It’s been an extensive journey of testing various skateboard wheels, and after countless hours of riding, we’re excited to present our guide to the best skateboard wheels for every style. This list will continue to evolve as we test new products, ensuring you have the most current and comprehensive information available.
At LongBoards Guide, we pride ourselves on buying and testing most of the gear we review. This allows us to provide unbiased opinions. We don’t accept sponsorships, and if we receive free products for review, we’ll always be upfront about it. Personal preference plays a role in our selections, but the quality and performance of skateboard wheels always come first.
Our selection is limited to the best wheels available, categorized by skating style. We include premium options alongside budget-friendly and beginner-level recommendations. Keep in mind, however, that cheaper wheels tend to wear out and flat spot faster. Investing in premium wheels can save you money in the long run, and you can always upgrade when you’re ready. Let’s start with our top picks for street skating.
Note: We earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Best skateboard wheels for different styles
Best Skateboard Wheels for Street Skating
Street skating is an incredibly popular style of skateboarding, and there isn’t one single perfect wheel. The ideal wheel depends heavily on the riding surface. For rough asphalt, you’ll want softer, more forgiving wheels, while smooth concrete requires harder, grippier options.
Spitfire Formula Four 101A
Spitfire Formula Four Classic 101a Wheels
Spitfire wheels are some of the highest quality wheels available. While they may be on the pricier side, their longevity makes them a smart investment. The Spitfire Classics are especially popular for street skating and essential for dedicated skateboarders who live and breathe skateboarding.
These wheels might initially feel slippery depending on the surface, but they quickly become grippy once broken in. They offer enough grip to prevent slipping and allow you to slide when needed. Flat spots aren’t an issue, and these wheels are incredibly durable.
For grinds, the Lock-in wheels have a deeper cut for more stability. The standard-shaped wheels offer more speed and agility. Radials, with a thinner cut but larger contact patch, are excellent for smooth, stable grinds and enhanced balance due to their increased surface area.
Rating: 8.6/10
Performance Breakdown:
- Street Performance: 9
- Park Performance: 9
- Durability: 9
- Speed: 9
- Price: 7
We recommend the Spitfire Classics 53mm/99A for general street skating, and the Spitfire 53mm/100A for skateparks.
Spitfire Formula Four Full Conical 99A
Spitfire Formula Four Conical Full Skateboard Wheels
Another standout from Spitfire, the F4 Conical wheels are slightly softer than the 101s, making them versatile for street, parks, bowls, and transition. Despite their larger size, you’ll adapt quickly. They offer a larger contact patch, resulting in ample grip and stability.
These wheels can handle powerslides and are highly resistant to flat spots. The Spitfire Formula Four Conicals are excellent for locking into grinds and offer minimal resistance when tail or nose sliding on ledges. They also perform surprisingly well on rough asphalt while still providing sufficient speed in parks or mini ramps. These are one of the safest wheel choices available, and they will likely outlast several sets of budget wheels.
Rating: 8.6/10
Performance Breakdown:
- Street Performance: 9
- Park Performance: 9
- Durability: 9
- Speed: 9
- Price: 7
We recommend the Spitfire F4 Conical Full for street and park skateboarding.
Spitfire Formula Four Classics 99A
Spitfire Classics 99a Skateboard Wheels
Compared to the 101A wheels, the 99A Classics are more forgiving on rough surfaces. While they can handle slides, their softer nature makes them a bit stickier. A little wax can help with sliding on ledges.
The Classics may wear down faster than conical or lock-in shapes because of the smaller contact patch. As they wear down, the contact patch will actually grow due to their shape, making them stickier. However, this occurs gradually. These wheels are not just for the street; they also perform well in parks and bowls, especially the 54 mm version. The only downside is that locking in on coping can be challenging. For those who like transition and street skating, the 54 mm version is recommended.
Check Amazon for availability.
