Your skateboard wheels can completely change how your board rides. A setup that feels perfect at a smooth skatepark might feel terrible on rough pavement. The same board with different wheels can go from a technical street machine to a comfortable cruiser. That's because wheel diameter, hardness, shape, and urethane formula all affect performance. At The Dark Slide, we carry wheels from Spitfire, BONES, Powell Peralta, OJ, Ricta, and Slime Balls. Here's what you need to know.
Understanding Skateboard Wheel Size
Skateboard wheel size is measured in millimeters and refers to diameter. Smaller wheels generally accelerate quickly, weigh less, and keep your board closer to the ground. Larger wheels maintain speed more easily and roll over rough surfaces and small obstacles better.
| Wheel size | Recommended use |
|---|---|
| 50–52mm | Technical street skating and flip tricks |
| 53–55mm | All-around street and skatepark riding |
| 56–58mm | Transition, bowls, ramps, and mixed terrain |
| 59–65mm | Cruising, old-school setups, and larger transitions |
| 65mm+ | Longboards, dedicated cruisers, and specialty setups |
These are guidelines rather than strict rules. Skaters regularly mix sizes and disciplines according to their preferences.
Are 52mm or 54mm Wheels Better?
52mm wheels are popular for technical street skating. They offer a low ride height and relatively light setup, making them appealing for flip tricks and ledge skating. 54mm wheels are an excellent all-around choice. They offer slightly more roll speed and obstacle clearance without making your skateboard feel dramatically different. For a first set of street and park wheels, 53mm or 54mm is a reasonable starting point. If you primarily skate bowls, larger transitions, or rough ground, consider 56mm or 58mm.
What Does Skateboard Wheel Durometer Mean?
Durometer measures how hard or soft a wheel is. Most skateboard wheels use the A scale. Lower numbers generally mean softer wheels; higher numbers mean harder wheels. Soft wheels typically offer more grip and absorb more vibration. Hard wheels usually feel more responsive on smooth concrete and can make sliding easier.
78A–87A: Soft Wheels
Best for cruising, transportation, rough pavement, old-school cruiser setups, and more comfortable, quieter riding. If you're primarily rolling around town, softer wheels are worth considering. OJ Super Juice wheels, for example, come in a soft 78A formula for cruising and uneven terrain.
88A–95A: Medium-Soft Wheels
Best for rough street spots, mixed terrain, and riders who want more comfort without switching to dedicated cruiser wheels. Powell Peralta Dragon Formula wheels are offered in several hardness options, including 88A, 93A, and 97A models. They're engineered to reduce vibration while retaining the ability to slide. Always check the specific version before ordering.
96A–99A: Traditional Street and Park Wheels
Best for general street skating, skateparks, transition, and skaters who like a firmer wheel. The 99A rating is a familiar benchmark: firm and responsive on many common skate surfaces. But two wheels with identical ratings won't necessarily skate the same. Urethane formulation and shape matter.
100A and Harder: Firm, Responsive Wheels
Best for smooth skatepark concrete, technical street skating, and riders who prefer easier slides. Very hard wheels can feel unforgiving on cracked sidewalks or coarse asphalt. Some manufacturers also use alternative scales, such as the B scale on certain BONES wheels. Compare manufacturer specifications rather than treating every number as interchangeable.
Why Wheel Shape Matters
Diameter and hardness are only part of the equation. The contact patch is the portion of the wheel that touches the ground. A wider patch generally offers more surface area for grip and stability; narrower designs may feel lighter and more responsive. Rounded edges and squared-off profiles can also change slide feel and control. Spitfire's Formula Four line includes Classic, Conical, Conical Full, Radial, and other shapes. Two 54mm wheels of the same hardness can still skate very differently.
Choosing Wheels for Different Types of Skateboarding
Street Skating
For a traditional street setup, start around 52–54mm and 97A–101A. This provides a balance of board feel, weight, and sliding ability. Consider Spitfire F4 Tablets 52mm 101A or Spitfire Formula Four Tablets 53mm 99A.
Skateparks and Bowls
For ramps, bowls, and transition, consider 54–58mm wheels. The extra diameter helps maintain momentum. Smooth concrete often favors firmer wheels; rougher bowls can benefit from slightly softer urethane.
Rough Streets
If you're constantly fighting cracks, vibration, and rough asphalt, try about 54–58mm in the 88A–95A range. Powell Peralta Dragon Formula is one option designed to balance a smoother roll with street-skating performance. For even softer all-terrain riding, compare the BONES ATF Rough Riders 59mm 80A.
Cruising
For a dedicated cruiser, look around 60mm or larger with soft urethane such as 78A–87A. OJ Super Juice 60mm 78A wheels are a classic example, prioritizing comfortable rolling and grip over technical street performance.
Old-School and Reissue Skateboards
Many shaped decks and classic reissues look and ride great with larger wheels. A 60–64mm wheel can work well, although hardness depends on whether you're building a cruiser, pool board, or traditional reissue. Powell Peralta Crossbones 64mm 97A wheels offer a larger, firmer old-school option. Choose softer urethane if cruising comfort is the priority.
Do You Need Risers for Bigger Skateboard Wheels?
Possibly. If your wheels are too large for the deck and trucks, they can touch the underside of your board during turns. This is called wheel bite, and it can abruptly slow or stop the board. Bigger wheels increase the risk, especially with loose trucks, softer bushings, or a lower setup.
Riser pads create clearance between your deck and trucks. Many setups with 55–58mm wheels work with no risers or small risers depending on the truck height and riding style. Around 60mm and above, extra clearance is often useful. Risers may also require longer mounting bolts. There's no one-size-fits-all riser recommendation, so consider your wheel diameter, truck height, deck shape, and truck adjustment.
Our Recommendation for Your First Set of Wheels
If you're building a conventional skateboard and aren't sure where to begin, consider 53–54mm wheels around 97A–99A. It's a versatile starting point for street skating and most parks. Rough pavement? Try softer urethane. Want more momentum in bowls? Consider larger wheels. Mostly cruising? Move toward larger, softer wheels. Technical street? Smaller, firmer wheels may suit your style. The right choice depends on where and how you actually skate.
Shop Skateboard Wheels at The Dark Slide
We carry skateboard wheels for street skating, parks, shaped decks, old-school reissues, and cruisers. Shop skateboard wheels at The Dark Slide. Looking for help with the rest of your setup? Read our Skateboard Deck Width Guide and Skateboard Truck Sizing Guide. If you're in Des Moines, visit us at Merle Hay Mall for help putting together a setup that fits your riding style.
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