Wheels for Inline Skates

Selecting the Right Inline Skate Wheels

Inline skate wheels are available in various sizes, shapes, and levels of hardness. When deciding on the ideal wheels for your skates, consider both the environment in which you will be skating and your particular style.

Understanding Inline Skate Wheels

Dimensions

Inline wheel diameters range from 60 mm (very small) to 125 mm (large). Smaller wheels are best for short-distance rides and skaters needing increased agility, such as those involved in slalom or roller hockey. Enthusiasts of speed skating, long-distance practices, and marathons should opt for larger wheels. These wheels provide unparalleled travel distance and velocity.

Shape

The shape of inline skate wheels is critical in determining how they interact with the ground. A wide, flat wheel enhances grip and traction, though it is not ideal for sliding on most surfaces. Rounded wheels offer solid stability and ease in turning, making them popular with urban and freestyle skaters. Narrow, pointy wheels are favoured by speed and long-distance skaters for their reduced rolling resistance and superior power transfer.

Hardness

Wheel hardness, or durometer, is evaluated on an A-type scale ranging from 0A to 100A. Typical inline skate wheel durometers fall between 68A (soft) and 90A (hard). Soft wheels, which offer greater grip, are preferable when speed is secondary, such as in a slippery indoor rink. They also smoothen rides on rough asphalt. Conversely, hard wheels, which produce less friction, are suitable for urban skating on smooth surfaces at skate parks and for skaters aiming for maximum velocity.

Interested in learning how to change the wheels on your skates? View our guide on How to Change Inline Skate Wheels.