Bones Street Tech Formula V1 to V6
Bones STF v1 Skateboard Wheels
Bones wheels are also known for their exceptional quality and durability. They are highly resistant to flat spots, maintain a firm grip, and still allow for smooth slides. Even after powersliding on rough surfaces, these wheels perform exceptionally well, providing stability for flip tricks. Overall, Bones STF wheels are worth the premium for their superior performance.
Rating: 8.8/10
Performance Breakdown:
- Street Performance: 9
- Park Performance: 9
- Durability: 9
- Speed: 10
- Price: 7
Bones SPF wheels are exceptionally fast on smooth surfaces and excellent for parks and transition skateboarding. The harder 104A wheels are great for concrete, while the STF 99A wheels are comparable to the Spitfire Classics. Check prices on Amazon
Bones STF wheels are available in six versions, each with unique shape profiles. These shapes influence slide performance, responsiveness, and balance:
- Bones STF V1 Standard: A versatile, all-around wheel with excellent lock-in capabilities, great for street skating.
- Bones STF V2 Locks: Ideal for sliding and grinding on rails and curbs.
- Bones STF V3 Slims: Great for flipping, grinding, sliding, and popping tricks, a safe pick for those unsure where to start.
- Bones STF V4 Wide: Similar to the V1 but wider with a larger contact patch, offering less friction when grinding.
- Bones STF V5 Sidecut: Designed for longer slides and grinds and performs well in bowls and vert.
- Bones STF V6 Widecut: The largest wheels, performing well on rough asphalt with the large contact patch increasing stability.
Check Amazon for current prices.
Best Skateboard Wheels for Skateparks
When it comes to skatepark wheels, the choices are tricky because skateparks combine both street and transition obstacles. The surfaces are often smooth and flat, making the selection process slightly easier. You’ll want wheels that are fast, hard, and grippy enough to prevent unexpected slides.
Larger, harder wheels can make flip tricks more challenging but are excellent for transition riding. Here are our top picks, with Bones and Spitfire leading the way.
Bones Skatepark Formula
Bones SPF P5 – 58mm and 56mm
Bones offers the highest quality wheels for skateparks. They provide excellent grip on surfaces such as skateLite, concrete, and smooth asphalt, and also work well on wood. They perform admirably in parks, mini ramps, bowls, and vert.
Bones wheels offer great grip, but also slide well, although they can lose a bit of grip when skating bowls. Despite not having a flat spot guarantee, these wheels are highly resistant.
Rating: 8.7/10
Performance Breakdown:
- Street Performance: 8
- Park Performance: 9.5
- Durability: 9
- Speed: 10
- Price: 7
These are some of the fastest wheels available, while still providing necessary grip. For concrete parks, the Bones SPF P5 84B/54mm wheels are highly recommended. For dusty indoor parks, you may want to consider slightly softer and grippier wheels.
Bones offers various sizes and shapes for different preferences:
- 54mm: Ideal for park skaters who like to flip tricks but also need speed for transitions.
- 56mm: Perfect for mini ramps/bowls or when you need something to lock into grinds.
Bones also offers the following shapes:
- Bones SPF P1: For technical skaters who love skateparks. The narrow design makes them very responsive.
- Bones SPF P2: Feature a wide contact patch, ideal for bowls, mini ramps, and vert, offering more stability.
- Bones SPF P3: Slightly wider than the P2 for maximum stability. If you skate at high speeds and seek stability, consider these.
- Bones SPF P4: Like the P1, designed for technical park skaters, but still provide good support for bowls and verts, making them a great all-around transition wheel.
- Bones SPF P5: Specifically for hardcore bowl and vert skaters. Great for locking into grinds and slides.
- Bones SPF P6: Comparable to the P5’s, but with a slightly wider cut.
Compare prices on Amazon.
Spitfire Lock-in
The Spitfire Lock-in wheels feature an asymmetrical shape, with the inside providing better lock-in and the outside being conical. These are incredibly stable due to their large contact patch. They are ideal for beginners who need stability, but technical skaters might find flipping their boards harder.
