For skateboarders, there is no task more daunting than searching for the best skateboard wheels for street skating or cruising. Whether you are a professional, with hundreds of hours of practice, or a beginner, who just got his/her first skateboard, selecting the right set of wheels is of paramount importance.
We believe that buying skateboard wheels should be an enjoyable journey, not a torturous routine. So, to help you on this journey, we wrote this article about skateboard wheels for the street to make sure you select the right set of wheels and don’t waste your hard-earned money on cheap knock-offs.
Also, we have compiled a list of 9 well-known wheels and provided a brief, yet lucid explanation of each. This has been done for your convenience and to save you from painful guesswork. After all, something as important as choosing wheels for your skateboard must not be left to chance, right?
Better wheels will provide a smoother ride, and a smoother ride is an unforgettable and unexchangeable experience. Every skateboarder should have this experience, and picking the right wheels is phase one of this experience.
Our Top 9 Best Skateboard Wheels For Street
We will now explain some top skateboard wheels and weigh out the pros and cons of each. This section will give you much-needed information about different types of wheels and how they can be best utilized. Start reading to see if you can find your pick.
01. Spitfire Skateboard Wheels
Ever wished you could find your favorite wheels in a range of sizes? Well, your wish has been answered in style.
Spitfire delivers the best wheels in a range of amazing nine different sizes to choose from. With this brand, there is always a little something for everyone!
Made of polyurethane
They are made of polyurethane, having a durometer rating of 99a. This high rating means they are not only strong and resistant to wear, but also long-lasting.
With these wheels, your skateboard can take on the roughest and hardest roads.
A key feature of these wheels is their superior grip. With increased grip, you have more traction and fewer chances of slipping and injuring yourself.
Smooth and Noiseless Riding
The wheels are capable of going over little bumps and cracks on the surface you are traveling over. In this case, the vibration and noise you hear will be kept to a bare minimum, and your ride will be as smooth as ever.
You can literally be cruising on your skateboard in the dead of night without anyone even noticing you! The wheels are that noiseless. How amazing is that?
Good for Beginners
The wheels are appropriate for most beginners and allow them to skateboard out on the streets.
Pros
- Superior hardness and toughness
- Noiseless rides
- Very good grip on hard surfaces
- Not easily worn down
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Bearings not included
02. FREEDARE Skateboard Wheels
Freedare brings the ideal choice for street cruising. Whether you are looking for a quick ride through empty streets or practicing your freestyling skills, this pack of four wheels has got you covered.
Made of polyurethane
Measuring 60 mm in diameter and weighing 1 pound, the wheels are made of polyurethane, one of the perfect skateboard wheel materials out there.
They also have a grade of 83A, meaning they are suitable for rough, hard terrain as well as smooth, even ones. The bearings are made of high-speed steel, specially designed for bearings.
Good Street Tricks
You can be sure the wheels will not give in under the weight of the board. To top it off, the bearings come installed and pre-lubricated, saving you servicing time.
To perform street tricks and maneuvers, the wheels must be smooth and sturdy, provide enough grip yet also be maneuvered. These wheels are ideal for tricks as they are controlled quite easily.
Suitable for All Terrain
While you ride across concrete and asphalt smoothly, the wheels will also provide equally impressive performance on softer surfaces, such as lawns or short grass.
With these wheels, you no longer have to worry about rough rides.
Pros
- Strong, steel wheels
- Sturdy and durable
- Pre-installed bearings
- Bearings are pre-lubricated
- Suitable for professionals who want to perform different stunts
- Provides a smooth ride on soft and rough surfaces
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not compatible with small boards
03. IWONDER Electric Skateboard Wheels
This is another good option for street skating. If you have been searching for the perfect set of wheels for your electric skateboard, look no further!
Made of the strongest polyurethane
IWONDER brings you the best, by combining looks, appeal, and quality. The rather larger than usual 120 mm diameter wheels are made of the strongest polyurethane, also called PU.
While these wheels may look large, they are really light and will make for smooth riding. They are also long-lasting and have unparalleled toughness. So you can ride over all surfaces, be it muddy, grassy, rough, or smooth.
Damping Foam Core
A unique feature of these wheels is their foam-wrapped core. The foam surrounds the core and effectively filters out vibrations under the wheel, acting like a shock absorber. This will make for some smooth traversing.
Special Tread Pattern
The tread pattern on wheels helps to grip surfaces. These wheels have a curved tread pattern, which can grip the ground firmly and prevent skidding when going downhill.
