 0.5 Pounds
Spitfire Bighead should be your top choice if you’re looking for the best skateboard wheels for street skating. These wheels are built for skaters who want speed, durability, and control when doing tricks. The 99A durometer provides a great balance between grip and slide.
02. Powell Peralta 54mm Dragon Formula: Best Hybrid Skateboard Wheels
Key Features:
- Brand Name: Powell Peralta
- Size: 54mm
- Hardness: 93a (medium-hard)
- Color: White
- Item Weight: 0.55 Pounds
If you’re tired of struggling on rough streets but still want a wheel that can handle tricks? Then, You need the Powell Peralta Dragon Formula 54mm 93A wheels. They roll smoothly over rough streets but still slide and grip like hard wheels.
03. OJ 58mm Plain Jain Skateboard Wheels: Best Skateboard Wheels for Beginners
Key Features:
- Brand Name: OJ Wheels
- Size: 56mm
- Hardness: 87a (soft wheels)
- Color: Plain Jane
- Item Weight: 200 Grams
If you want a comfortable and smoother ride, the OJ 58mm Keyframe wheels are a solid choice for you. With an 87A durometer, they are soft enough to absorb cracks and bumps, giving you a smooth, quiet ride.
04. BONES Filmers 60mm Skateboard Wheels: Best Skateboard Wheels for Rough Roads
Key Features:
- Brand Name: Bones Wheels
- Size: 60mm
- Hardness: 80A (soft wheels)
- Color: White
- Material: Urethane
The BONES Filmers 60mm wheels are perfect for riding on rough roads. Made with All-Terrain Formula (ATF) urethane, they roll smoothly over cracks and bumps. With an 80A durometer, these wheels offer great grip and shock absorption.
05. Santa Cruz Skateboard Wheels 66mm: Best Skateboard Wheels for Cruising
Key Features:
- Brand Name: SANTA CRUZ
- Size: 66mm
- Hardness: 78a (soft wheels)
- Color: Pink
- Model: OG Slime
The Santa Cruz Slime Balls 66mm Skateboard Wheels are ideal for cruising, carving, and long-distance skating. Their soft 78A urethane makes them perfect for riding over rough streets, cracks, and uneven pavement without losing speed or control. These wheels are great for skaters who want a smooth, stable ride and work well on longboards, cruisers, and filmer setups.
06. Powell Peralta Snakes 69mm Skateboard Wheels: Best Downhill Longboard Wheels
Key Features:
- Brand Name: Powell Peralta
- Size: 69mm
- Hardness: 75A
- Color: Red
- Material: Urethane
The Powell Peralta Snakes 69mm are the perfect choice if you’re looking for the best downhill wheels. They offer speed, control, and smooth slides, making them ideal for downhill racing and freeride action. Made with the Soft Slide Formula (SSF) 75A urethane, these wheels grip when needed and slide when desired.
07. Shark Wheel 72mm: Best Longboard Wheels for Off Road Skating
Key Features:
- Brand Name: Shark Wheels
- Size: 72mm
- Hardness: 78A
- Color: Seafoam
- Material: Polyurethane
If you love cruising on any terrain, the Shark Wheel 72mm is for you. These wheels roll smoothly over rough roads, parks, and even dirt paths. The unique wave design pushes small debris aside, giving you a faster, smoother ride. Made in the USA with high-rebound polyurethane, they last long and perform well.
FAQs About Skateboard Wheels
What are the best affordable skateboard wheels?
For budget-friendly options, check out Spitfire Bighead 52mm wheels. They offer great performance for street skating without costing too much.
What are the best skateboard wheels for tricks?
Tricks require small, hard wheels for control and easy slides. The Powell Peralta Dragon Formula 54mm wheels are an excellent choice. They provide grip when needed but also slide well for technical tricks.
What are the best skateboard wheels for bowls?
For smooth rides in bowls, you need slightly bigger and harder wheels. OJ Keyframe 58mm wheels work well because they offer speed and grip without feeling too sticky.
What are the best skateboard wheels for sliding?
Sliding requires a good balance of grip and slip. Bones Filmers 60mm (80A) wheels are a great option for smooth, controlled slides. If you’re looking for even bigger sliding wheels, consider Powell Peralta Snakes 69mm (75A) for longboard-style slides.
Wrapping Up
The right skateboard wheels can completely change how you ride. No matter what you choose, make sure your wheels match your deck, trucks, and skating style. The right setup will give you better control, smoother rides, and more fun on your board. Now, it’s time to roll!
Now, it’s time to ride on the streets or the park!
So, What skateboard wheels do you choose? Drop a comment below!