The flat inside shape can cause more friction when grinding rails and ledges. These wheels are great for carving in bowls, but their shape, size, and hardness can slow you down when doing 50-50s. However, the Spitfire brand offers great quality and durability, and these wheels will not flat spot easily. They also perform very well on rough asphalt.
Best Skateboard Wheels for Transition
Transition skateboarding requires hard, fast, grippy wheels that still allow sliding. You also need wheels that are neither too large nor too small. Bones SPF and Bones STF are both suitable, just choose wisely.
These wheels are similar to those ideal for skateparks, and any listed there would likely be excellent for transition. However, we’ll offer a few more suggestions. For vert and bowl skating, wheels should be at least 56mm, hard, and grippy. They need to maintain speed and minimize pumping while not losing grip. If you only want to carve and not grind coping, a stable, carvy wheel could be a better choice. For mini ramp skateboarding, 56mm wheels are highly recommended.
Bones SPF P1
As previously suggested for parks, the Bones Skate Park Formula is great for transition. However, size matters; the SPF P1’s (narrow) at 54mm or the P5’s for more transition than flat are recommended. The P1’s have the smallest contact patch, ideal for flat tricks, and they also provide lots of grip on concrete and skatelite. They are hard and fast and will reduce pushing.
Bones SPF P5
Bones SPF P5 Skateboard Wheels
The Bones SPF P5’s are fast, great for sliding, and offer an exceptional lock-in feel. Moving from 58mm to 56mm is recommended for ramps. The Bones p5’s perform best on wider setups, which make axle stalls, smith grinds, and 50-50’s easier. The speed of these wheels may take some getting used to, and are also reasonably comfortable on asphalt.
These wheels are ideal for bowls, mini ramps, verts, or transition in general. For a street and transition wheel these are worth considering.
Spitfire Wheels Conical Full
Spitfire Conicals are great on the street but also suitable for transition skating. They are worth mentioning again as an all-rounder that performs well under many circumstances.
Best Skateboard Wheels for Cruising (And Tricks)
After testing a variety of cruiser wheels, we’ve learned that, in addition to quality, width is a crucial factor. Large wheels on a small popsicle deck don’t perform well. You need a hybrid between cruiser and trick wheels. Here are our recommendations for those who also like to do tricks.
Fireball Tinder 60mm – 81A
Fireball Tinder Cruiser Wheels
The Fireball Tinder wheels are just soft enough for cruising and hard enough for basic tricks. The fiberglass core prevents coning and ensures even wear. They roll fast, absorb vibrations, and are great for sliding on slick surfaces. These wheels are great for cruising, freeride, dancing, and some tricks if you’re skilled. While they accelerate fast and maintain speed well, harder wheels are recommended for more technical tricks.
These wheels usually don’t require risers, and you can find them in many colors on Amazon.
- Diameter: 61mm (also available in 65mm and 70mm)
- Width: 44mm
- Contact Patch: 35mm
- Durometer: 81a
Ricta Clouds – Cruising and/or Tricks
Ricta Clouds Cruiser Wheels
Like most wheels, Ricta Clouds come in various sizes and hardnesses. These are suitable for those who want to ride comfortably while doing tricks, but they don’t excel at either. The 56mm/92A wheels are good for doing a bit of both but aren’t ideal for long-distance cruising. However, they offer a smooth ride and allow you to pull off tricks.
For comfort and tricks, go for at least 56mm/92A. For better cruising, go for 58MM+ and 86A (and below). Ricta’s at 60mm, 78A durometer, and a 32mm contact patch will provide a smooth ride.
These wheels tend to turn yellow due to the urethane formula used, and the print color fades quickly. Be aware that tricks on softer wheels are more difficult compared to harder wheels. Softer wheels can cause your board to bounce, which can lead to wheel bite.
Check evo.com for prices.
