How to Choose the Right Skateboard Wheels for Your Riding Style

Quick Answer

To choose the right skateboard wheels, focus on three numbers: durometer (hardness), diameter (size), and contact patch (width). Match them to your riding style—harder, smaller wheels for pure street and park, softer and larger for cruising and rough pavement. Most all-around skateboarders enjoy a mid-range wheel around 99A–101A hardness and 52–54mm diameter.

Skateboard wheels are the only part of your setup that actually touches the ground, so they dramatically change how your board feels. A wheel that's too hard or too small can turn your smooth commute into a rattle, while a wheel that's too soft will slow you down in a skatepark. Understanding wheel durometer (hardness) and size is the first step to a ride that matches your goals.

This guide breaks down the key specs and gives you straightforward decision rules, so you can pick wheels with confidence—whether you're learning your first ollie or carving around town.

Why Skateboard Wheel Hardness (Durometer) Matters

Durometer measures the hardness of the urethane wheel. Softer wheels (78A–87A) grip the pavement, absorb vibration, and roll easily over cracks and rough surfaces. Harder wheels (99A–101A and above) slide predictably, resist chunking, and give you the speed and slide control needed for street tricks and park skating.

A common mistake is choosing wheels based only on looks or brand. For street skaters who slide their boards on ledges and rails, a hard wheel is essential. For commuters who need a smooth ride on uneven sidewalks, a soft wheel makes more sense. If you're unsure, a mid-range durometer (around 92A–97A) offers a compromise between speed and comfort.

• Softer wheels (78A–87A): grip, cushion, ideal for rough terrain
• Mid-range (88A–97A): balanced, good for all-purpose riding
• Harder (99A–101A+): slides well, fast, for park and street tricks

How Wheel Diameter and Contact Patch Affect Your Ride

Wheel diameter (measured in millimeters) affects top speed and acceleration. Smaller wheels (50–53mm) accelerate quickly and are lighter for flip tricks, but they are slower at top speed and vibrate more on rough ground. Larger wheels (54–60mm) maintain speed better and roll over obstacles, but they are heavier and may cause wheelbite on setups with loose trucks.

Contact patch refers to the width of the wheel's rolling surface. A wider contact patch gives more grip and stability, while a narrower patch slides easier. For slappy grinds and flatground tricks, a narrower wheel can help you slide, but it may be less stable at speed. Cruiser wheels often have a wider contact patch for a stable, smooth ride.

• 50–53mm: best for flatground and flip tricks
• 54–56mm: versatile for street and park
• 56mm+ : cruisers and rough surfaces

Street vs. Cruiser Wheels: Choosing Based on Riding Style

Street and park skaters usually prefer harder wheels (99A+) and smaller diameters (around 52–54mm) because they slide easier on ledges and rails. The Red Gerard AM Snowboard isn't a wheel, but it's a good reminder that Arbor's gear is designed with specific riding styles in mind. For skateboards, Arbor's Rally Groundswell cruiser uses the Easyrider Series wheels—a softer formula (Mosh) that absorbs vibration and delivers a smooth, carve-friendly ride.

If you're mostly cruising around town, carving hills, or commuting on uneven pavement, opt for softer, larger wheels (78A–87A, 56–60mm). The Rally Groundswell's entire setup is built for that purpose, as described in its catalog facts: its chopped-down travel gun shape, palisander topsheet, and softer Mosh wheels all work together for tight, fun urban carves. If you only have one board and skate everything from street to skateparks, a compromise around 95A–97A hardness and 54mm diameter is a practical choice.

Quick Decision Rules for Picking Skateboard Wheels

• If you mostly ride skateparks and street: Choose wheels with a durometer of 99A–101A and a diameter around 52–54mm. These hard wheels slide predictably for grinds and powerslides, and they roll fast on smooth concrete. Opt for hard and smaller for trick performance.
• If your main goal is cruising or commuting: Go with softer wheels, 78A–87A, and larger diameters, 56–60mm. Softer urethane grips uneven pavement and absorbs vibration, while the larger size keeps speed over cracks and bumps. Soft and large = comfort and stability on rough ground.
• If you're a beginner or ride a mix of surfaces: Pick a mid-range durometer around 95A–97A and a 54mm diameter. This balanced setup lets you practice tricks without sacrificing too much comfort on imperfect sidewalks. Start with a versatile wheel, then adjust as your style develops.

Skateboard Wheels on Arbor Setups

• Rally Groundswell: This complete comes with Arbor Easyrider Series - Mosh wheels, which are softer and designed for carving and cruising. The board itself is a chopped-down travel gun for tight, thread-the-needle carving and fun urban cruiser turns. If you prioritize smooth, comfortable rides and carving on city streets, a complete like this shows what softer wheels can do—no need to build from scratch.
• Draft: This snowboard is built for freestyle terrain with a soft flex for jibbing, jumping, and buttering, paired with a System Camber profile for effortless carving on the mountain. While not a skateboard wheel, the Draft's design philosophy mirrors the trade-off skateboarders face: prioritize one style (freestyle) and accept the compromises elsewhere.

Which Skateboard Wheels Are Best for You?

Best for

• Street and park skaters who need controlled slides and flatground trick performance.
• Beginners who want a forgiving, versatile setup that works for learning ollies and cruising.

Not for

• Riders who only cruise on rough, cracked pavement—they'll prefer softer, larger wheels.
• Downhill skaters who need high-speed stability and very hard wheels for slides.

The right skateboard wheels come down to your riding style and the surfaces you ride most. Harder and smaller for tricks, softer and larger for cruising, and a balanced option in between for everything else. Start with a wheel that fits your primary goal, but don't be afraid to experiment as you improve.