How to Choose Inline Skate Wheels?

Inline skate wheels come in various sizes, shapes, and hardness levels. To select the right inline skate wheels, consider the environment you plan to skate in and your preferred skating style.

Inline Skate Wheels Explained

Size

Inline wheels range from 60 mm (very small) to 125 mm (large) in diameter. Small wheels are ideal for shorter rides and skaters who need more agility, such as slalom or roller hockey skaters. If you enjoy speed skating, long-distance skating, or marathon skating, you should opt for larger wheels. This type of wheel offers unmatched travel distance and speed.

Profile

The profile of inline skate wheels is identified by their shape, determining how your wheels make contact with the ground while skating. A wide, flat wheel provides better grip and more traction but doesn’t slide well on most surfaces. Round wheels offer good stability and turning ability, making them favored by urban and freestyle skaters. Narrow, pointy wheels are preferred by speed and long-distance skaters due to their lower rolling resistance and higher power transfer.

Durometer

The durometer measures the hardness of the wheels. Wheel hardness is gauged on an A-type scale, ranging from 0A to 100A. Inline skate wheel durometers typically fall between 68A (soft) and 90A (hard). Soft wheels are used when more grip is needed and speed is not a priority, such as on the slippery surface of an indoor rink. They also contribute to a smoother ride on rough asphalt. Hard wheels, offering less friction, are optimal for urban bladers on smooth concrete at skate parks and for skaters aiming for higher speeds.

Want to learn how to replace the wheels on your skates? Check out our guide on How to Change Inline Skate Wheels.