- Diameter: 52 to 60mm
- Contact Patch: 19.4mm to 32mm
- Durometer: 78A to 92A
OJ Super Juice 60mm/78A (Our Favorite)
OJ Super Juice Wheels on a Cruiser Board
OJ Super Juice wheels are buttery soft, silent, and can even handle a few tricks. These are a great option for experienced riders and offer quality wheels for a solid price. The smaller 55mm wheels are suitable for cruising and tricks, while the larger ones are great for longer distances. Avoid ledge tricks, as chunks may break off. If you’re on a budget, these are probably the best choice, and the 60mm version requires risers (1/8″ – 1/4″). These wheels are also very sticky, and small rocks and gravel will no longer be an issue.
Rating: 8.2/10
Performance Breakdown:
- Cruising Performance: 9
- Slidability: 8
- Durability: 7
- Speed: 8
- Price: 9
OJ Super Juice 60mm/78a wheels are highly recommended for a smooth ride.
- Diameter: 55 to 60mm
- Contact Patch: 35.75 to 37mm
- Durometer: 77A to 86A
Orangatang – Fat Free 65mm 77A
Orangatang – Fat Free 65mm 77A Cruiser Wheels
These are slightly larger and more expensive wheels, but they are worth the price. They provide a super soft, smooth ride, and you hardly notice any cracks or rocks. They maintain momentum and allow you to ride angled curbs without needing to ollie. These wheels are incredibly durable, despite their softness. They are very sticky and grippy, making them excellent for cruising.
We highly recommend using Bones Swiss 6 or Bronson Raw bearings, which further enhance their performance. Check Amazon for availability.
Orangatang Wheels on a Cruiser Board
Go with the 77A/80A wheels, which are the best cruiser wheels you can possibly get. If the Orangatangs are above your budget, the Fatty Hawgs, or the Arbor EasyRiders are solid options. 65mm wheels require riser pads (1/4″ – 1/2″ or larger), depending on your setup. Check prices on Amazon.
- Diameter: 65mm
- Contact Patch: 37mm
- Durometer: 77A to 86A
Bones Rough Riders
Bones Rough Riders Skateboard Wheels
Perfect for cruising and tricks, the Bones Rough Riders are also a good choice in skateparks with rough asphalt. They perform great in concrete bowls and are excellent for cruising and tricks. While they won’t excel at anything specific, they are great all-around wheels for various surfaces. Check Amazon for current prices.
Cloud Ride
Cloud Ride 70mm 77a Skateboard Wheels
These are beefy wheels that are great for larger boards. They are incredibly soft and smooth, sticking to the surface and eliminating the discomfort of pebbles. They are ideal for angled curbs. A solid choice, but consider the Powell Peralta Snakes for a better experience. Check for prices on Amazon.
- Diameter: 70mm
- Contact Patch: 56mm
- Durometer: 77A
Powell Peralta Snakes
Powell Peralta Snake Wheels on a Cruiser
These wheels are exceptional, durable, reliable, and slide effortlessly. The best complete cruiser brands often choose these wheels for the ultimate cruising experience. They require minimal pushing to maintain momentum. If you seek high-quality wheels, the Powell Peralta Snakes are a solid pick.
Powell Peralta Snakes on a Cruiser Skateboard
Check Amazon for availability.
- Diameter: 69mm (other sizes available)
- Contact Patch: 56mm
- Durometer: 75A
Easyrider Bogart Wheels
Easyrider Bogart Wheels
The Easyrider Bogart Wheels from Arbor are perfect for small, nimble cruisers. These affordable wheels offer great performance and are some of the best budget cruiser wheels available. They can easily fit on a regular skateboard with riser pads, providing the cruising experience of a lifetime.
- Diameter: 61mm
- Contact Patch: 37mm
- Durometer: 78A
Skateboard Wheels for Rough Roads
For roads, sidewalks, and parking lots with sand, gravel, and grime, you need softer wheels, between 78a-92a durometer and 53mm to 56mm in diameter. Larger diameter wheels roll easier over pebbles and cracks. The softer the wheel, the better the grip and vibration absorption.
