Once you’ve picked your deck and trucks, wheels are the final piece that really changes how your board feels. While they might all look similar, small differences in size, hardness, and shape can make a big impact.
Let’s break it down.
1. Wheel Size (Diameter)
Skateboard wheels are measured in millimeters (mm), typically ranging from 50mm to 60mm for modern riders.
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Smaller Wheels (50mm–53mm)
Puts you lower to the ground. Lighter and ideal for technical street skating and flip tricks. -
Medium Wheels (54mm–56mm)
Quickly evolving into the most common choice. A good balance of speed, control, and versatility for street and park skating. -
Larger Wheels (57mm+)
Faster and better at rolling over cracks and rough ground. Great for ramps, bowls, or cruising.
Simple takeaway:
If you’re unsure, go with something between 52mm or 54mm. It’s the most versatile option and it's honestly what most people are riding.
2. Wheel Hardness (Durometer)
Durometer measures how hard or soft a wheel is using the “A” scale, and this is where things matter most depending on where you skate.
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99A (Standard Hardness Wheel)
This is the benchmark for modern skateboarding. Hard, fast, and designed for street and skatepark skating. -
101A+ (Extra Hard)
Even harder and faster, with less grip. Best for very smooth surfaces like skateparks. -
93A–97A (Slightly Softer Than Standard)
A growing category based on the success of Powell Peralta Dragon Formula wheels. Still firm enough for tricks, but with a bit more grip and a smoother ride on rougher terrain. -
83A–87A (Medium Soft)
Noticeably softer. These roll smoother and grip better, but aren’t typically used for technical tricks. For youngins' and first timers, this is a great hardness to learn the ropes. -
78A–83A (Soft / Cruiser Wheels)
Built for comfort. These soak up cracks, bumps, and rough pavement, perfect for cruising or beginners.
Simple takeaway:
- Skatepark / street tricks: 99A - 101A
- Rough terrain but still hitting the streets: 93A–97A
- Cruising / Comfort / First Timers: 83A and below
3. Wheel Shape (Don’t Overthink It)
Wheel shape affects how much of the wheel contacts the ground, for most seasoned skaters this is actually a major detail. For your first board though, don't overthink it. Let's just get you rolling in confidence before fine tuning a wheel shape.
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Standard / Conical Shapes
The most common. Designed to work well for both street and park. -
Wider Wheels
More surface area = more grip and stability. Good for ramps, bowls, and cruising. -
Narrow / Slim Wheels
Less contact with the ground, making them easier to slide. Often preferred for technical skating.
Simple takeaway:
Most wheels are already designed to perform well across different styles. You don’t need to stress about shape when starting out.
Final Note: Bearing Compatibility
Good news, this part is easy.
All skateboard wheels use the same standard bearing size, called "608". It's a bearing that's 22mm in diameter, 7mm wide, and has an 8mm bore. All modern trucks have the same 8mm axle, so no matter what wheels or trucks you choose, any skateboard bearings we sell will fit and work perfectly in any combination of trucks/wheels/bearings.
Quick Recap
- Size: 52–54mm is the safest all-around choice
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Hardness:
- 99A = standard hard wheel
- 93A–97A = slightly softer, smoother ride
- 83A and below = soft, best for cruising
- Shape: Not critical for beginners
- Bearings: Universally compatible
If you’re building your first setup, don’t overcomplicate it. Pick a mid-size wheel, choose a hardness based on where you’ll be skating, and you’ll be rolling in no time.