Improved Core
Its core is spoked, unlike other cores. They are also much thicker than your regular core.
In addition, they are made with composite materials. It has scientifically been proven that composite materials are more resistant to wear and more long-lasting.
Versatile
You can install these wheels on different types of skateboards, both electric and non-electric. This feature makes them popular, as their use is not restricted by model or brand.
Pros
- Made of a tough and durable polyurethane
- Functions perfectly on all surfaces
- Specially designed foam-wrapped core to reduce shock
- New and better-engineered core
- More grip on wheels, and little skidding
- Can be coupled with different brands of skateboards
- Lightweight, despite the large size
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
04. Sunset Skateboard Wheels For Street Skating
Do you want to transform your skateboard to make it look all futuristic and fashionable?
Sunset Skateboards are bringing you just that! With their LED, flashy wheels, your skateboard will turn heads everywhere.
Made with long-lasting LEDs
These street skateboard wheels have been specially made with long-lasting LEDs inside to light up without batteries! The core is the part that lights up and does so due to the spinning motion of the wheel.
Also, the LED inside has a service life of over 100,000 hours, which is quite huge. To cap it off, no batteries required means no extra costs associated with the wheels, so you can save up on money as well.
Hard and Durable Wheels
Its wheels are made of a grade of urethane that measures 90a on the durometer. The durometer is a special scale used to rate urethane, and 90a implies very hard and tough urethane.
Hence, the wheels are suitable for all surfaces, hard or smooth, and will outlast wheels of other materials by quite some time.
Installed Bearings
The bearings are made of high-quality carbon steel and come pre-installed with the wheels. These bearings add stability to the wheels and allow them to sustain a greater amount of stress.
Also, they will ensure that the wheels last significantly longer than other wheels while providing top-notch service.
Pros
- Sturdy and long-lasting wheels
- Glowing wheels that will make your board look distinctly flashy
- No batteries are needed to glow
- Very long light life
- Pre-installed bearings
- Easy-to-follow set-up instructions
Cons
- Wheels must roll a bit slower to support the bearings and lights
05. FREEDARE Street Skateboarding Wheels
The ultimate wheels for long-distance cruising and rides, Freedare brings you their pack of 4 cruiser wheels. These wheels are what you need to indulge in a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
Strongest and most durable wheels
Made of polyurethane having a durometer rating of 82a, these are the strongest and most durable wheels you will possibly get. Having a diameter of 58 mm, they are tall and can roll over hard and rough surfaces, including those made of asphalt.
These wheels have been specially made for cruising and riding, but you can still perform small tricks with them. They are especially smooth on park terrains, so if you skate around a lot in the park, these street skateboard wheels are for you.
High-Quality Bearings
Each wheel is fitted with pre-installed, identical bearings. Its bearings are made of high-quality steel and have a strong ABEC rating of 7.
The bearings take the chunk of the load that is applied on the wheels, so the stronger the bearings, the longer the wheels will last.
What’s more, they come pre-serviced with adequate lubrication so that they spin freely and unobstructed. This will save you maintenance time during installation.
Ease of Installation
Finally, the wheels can be easily attached firmly to the axle, and this installment requires no extra or special tools. Within minutes you can set up your skateboard and go for a spin.
Pros
- Made of very strong polyurethane
- Long-lasting and durable
- Specifically made for long rides
- High-strength steel bearings
- Pre-installed bearings
- Bearings are lubricated and pre-serviced
- Easy to set-up
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced tricks or stunts
06. Bigfoot Skateboard Wheels For Street
New to skating but don’t know where to start? Well, fret no more, Bigfoot wheels are bringing you their finest set of four filmer wheels to get you up and riding.
If you are a beginner,
you no longer have to concern yourself with the most difficult part of skateboarding: deciding which wheels to pick. Measuring 53 mm in diameter, the wheels are rather compact and are the custom size for standard skateboards.
They are made of grade 83a urethane, a rather soft material that is known to have very high strength and durability.
What’s more, these wheels are incredibly quiet and don’t squeak when rolling. They are the best choice for a smooth and quiet ride.
Tough Core
The cores of the wheels are all identical and are engineered with tough plastic. They have a two-fold function; they keep the bearings in place and simultaneously take up the chunk of the weight applied on the board.
Without a strong core, the bearings would wear down very easily and quite rapidly. But, with these wheels, you can expect the bearings to last a significantly longer time.
Good Grip and Speed
The skateboard wheels for the street can grip the ground firmly and provide much-needed traction. In addition to grip, they also provide speed without compromising safety.
