Skateboard Wheel Hardness Explained: What Durometer Should You Ride?

Quick Answer

Wheel hardness, measured by durometer, determines grip, slide, and ride comfort. For most street and park skating, choose 99A to 101A wheels; for cruising or rough pavement, go softer with 78A to 87A. Match the durometer to where and how you ride, not just what feels fast in the shop.

Ever wonder why some wheels grip like glue while others slide on command? The answer is durometer, a measure of wheel hardness that shapes every push, carve, and slide. Understanding this one number helps you pick wheels that match your terrain and style, so you spend less time fighting your setup and more time having fun.

This guide breaks down what durometer means, compares soft and hard wheels, and gives you simple rules to choose the right set. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned skater, you'll know exactly what to look for next time you shop.

What Is Durometer and Why Does It Matter?

Durometer measures the hardness of urethane, the material skateboard wheels are made from. The scale most skate brands use is the 'A' scale, with numbers typically ranging from 78A to 101A. A lower number means a softer wheel; a higher number means a harder wheel.

Hardness affects three things: grip, slide, and ride feel. Soft wheels deform slightly as they roll, which increases traction and absorbs vibration from cracks and rough pavement. Hard wheels maintain their shape, which makes them faster on smooth surfaces and easier to break into controlled slides. Your weight and riding style also play a role, so the 'best' durometer isn't a single-22-213295">single number.

• Softer wheels (78A–87A) = more grip, smoother ride, better for rough ground.
• Harder wheels (99A–101A) = faster on smooth surfaces, easier slides, standard for street and park.
• Mid-range (88A–98A) = a balance, good for all-around riding.

Soft vs Hard Wheels: Trade-Offs to Consider

Soft wheels are the go-to for cruising, commuting, and riding on rough pavement. They absorb shock, roll over cracks without stopping you, and give you confidence on uneven ground. The trade-off is speed: soft wheels can feel slower and less responsive on smooth park surfaces, and they wear faster if you slide them a lot.

Hard wheels are the standard for street, park, and vert skating. They roll fast on smooth concrete and make slides predictable and easy to control. The downside is a harsh ride on rough roads, and they can skid unexpectedly if you hit a patch of gravel or dirt. If you skate mostly smooth parks or ledges, hard wheels are usually the right call.

• If you ride rough streets or commute, lean softer.
• If you skate park or street obstacles, go harder.
• If you do a bit of both, pick a mid-range durometer.

How to Choose the Right Durometer for Your Riding Style

Start by thinking about where you skate 80% of the time. If that's a skatepark with smooth concrete, choose 99A to 101A. If it's sidewalks, parking lots, or bike paths, choose 78A to 87A. If you're a beginner still learning to push and balance, a softer wheel can make the learning process more forgiving.

Also consider your weight. Heavier skaters compress soft wheels more, which can make them feel sluggish and prone to flat spots. If you're over 180 pounds, you might prefer a slightly harder wheel even for cruising. Lighter skaters can ride softer wheels without losing as much speed.

Your preferred tricks matter too. If you love sliding, harder wheels (99A+) make it easier to break traction and hold a slide. If you want to carve and grip through turns, softer wheels offer more bite. There's no perfect durometer for everyone, so focus on your main use case.

• Street/park trick skating: 99A–101A.
• Cruising/commuting on rough roads: 78A–87A.
• All-around or beginner: 88A–98A.

Decision Rules for Choosing Wheel Hardness

• Rule 1: Match hardness to your main terrain: Smooth park or street obstacles? Go 99A–101A. Rough roads, sidewalks, or commuting? Go 78A–87A. If you skate a mix, pick 88A–98A. Your terrain is the biggest factor.
• Rule 2: Consider your weight and riding style: Heavier skaters may prefer harder wheels to avoid sluggishness and flat spots. Lighter skaters can enjoy softer wheels without as much speed loss. If you love sliding, harder wheels make it easier. Adjust durometer based on your body and tricks.
• Rule 3: Don't ignore wheel size and shape: Larger wheels (like 69mm) roll faster and smoother over cracks, while smaller wheels are lighter and more responsive for tricks. Rounded lips help slides; square lips grip more. Consider these alongside durometer. Durometer is one part of the equation.

Wheels That Match Your Riding Style

• Vice - Tyler Howell: 69mm | 75A | CP: 37.0mm | OS: 2.0mm. Known for throwing stand-up slides in packs when others are hanging on for life, Tyler Howell designed this wheel to complement his powerful style. Our 75A Apex Formula urethane delivers the grip needed to stick your line on technical roads while a rounded lip offers easy slide initiation with a gentle hookup for confident stand-up drifts. At 75A, this is a soft wheel built for grip on technical roads, but the rounded lip still lets you slide when you want. If you ride rough pavement and value control over pure speed, this style suits you.
• Alec Majerus Lucky Dragon 8.25: W: 8.25" | L: 32.00” | WB: 14.25”. Alec’s shapes are built with a mellow concave on a classic popsicle street shape. 7 Ply Sustainable Canadian Maple Wood material comes from sustainable sources of supply. This deck is a classic street shape, which pairs naturally with harder wheels (99A+) for park and ledge skating. If you're building a complete setup, matching a street deck with harder wheels gives you the predictable slide and pop you expect.

Who Should Ride Which Durometer?

Best for

• Street and park skaters who want predictable slides and fast rolls on smooth concrete.
• Cruisers and commuters who ride rough pavement and want a smooth, grippy ride.

Not for

• If you only skate smooth park surfaces, soft wheels (78A–87A) can feel slow and less responsive.
• If you primarily ride rough streets, hard wheels (99A+) will make the ride harsh and harder to control.

Choosing the right wheel hardness comes down to where you ride and what you want to do. Soft wheels offer grip and comfort on rough ground; hard wheels give speed and slide on smooth surfaces. Use the decision rules above, and don't be afraid to try a different durometer next time you upgrade—it's one of the easiest ways to change how your board feels.