When it comes to skateboarding, having the right set of wheels is just as crucial as any other parts like the best skateboard bearings, for a smooth ride and optimal performance. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best skateboard wheels for cruising and tricks. That’s where we come in. We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top skateboard wheels on the market in 2024.
Whether you’re a street skater, park skater, or just cruising around town, we’ve got you covered. We’ve included options for different terrains and styles of skating, from the fastest skateboard wheels to the best soft skateboard wheels for a comfortable ride.
We’ve also taken into account factors like wheel hardness and size, to ensure that you get the perfect set of wheels for your specific needs. So, let’s dive into the world of skateboard wheels and find your perfect match.
No matter what your style of skating is, we’ve got the best skateboard wheels for you!
At a Glimpse
Here’s a quick list of the 10 best skateboard wheels. These were handpicked with affordability, durability, and performance as a priority.
- Spitfire 52mm wheels Bighead Skateboard Wheels
- Shark Wheel High-Performance DNA Formula Skateboarding Wheels
- Dadywheels Skateboard/Longboard Wheels
- FREEDARE Skateboard Spacers Cruiser Wheels 60mm
- FREEDARE Skateboard 54mm Street Wheels – For Skateboard Tricks
- Spitfire Bighead Wheels Set of 4, Unisex, Bighead
- Orangatang Caguama 85 mm Electric Skateboard Wheels
- Orangatang in Heat 75 mm Downhill Longboard Skateboard Cruising Wheels
- Nezylaf 65mm/60mm 82A Skateboard Wheels
- Spitfire Formula Four 99D Tablet Skateboard Wheels
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know so you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect wheels for your riding style.
1. Wheel Hardness
Wheel hardness is measured by a number known as the durometer. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. The hardness of your skateboard wheels will affect the ride and performance of your skateboard, so it’s important to choose the right hardness for your needs.
2. Wheel Types
In this section, we will discuss the four main types of skateboard wheels – Street Skateboard Wheels, Cruising Skateboard Wheels, Park Skateboard Wheels, and Electric Skateboard Wheels.
3. Wheel Sizes
The size of the wheels determines how fast you can go and how well you can maneuver your board. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the size of your skateboard wheels.
One of the top picks on our list is the Ricta Cloud Wheels. These wheels are perfect for cruising and commuting, with a soft urethane formula that provides a smooth ride on rough roads.
For those looking to hit the skatepark, we recommend the Freedare Skateboard Wheels, which offer a balance of speed and control.
List of Best-Rated Skateboard Wheels 2024
We bring a list of skateboard wheels of 2024 that are the best in the market. If you want to change the old wheels of your skateboard for better speed and smooth rides on the street or skating ramp, select one of these wheels.
You will be amazed how your skateboarding skills will improve when you replace ordinary skateboard wheels with one of these wheels.
Best skateboard wheels for street cruising
1. Spitfire 52mm wheels Bighead Skateboard Wheels
So, start with the Spitfire 52mm skateboard wheels, which come with Bones Red Bearings. The Spitfire wheels are best for street skateboarding, where you need stability and control on your ride.
If you are a beginner and want to show some tricks on your skateboard, Spitfire wheels are the best for you. It is made with Formula Four Urethane Technology, enhancing its performance and traction with the contact surface.
Moreover, Spitfire Team Riders tested their durability and confirmed that Spitfire skateboard wheels are long-lasting.
With Spitfire 52mm wheels, you can cruise in streets as they are small, giving you stability rather than speed. Also, you can do beginner-level tricks if your skateboard has Spitfire wheels.
We suggest these Spitfire Formula Four wheels to skateboarders who just want to do casual cruising on the streets without losing stability at a moderate speed.
Pros:
- Great Traction with slide control
- Best skate board wheels for street cruising
- Long Lasting Performance
- Roll smoothly and is great for tricks
Cons:
- Slow in speed because of the small size
- Not for rocky surface
Overall, If you are looking for smooth rides with great Traction on the streets, Spitfire 52mm wheels are among the best skateboard wheels of 2024.