Softer wheels roll slower than hard wheels, but larger diameter wheels roll faster for longer periods. However, larger wheels increase the chance of wheel bite. Softer wheels wear faster and are more prone to flat spots during powerslides. They also feel bouncy when landing, and stick more when sliding ledges or rails.
Spitfire Chargers
Spitfire Chargers have a hardness of 80a and are made of high-density urethane. They are available in 54mm or 56mm sizes and Classic and Conical shapes. The wheel width is 34mm or 36mm, depending on the diameter.
The shape and size options available with the Spitfire Chargers should feel a bit more like your street/park wheels, so there shouldn’t be too much of an adjustment. The HD formula should provide less flex than other soft wheels.
Bones ATF (All-Terrain Formula)
Bones ATF Skateboard Wheels
Bones ATF wheels are rated at 80a and are available in two models:
- ATF Rough Riders: Available in 56mm – 59mm diameters with widths of 40mm-44mm. They are available in very bold colors and have more of a “boxy” cruiser shape.
- ATF Mini DV’s: Available in 52mm – 60mm with widths of 32mm-37mm.
Both wheels provide a comfortable ride. The Rough Riders are more stable, with less side-to-side sliding, while the Mini DV’s will look more like a traditional skateboard wheel and are lighter due to their narrower profile.
Bones have been producing good quality, long-lasting wheels for a long time.
Ricta Clouds
Ricta Clouds Cruiser Wheels
Ricta Clouds are filmer wheels but also great for rough surfaces. Ricta Clouds 92a 54mm wheels are just soft enough to glide over cracks and rough asphalt but still hard and small enough to do tricks. They are as close as you can get to use for transportation and street skating.
Best All-Around Skateboard Wheels
Spitfire Classics and Formula Four Conical Wheels
For skaters who love parks, street, and occasional transition skating, Spitfire Conical Fulls are highly recommended, although there are cheaper options. However, these are usually a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type of wheel.
A safe size would be 54 mm, small enough for the street, yet with enough speed in parks. The wheels mentioned here aren’t great for rough roads if you are looking for cruiser wheels. Shape matters, but for this section, we’ll ignore it.
Bones 100’s
Bones 100 Skateboard Wheels
Bones 100’s work for street, skateparks, bowls, and mini ramps. They perform better on the street and in parks but are still suitable for transition. They allow you to lock-in on ledges, rails, and coping, and work well for flip tricks and slides.
Bones All-Terrain Formula
We’ve previously mentioned the rough riders, which are part of the Bones ATF series. These wheels are great for tricks, cruising, and transition skating.
Mini Logo A-Cut 90A
Mini Logo wheels are affordable and suitable for beginners due to their soft 90A durometer, increasing stability. They are cheap and do the job, but they are not top quality. They are fine for basic tricks but tend to flat spot.
Santa Cruz Slime Balls 97A
Slime balls come in many variants, and the 97A wheels are a safe choice. They are great for beginners, not too hard or too soft, and pretty grippy.
Best Budget Skateboard Wheels
If you cannot afford premium wheels like Spitfire, here are some budget-friendly options. These wheels may be less durable and more likely to flat spot compared to top-tier wheels.
Mini Logo
Mini Logo Skateboard Wheels
Mini Logo wheels are a popular budget option, great for beginners who aren’t planning on doing any technical stuff. They offer decent rebound and grip and are great for street skating. They are known to chunk or flatspot, so be cautious at first. Mini Logo wheels are a wise choice if you’re looking for great value for the money.
Darkstar VHS Wheels
These wheels are slightly more expensive than Mini Logo wheels, but offer comparable performance. They are cheap, great for street and parks, and durable, though they will flat spot if you slide often.
CCS
CCS Skateboard Wheels
CCS offers affordable wheels for street skating and cruising. However, they are not very durable and can flat spot. The street variants are quite hard, but they are suitable for parks. They are fine for beginners who want to ride parks but not for skilled riders.
