Skateboard Wheels

Let’s just get this out of the way: they’re called "wheels," not "tires". The other thing to know is that all wheels at CCS are priced in sets of 4. Now that you’re up to speed on those basics, let's get into the nitty gritty of skateboard wheels.

Choosing skate wheels comes down to durometer and diameter. The durometer of a wheel is the softness/hardness rating, while the diameter determines the size. Typically, the diameter and durometer are printed on the wheel, and they are nearly always listed in the name and/or description on the product page.

To identify the durometer (or "duro" for short) rating on a wheel, look for a number followed by an "A" or a "B." Most wheels use the A-scale of hardness, but if you see a B, just add 30 to that number and you have the A rating. If you can’t find any duro info on the wheels, it is safe to assume you are looking at a very hard wheel. A hard wheel, typically in the 92A to 101A rating, will be ideal for trick skating in the streets, ramps, and skateparks. Since the terrain for this style of skating is pretty smooth, a hard wheel will allow plenty of slide for ledge tricks, powerslides, and reverts. Softer wheels (70A to 82A) provide a much cushier ride on rougher surfaces, and can stick when you want to turn and carve at high speeds, but won’t allow for much leeway if you aren’t riding straight and true. Some ramp and bowl skaters like a little bit of grip, so they’ll get something in the middle, like an 86a.

Wheel sizes are measured in millimeters and will either be followed by “mm” or no letters at all and typically fall somewhere in the range of 48mm - 70mm. Big wheels last longer and can roll over rougher terrain, but will weigh more and are more likely to cause the dreaded "wheel bite," where your wheels hit the underside of your deck and stop you cold, even with riser pads for extra clearance. A typical trick skater will want wheels from about 52 to 56mm. And, yes, a measurement as small as a couple millimeters can make a pretty big difference.

For more on durometer and diameter, checkout the Skateboard Wheels Section in our Buyer’s Guide.

A few other considerations when selecting skateboard wheels are urethane formula, color, side shapes, pro endorsement, and graphics. Like most things in skateboarding, the difference between one wheel brand and another is relatively small, but to someone who knows what they like, that difference is huge. Whether you prefer the classic pure white wheel, the natural beauty of an off-white, or wild swirls and colors, you’ll skate your best when you love your gear. They even have glow-in-the-dark, light-up, and wheel sets with each one a different color! And while graphics can be fun on a new setup, be prepared for them to rub off pretty quickly.

We carry all the most popular brands of wheels. From the heavy hitters like Spitfire, Bones, Ricta, and OJs, to independent brands like Satori, SML, and Snot, to wheel offerings from your favorite deck brands like Blind and Girl. And, of course, if you are looking for a quality wheel on a budget, check out CCS’ own in-house wheel in a variety of sizes, colors, and even cruiser softies.