2. Shark Wheel High-Performance DNA Formula Skateboarding Wheels
Next on the list is Shark Wheel DNA Formula wheels which come with a unique wave shape design. These skateboard wheels are best for off-road cruising because of their shape and material. Shark Wheel comes in different sizes available, i.e., 54mm, 60mm, 72 mm, and 95mm.
Shark Wheel skateboard wheels are made in the USA, and the brand uses the best quality California-made polyurethane material. This material gives them a high performance on rough surfaces and skate ramps.
Due to Shark Wheel’s unique wave shape, the wheels have a small contact patch, reducing friction between the surface and the wheels. It helps in achieving more speed while skateboarding on rough terrains with more grip and slide control.
Moreover, the wave in the wheels throws away any gravel and other random debris that comes in their way, providing more traction and smoothness in your skateboard ride.
Pros:
- More speed with less friction
- Abrasion Resistance
- Off-road improved performance
- Roll smoothly on rough terrains and debris materials
- Cool Looking design
Cons:
- Less contact patch compared to conventional wheels
- Gets dirty quickly
We highly recommend Shark Wheels in 2024 because they are best for skateboarders who love to ride off-road and smoothly roll their skateboards over bumps and rocks.
3. Dadywheels 70mm Skateboard/Longboard Wheels
The Dadywheels, 70mm wheels, are one of the best for skateboards of different sizes because of their softness and lightweight. They can be fit on various deck sizes, including standard-size skateboards and above 34″ longboards.
Dadywheels come with a durometer of 78a in the soft wheels category. For this reason, these wheels are perfect for cruising and carving skateboards on asphalt roads with rough surfaces, cracks, and slight bumps. You can easily control your skateboard at high speeds if you install Dadywheels instead of some random low-quality wheels.
Although the material of Dadywheels is soft, they are not slippery and are super grippy on dry concrete surfaces. So you don’t have to worry about slipping and getting yourself hurt.
The best thing about Dadywheels is that you don’t need to break the bank because they are affordable for every skateboarder.
Pros:
- Soft material with excellent traction
- Lightweight
- Great for street riding
- Suitable for various sizes of skateboards
- Budget Friendly and inexpensive
Cons:
- Not for beginners
- Slow down quickly
Overall, Dadywheels are the best skateboard wheels in 2024 for those who want to buy affordable wheels having exceptional quality.
4. FREEDARE Skateboard Spacers Cruiser Wheels 60mm
FREEDARE is a famous name in the United States for providing quality skateboard accessories. Although the FREEDARE brand deals in many sports-related products, their Freedare Skateboard Wheels are the best known among skateboarders.
FREEDARE skateboard wheels are multi-purpose. Whether you want street skateboard cruising or off-road riding, these wheels are perfect for both. You can ride on a street doing tricks and want to travel along a smooth concrete or asphalt road; they are the best wheels.
FREEDARE 60mm wheels are made of polyurethane with an 83A durometer reading, which is in the soft wheels category. So, the size and hardness of these wheels are perfect for ultra-smooth rides on rough surfaces.
FREEDARE wheels have multiple color options, and you can choose one that best suit with your skateboard.
Pros:
- Perfect for multi-purpose skateboarding (indoor & outdoor)
- Top performance and smooth rides
- Affordable with the best quality
- Best to use while learning skateboard
- Great looks
- Durable
Cons:
- Chipping can happen if hard material hits
So, if you want to replace your skateboard’s wheels for a better experience and softer rides, we recommend FREEDARE skateboard wheels.
5. FREEDARE Skateboard 54mm Street Wheels – For Skateboard Tricks
It’s another product of the FREEDARE brand, which comes in 54mm size. If you want the best skateboard wheels for street cruising, FREEDARE 54mm wheels are perfect.
Although they are of small size, their hardness is 90A, which is higher than the above 60mm FREEDARE wheels. So, they are suitable for riding on streets and hard surfaces.
Some skateboarders are fond of doing street tricks and showing their skills. If you are a skateboarder who likes to do tricks, FREEDARE wheels will work fine for your skateboard.
Moreover, they are lightweight, so your board will be lighter, and doing basic-level tricks will be easy for you.
FREEDARE 54MM skateboard wheels come with 6 months warranty at the most affordable price. We recommend giving them a try, and you will be amazed by the quality of your skateboard ride.