For new skaters, this is rather important, as too little grip could result in serious injuries.
Pros
- Durable and strong
- Tough, plastic core to minimize excess pressure on bearings
- Excellent grip without compromising speed
- Good for rough surfaces as well as hard ones
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced tricks or stunts
07. FREEDARE Street Wheels For Skating
This is the best set of wheels for all types of applications and terrains. With Freedare skateboard wheels, you can be sure of the quality, coming from a trusted and recognized brand.
The wheels themselves measure a very conventional 52 mm in diameter. However, they have been engineered with polyurethane(PU) and have a grade of 95a.
High grade implies
This high grade implies that these wheels are shock absorbers, but they don’t deform under the applied loading. Hence, they will last longer and will provide a smooth ride with no noise.
This is as good as they get! While highly recommended for beginners who are learning to cruise, these wheels can give optimum performance on just about any surface.
Versatile
From ramps to concrete sidewalks, and asphalt surfaces, these wheels have got you covered. Their superior grip will ensure safety during rides, and to make things better, their grip improves when going downhill.
They can also be coupled with just about any type of board. From longboards and penny boards to standard skateboards, they can deliver at their best.
Strong Bearings Allow for Tricks
The bearings come pre-installed and are pretty lightweight. These are specially designed to sustain weight and pressure, so you can perform stunts and maneuvers with ease. For freestylers, this is an amazing deal.
Pros
- Made of high-grade polyurethane known for durability
- Good shock and vibration absorption capability
- Suitable for cruising and advanced stunts
- Beginner-friendly
- Can be used on all types of surfaces
- Pre-installed bearings
- Highly versatile inapplicability
Cons
- Bearings can grind out after repeated use
08. FREEDARE Skateboard Cruiser Wheels
A set of four wheels ideal for penny boards, these wheels offer smooth, unimpeded cruising. Freedare delivers on its promise of quality with this product.
The wheels are made of 83a polyurethane and measure 60 mm. The wheel material is highly resistant to fracture and abrasion, lasting long under adverse circumstances.
Stability of the wheels
These steel bearings are kept in place to add stability to the wheels. They come installed and fitted inside the wheels, so that saves up in installation time. Also, these are made of ABEC-7-rated high-quality steel, one of the best steel out there.
They add a significant level of stability and safety to the wheels. To cap it off, these are well-lubricated and serviced, so you can use them for a while before servicing them again.
Smooth Rolling
As said before, these wheels are ideal for cruising and street skating. They perform well on asphalt and concrete, and while they are suitable for many other surfaces, deliver exceedingly well on park terrain and surfaces.
Easy Installation
You can also perform a range of beginner tricks and stunts with these wheels. No need to waste time when fitting these wheels; all you have to do is slip them on the axle.
Pros
- Made of a durable material like other skateboard wheels
- Bearings are made of very high-quality steel
- Pre-installed and lubricated bearings
- Ideal for penny boards
- Good for easy street tricks
- Can perform well on a range of surfaces
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- Not recommended for advanced stunts
09. TOBWOLF Skateboard Wheel for Street
Tobwolf’s four-piece-wheel set brings the best for street skating and cruising. This superior product is the perfect blend of versatility and style.
The Finest Polyurethane
To start off, the material the wheels are made of is engineered from the finest polyurethane. Polyurethane is well-known amongst skateboarders for being highly resistant to wear and abrasions.
In addition, they resist fracture even under adverse circumstances. The hardness enhances the resistance of the wheel against cracking and indentations.
High rating hardness
Its hardness measures 95a, which is a very high rating for skateboard wheels. You can be sure that these wheels will sustain little damage from hard surfaces.
Their grip is admirable when compared to other wheels. This is evident from the fact that you can use them on ramps, parks, and even sliding.
Good Quality Bearings
The bearings have an ABEC rating of 9 and are made with premium-quality steel. They measure 22 mm in outer diameter, and when coupled to the wheels, they will prolong wheel life significantly.
Versatility
These wheels can be used for standard skateboards, longboards, penny boards, and much more. In short, if you own different boards, you no longer have to worry about buying different sets of wheels for each.
Pros
- Made of hard polyurethane
- Fracture and cracking resistance due to hardness
- ABEC-rated steel bearings, designed to last long
- Can be used on different types of boards with the same quality and smoothness
- Has excellent grip
- Works on very hard surfaces
Cons
- Unsuitable for uneven surfaces
Factors to Consider before Purchasing Skateboard Wheels for Street Skating
Skateboard wheels provide much-needed traction by firmly gripping the ground or surface when they are rolling. However, in order to provide a smooth ride and adequate traction, there are certain pointers that you need to keep in mind.
