🛹 Complete Guide to Skateboard Wheels: Hardness, Size & Shape Explained

Choosing the right skateboard wheels makes a huge difference to how your board feels under your feet. Whether you skate street, park, or just cruise around town, the size, hardness, and shape of your wheels affect speed, grip, and control.

Here’s everything you need to know before buying your next set.

Wheel Size (Diameter in Millimetres)

• 50–53mm → Best for technical street skating. Smaller wheels keep you lower to the ground and make flip tricks easier, but they’re slower.

• 54–56mm → A great all-round size. Perfect for park skating, bowls, and bigger street setups.

• 56mm+ → Good for vert ramps and cruising. Larger wheels roll faster and handle rough ground better.

Wheel Hardness (Durometer)

Skateboard wheels are measured on the durometer scale, usually in the A rating.

• 78A–87A (Soft) → Best for cruising and filming. Super grippy and smooth over rough ground.

• 88A–95A (Medium-Soft) → Versatile wheels for cruising and street skating on rougher surfaces.

• 96A–99A (Standard Street/Park) → The most popular hardness. Great balance of grip and slide for tricks.

• 100A+ (Hard) → Fast and responsive. Best for smooth skateparks and technical tricks.

Wheel Shape

• Classic Shape → Rounded edges, perfect for street skating and all-around use.

• Conical Shape → Wider riding surface, giving more grip and control for bowls and transition skating.

• Square Edge → Maximum contact patch for stability, often used in vert skating.

Which Wheels Should You Choose?

• Street Skater → 52–54mm, 99A hardness, classic shape.

• Park Skater → 54–56mm, 99–101A hardness, conical or classic shape.

• Cruiser / Filmer → 54–60mm, 78A–87A hardness, softer shapes for smooth rides.

👉 At Dissent Skate Shop, we stock wheels for every style of skating. Whether you want a fast park setup or a smooth cruiser ride, we’ve got you covered. Check out our current selection HERE. Don't see what you want? Just use our contact form and we'll try to get you exactly what you want.