Pros:
- Best wheels for street skateboarding
- Durable and longlasting
- Stable and have more grip
- Comes with a T Tool and is easy to assemble
- Perfect for beginners
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not for experienced skateboarders
- Noisy
We recommend these wheels to beginners who want to learn street skateboard tricks like flips and grinding. You can practice with FREEDARE wheels and make yourself an expert in doing tricks.
6. Spitfire Bighead Wheels Set of 4, Unisex, Bighead
Just like the Spitfire 54mm skateboard wheel, these Spitfire wheels are a good option for you. Every skateboarder needs to install the best skateboard wheels and Spitfire will not disappoint you.
If you are a street skateboarder and looking for a cool but durable option, Spitfire wheels are for your skateboard. It has good looking sticker with great ability to roll smoothly through the streets.
These Spitfire wheels are made from polyurethane with 250 grams in weight. Although it is harder than the original 54mm wheel, it has some solid grip and you can do tricks and cruise on your skateboard.
Pros:
- Long Lasting
- Best for park and street skateboarding
- Roll Smoothly and Efficiently
- Best for beginner skateboarders
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Only suitable for short-distance cruising
- Graphic sticker might come off after a few rides
If you are a beginner skateboarder and have a passion for learning skateboarding, Spitfire 54mm is the best wheel for you. You can get these wheels at a low price and enjoy the crazy rides either in a skatepark or on the streets.
Best Wheels for Electric Skateboards 2024
Here we will list down some of the wheels that are the best for electric skateboards and longboards. These wheels are manufactured and specially designed for electric skateboards and long-distance commuting. However, you can also use them on ordinary skateboards of every size.
7. Orangatang In Heat 75 mm Electric Skateboard Wheels
Next on the list comes Orangatang In-Heat 75 mm Electric Skateboard Wheels. These cruising wheels are specially made for skateboards to enjoy extra fast speed with super grip.
Orangatand wheels come in two different colors, blue and orange, with 77a and 80a durometer readings respectively. It makes the wheels soft, grippy, and fast. You can enjoy smoother rides while having these wheels installed on your skateboard.
The main feature of these wheels is a strong and supportive core design. It provides skateboarders extra balance while cruising at high speeds. Moreover, it provides extra traction while riding on rough surfaces to make your rides more enjoyable.
The urethane formula of O-tang skateboard wheels makes them extra grippy and supportive at fast riding. You will not feel any slippery moment because of the contact area between the surface and the wheels.
Pros:
- Grip like crazy
- Perfect for fast speed
- Best for longboards
- Buttery sidewalk riding
- Durable for long rides
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not suitable for more advanced riders
If you are a skateboarder and want to keep your skateboard rolling, we would highly recommend Orangatang wheels which are best for fast rides and extra grip.
8. Orangatang Caguama 75 mm Downhill Longboard Skateboard Cruising Wheels
Just like the Orangatang In-Heat wheels, Orangtang Caguama is another great choice for your electric skateboards and longboards. If you want to take your skateboard on a long commute, Caguama wheels would be the best wheels for any size of skateboard.
One thing that makes Caguama skateboard wheels unique is its 56mm contact patch with the surface. This gives you stability while riding and makes your skateboard stable.
Like the In-Heat Orangatang wheels, the urethane formula of Caguama wheels makes them durable and more grippy. The traction between the wheels and the surface makes you feel comfortable and your skateboard will roll through rough surfaces without any hurdle.
Pros:
- Maximum Traction with more grip
- Perfect for fast speed
- Best for any size of skateboard
- Smooth riding on rough surfaces
- Durable for long rides
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not suitable for more advanced riders
So, if you are looking for the best wheels for your electric skateboard, we will suggest Caguamma wheels. They will give you a confident and stable ride with maximum traction and smoothness on rough surfaces.
9. MBS All-Terrain Skateboard/Longboard Wheels
10. Fireball Tinder 60mm Soft Cruising Skateboard Wheels
11. IWONDER Cloud Wheel 120mm Discovery Electric Skateboard Wheels
12. IWONDER CLOUDWHEEL Donut 105mm Off Road Electric Skateboard Wheels
Buying Guide – How to choose the best skateboard wheels?