Beginner Wheels
For beginners, it’s best to pick wheels with a larger contact patch that are not too hard. The following wheels are previously mentioned, but are specifically recommended for beginners:
Spitfire Full Conicals 54mm/99D
Spitfire Formula Four Conical Full Skateboard Wheels
The Spitfire Conical fulls are incredibly versatile. They are great for bowls, skateparks, street, and mini ramps (but not vert). These wheels are classified as 99D, and the high-quality polyurethane mix ensures excellent performance on rougher surfaces and slick concrete. Their large contact patch (34mm) makes them very forgiving and helps you to stay on your board.
These wheels are very flat spot resistant, even during powerslides. They are a great investment, and will last a long time. When you buy them at 54mm, they will wear down to 50-52mm by the time you are ready for more technical skating.
Spitfire Bighead 54mm/99D
Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels
Spitfire Bigheads are one of the best street wheels available. The 99D/54mm wheels offer great grip and stability. They are high-quality wheels that will last for ages.
- Size: 52mm, 53mm, 54mm
- Width: 35mm at 54mm
- Durometer: 99A, 101A
- Contact Patch: 19mm at 54mm
- Purpose: Street and skate park
Orbs Specter Conical Swirls 53mm/99A
Orbs Specters Skateboard Wheels
These wheels offer great grip and a wide contact patch. They are suitable for aspiring technical street skaters. The wider contact patch offers extra stability, while the small size makes them easy to flip. They are less suitable for bowls or mini ramps, but they are great for skateparks.
- Sizes: 52mm, 53mm, 54mm, 56mm
- Width: 34mm at 53mm
- Durometer: 99A
- Contact Patch: 22mm at 53mm
- Purpose: Street and skate park
Mini Logo 52mm/99A
Mini Logo Skateboard Wheels
Mini Logo wheels are an affordable choice for beginners, and they are unmatched in budget performance. If you can’t spend a lot of money, consider Mini Logo wheels. They are suitable for beginners and flat spot easily, so avoid power slides.
- Size: 52mm, 53mm, 54mm
- Width: 34mm at 53mm
- Durometer: 99A, 101A
- Contact Patch: 33mm at 53mm
- Purpose: Street and skate park
Skateboard Wheels Buyers Guide
This section will be divided into three parts:
- Street wheels buyers guide
- Skatepark and transition buyers guide
- Cruising Wheels Buyers Guide
Street Wheels Buyers Guide
Depending on your preferred tricks, you might consider the shape of your wheels. Some wheels are great for sliding and grinding, while others are better for flip tricks. For beginners, standard street wheels from Bones or Spitfire are generally a good choice.
A 52-54mm wheel with a 99A durometer is a great all-around choice for street skating. If you ride on cracked pavements, consider going down the durometer scale. Anything under 92A will become bouncy and sticky.
The best street wheels are dominated by Bones and Spitfire due to their quality, and they are a great investment.
Transition & Skatepark Wheels Buyers Guide
If you are into transition skateboarding, you might need wheels that fit that style. You need hard, fast, and grippy wheels that still allow sliding. The wheels should not be too big or too small.
Bones SPF and STF are both suitable; just choose carefully. Wheels suitable for skateparks are also great for transition.
For vert and bowl skating, you will need wheels that are at least 58mm, hard, and grippy, to ensure speed, minimize pumping, and maintain grip. If you only want to carve and not grind coping, a stable, carvy wheel could also be a better choice. For mini ramp skating, 56mm wheels are recommended.
Cruiser Wheels Buying Guide
First, ask yourself what you want to do. If you only want to cruise, any of the mentioned wheels will do the job. If you want to do technical tricks, smaller wheels like the Ricta Clouds are better.
Make sure to add riser pads or shock pads when necessary, and check if your bolts still fit. The softness of your bushings and your weight also need to be considered.
To prevent wheel bite, ensure there is enough clearance between the wheels and the deck. Above 58mm, you should add riser pads depending on your bushings and how tight you like your trucks.
Riser Pads And Hardware
If you have 58mm wheels or bigger, consider adding riser pads or 1/8″ shock pads. Check the table below to see if your current hardware is compatible with your risers