This section acts as a guide to help you sort skateboard wheels and make the right choice. While there are several types of wheels available in the local markets, you do not want to waste time going through every single brand and type.
Wheels can have subtle differences in size, texture, color, and many other factors. Each factor can have an effect on your riding experience. In this section, we will point out the key determinants that separate the wheels from the rest.
1. Wheel Size
There are two broad size categories of wheels; small and large. Those having a diameter of 50-60 mm are small wheels, and they are suitable for beginners. You can perform small tricks and stunts and can traverse skate parks smoothly.
Large wheels measure beyond 60 mm and are suitable mainly for rough surfaces with many bumps. These are better for professionals.
2. Hardness/Softness of Wheels
Hardness is measured by the durometer scale, and wheels are classified into soft and hard wheels. Hard wheels are much faster but have less grip, so they are suitable for smooth and even surfaces.
On the other hand, soft wheels are slower, but with more grip. Hence, they are suitable for rough surfaces and street skating.
3. Bearings
Bearings add stability to the wheels and take the bulk of pressure off them. You must always go for wheels with bearings, as they will make them last very long.
Bearings are commonly made of steel, but new and improved materials include composite materials and other hybrids. Note, for most purposes, steel bearings are good enough.
4. Texture
The wheels of urethane will feel very smooth in most cases. However, some wheels may feel sticky, smoother than usual, or tread.
Smooth wheels are suitable for all types of skating, whereas sticky wheels are better for quiet rides as they tend to grip the ground more. Treaded wheels are highly suitable for rough surfaces with many cracks and pebbles.
5. Core Material
The core is what keeps the bearings and wheels in place. It takes a chunk of the weight applied to the skateboard. Cores are very important, and you should select wheels with a strong core.
Most strong ones are made of high-quality plastic and retain their shape even when under great pressure.
Is 78A Good for Street Skating?
78A is a good wheel for street skating because it’s soft and grippy. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. The hardness of the wheels is measured by its durometer, which is a number from 0 to 100. The lower the number, the softer the wheel is.
A soft wheel will have more grip on slippery or wet surfaces, such as asphalt. However, it won’t roll as fast as a harder wheel because it has less rebound after you stop pushing it.
A hard wheel will roll faster than a soft one, but it won’t provide much grip on slippery surfaces like asphalt. That’s why most downhill skateboarding wheels are hard — they’re meant for riding down hills at high speeds! Typically, skateboarders should choose a hardness level that matches how they use their board:
If you’re mostly doing tricks and jumps in your local skate park or driveway and want to go faster while still having some control over your board’s movements, then choose a harder wheel (73A – 80A).
If you’re mostly cruising around town or skating on ramps and rails but don’t want to sacrifice speed for control too much, then choose a softer wheel (70A – 75A).
Is 100A Good for Street Skating?
100A is good for street skating, but you might also want a softer wheel. For instance, a 78A might be better if you’re doing tricks since it will give you more grip on the ground and make it easier to land tricks. If you’re doing speed runs on sidewalks, or smooth asphalt roads, a harder wheel like 85A or 95A will help you go faster without much effort.
Do Harder Skateboard Wheels Go Faster?
Yes, but only if you’re on a smooth surface like asphalt or concrete. Hard wheels have less grip on rough surfaces like asphalt, while soft wheels have more grip on rough surfaces like asphalt. This means hard wheels will go faster on smooth surfaces, and soft wheels will go faster on rough surfaces. You can use our skateboard wheel hardness chart to understand which wheels are right for your riding style and surface.
Are Wider Wheels Better for Street Skating?
Yes and no. The wider the wheel, the more traction it will have on rough surfaces. This makes it easier to ride your board on rough roads or sidewalks. However, a smaller wheel will work better for you if you want to ride smoothly and perform tricks. The smaller wheel allows you to make tighter turns and perform tricks more easily than with a wider wheel.
Final Words
Never settle for third-grade wheels for your skateboard. When aiming to buy the best skateboard wheels for street skating and cruising, make sure to get your money’s worth. Hopefully, you now know more about wheels than before, so you can pick out the best from the rest.
Remember, there are a lot of factors that go into choosing skateboard wheels, and this guide lists the most common ones. The details are placed to introduce you to high-profile, quality wheels, but the ultimate decision is yours to make.