Let’s begin, shall we? Choosing the best skateboard wheels can make all the difference in your skateboarding experience. What does that mean? It means there are many factors to consider, from wheel size to hardness to shape. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know so you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect wheels for your riding style.
1. Wheel Hardness
Wheel hardness is measured by a number known as the durometer. The higher the number, the harder the wheel.
The hardness of your skateboard wheels will affect the ride and performance of your skateboard, so it’s important to choose the right hardness for your needs.
1.1 Soft Wheels
If you’re looking for a smooth, comfortable ride and maximum grip, then soft wheels are the way to go. They absorb shock well, making them perfect for cruising and commuting on rough roads or bumpy surfaces. The recommended durometer for soft wheels is 78a-87a.
1.2 Hard Wheels
Hard wheels are ideal for skatepark and street skating, as they provide a faster ride and more slide control. They are also more durable and resistant to flat spots. The recommended durometer for hard wheels is 99a-101a.
1.3 Medium Wheels
If you’re looking for a balance between speed and grip, then medium wheels are the way to go. They are versatile and can be used for cruising, commuting, and trick skating. The recommended durometer for medium wheels is 88a-95a.
When choosing the hardness of your skateboard wheels, consider your riding style and the type of terrain you’ll be skating on. Softer wheels are better for cruising and rough roads, while harder wheels are better for skateparks and street skating.
2. Wheel Types
Skateboard wheels come in different types, each designed for a specific purpose. In this section, we will discuss the four main types of skateboard wheels – Street Skateboard Wheels, Cruising Skateboard Wheels, Park Skateboard Wheels, and Electric Skateboard Wheels.
2.1 Street Skateboard Wheels
Street skateboard wheels are designed for technical tricks and street skating. They are typically smaller in size, ranging from 49mm to 53mm, and have a harder durometer rating, usually between 99a and 101a. Harder wheels provide better slide and responsiveness, making them ideal for tricks that require precision and control.
2.2 Cruising Skateboard Wheels
Cruising skateboard wheels are designed for smooth rides and long-distance skating. They are typically larger in size, ranging from 54mm to 60mm, and have a softer durometer rating, usually between 78a and 90a. Softer wheels provide better grip and shock absorption, making them ideal for cruising on rough surfaces and uneven terrains.
2.3 Park Skateboard Wheels
Park skateboard wheels are designed for skateparks and ramps. They are typically medium-sized, ranging from 52mm to 58mm, and have a durometer rating between 97a and 101a. These wheels provide a balance between hardness and grip, making them ideal for skating on smooth surfaces and performing tricks on ramps.
2.4 Electric Skateboard Wheels
Electric skateboard wheels are designed specifically for electric skateboards. They are typically larger in size, ranging from 80mm to 120mm, and have a durometer rating between 78a and 85a. These wheels provide a smooth ride and excellent grip, making them ideal for commuting and long-distance riding.
In conclusion, choosing the right skateboard wheels depends on your skating style and the type of terrain you will be skating on. By understanding the different types of skateboard wheels, you can choose the best wheels for your needs and enhance your skating experience.
Now that you know about wheel hardness, let’s move on to wheel sizes!
3. Wheel Sizes
As much as we hate to say it but when it comes to skateboard wheels, size matters. The size of the wheels determines how fast you can go and how well you can maneuver your board. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the size of your skateboard wheels.
The most common wheel size for street and park skatboarding is 52mm to 54mm.
Smaller wheels are lighter and easier to flip, making them ideal for technical street tricks.
Larger wheels, on the other hand, provide more speed and stability, making them perfect for cruising around town.
Skateboard wheel sizes are measured in millimeters (mm) and generally range from 48mm to 75mm in diameter. Choosing the right size of skateboard wheels depends on what type of skating you will be doing, as well as your personal preference.
3.1 Skateboard wheel size chart
| Wheel Size (mm) | Best Use |
|---|---|
| 49-52mm | Technical street skating, smaller riders |
| 52-55mm | All-around street skating, park skating, ramps, and pools |
| 60mm and above | Transportation, cruising, and longboarding |
3.2 What is the best size for skateboard wheels?
For technical street skating and for smaller riders, 48-53mm size wheels are recommended. These wheels are smaller in diameter and lighter in weight, which makes it best to do flip tricks and other technical moves.
For all-around street skating, park skating, ramps, and pools, 54-59mm wheels are recommended. These wheels offer a balance between speed and maneuverability and are suitable for most types of skating.
For transportation, cruising, and longboarding, 60mm and above wheels are best for skateboards. These larger wheels are designed for a smooth ride and can easily roll over rough surfaces.
When choosing skateboard wheels, it’s also important to consider the width of your skateboard deck. As a general rule, wider wheels are better suited for wider decks, and narrower wheels are better suited for narrower decks.
In addition to wheel size, it’s also important to consider the wheel durometer or hardness, as well as the shape of the wheel. These factors can have a significant impact on the performance of your skateboard.
4. Wheel Shapes
After hardness and size, wheel shape is important to consider before buying. Although most skateboard wheels are round, some other shapes are available in the market. It depends on how and where you want to ride your skateboard.
Conical wheels will be best for you if you want to ride in a skatepark. However, you can choose Round and Beveled wheels if you like street skateboarding. These wheels are usually sized between 52mm to 60mm.
Oval Shaped wheel will be the most suitable choice for cruising and commuting on an electric skateboard.
Wheel shape plays an important role in determining the speed and smoothness of your drive. If the wheel patch touching the skate surface is small, your speed will be fast. But you have to keep pushing the skateboard.
Whereas, if the wheel patch is large, there will be more friction, and it will take more time for a skateboard to speed up. However, the speed will be higher, and it can maintain the speed for longer.
Final Thoughts – Best Skateboard Wheels
In our opinion, a skateboarder should consider all the important factors, which are discussed above, before buying wheels for a skateboard.
You should invest in the best wheels so that your rides must be smooth and faster.
One of the top picks on our list is the Ricta Cloud Wheels. These wheels are perfect for cruising and commuting, with a soft urethane formula that provides a smooth ride on rough roads.
For those looking to hit the skatepark, we recommend the Freedare Skateboard Wheels, which offer a balance of speed and control.
And for street skaters, the Rock Tricks Wheels are an excellent choice, providing durability and a smooth ride on rough surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skateboard Wheels
What skateboard wheels should I get?
It depends on what type of skateboarder you are. If you love to ride on the streets, you have to see the wheel’s hardness, type, size, and shape.
For street skateboarding, Hard wheels will be the best to fit in your skateboard. However, when skating in skateparks, go for the Smooth wheels have a durometer of 78a-87a.
What makes skateboard wheels faster?
There are many ways to make your skateboard wheels faster. You can check the axle nuts and if they are tight, make them loose. Also, you can buy high-quality bearings to ride faster.
Choosing the best skateboard wheels that match your skating style will help you achieve high speed. If you are a street skater, choose hard wheels.
What are skateboard wheels made out of?
Most of the skateboard wheels are made of polyurethane. Polyurethane is a type of plastic that can be customized to make different types of hard and soft materials. It is also waterproof and can last for 3 to 6 months.
When compared to rubber wheels, polyurethane skateboard wheels are long-lasting. They have better load-bearing capacity, traction, and grip.
Skateboard wheels are also made from Nylon. Nylon wheels are best for skateboarding on smooth surfaces like skateparks. They are durable and abrasion-resistant. However, they make more noise than polyurethane wheels.
Are bigger wheels better for skateboarding?
Every wheel type has some pros and cons. Bigger wheels are more stable and faster. However, catching high speed on bigger wheels is time-consuming. On the other hand, small wheels are best for skating faster and doing tricks.
How long do skateboard wheels last?
On average, Polyurethane skateboard wheels can last for 3 to 6 months.
It depends on the material of the wheels. Polyurethane (PU) and nylon wheels have a longer lifetime than rubber wheels. As you know, PU skateboard wheels are best for a smooth and safe ride. However, the lifetime depends on the use frequency of the skateboard.
If you ride a skateboard for longer distances on a daily basis, there are chances that you need to change wheels earlier than the estimated time.
