Ever felt like your skateboard is fighting you on rough pavement? Maybe every pebble feels like a boulder, making your ride bumpy and slow. Choosing the right skateboard wheels can make a huge difference in how much fun you have skating. It’s not as simple as just grabbing any set off the shelf. Many skaters get confused by all the different types and sizes, not knowing which ones are best for cruising, grinding, or just enjoying a smooth ride.
If you’re tired of jarring vibrations and want to glide effortlessly, then you’ve come to the right place. This post will break down everything you need to know about skateboard soft wheels. We’ll explore why they are so great for certain types of skating and how to pick the perfect set for your needs. By the end, you’ll understand exactly what makes a soft wheel work and how to choose the ones that will transform your skateboarding experience.
Our Top 5 Skateboard Soft Wheels Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Skateboard Soft Wheels Detailed Reviews
1. Bigfoot Wheels Bigfoot Skateboard Wheels 55mm 83A Soft Cruiser Filmer Wheels Black (Set of 4)
Rating: 9.3/10
These Bigfoot Wheels are designed for a super smooth ride. They’re 55mm and have a soft 83A urethane. This makes them great for cruising and filming skateboard tricks. The black color looks sharp too. You get a set of four wheels.
What We Like:
- They roll very smoothly.
- They are quiet when you ride.
- They handle rough pavement really well.
- Filmmakers will love these for capturing smooth footage.
- The hard plastic core helps bearings work perfectly.
- This makes the wheels spin fast.
- They are 32mm wide, like a normal street wheel.
- The special formula makes them fast and smooth.
- Beginner skaters will find them easy to learn on.
What Could Be Improved:
- The soft wheels might wear down faster than harder wheels.
- They might not be the best for very technical tricks that need a harder wheel.
If you want a comfortable and smooth ride, these Bigfoot wheels are a fantastic choice. They’re perfect for cruising around and filming your best moves.
2. Fortoo Skateboard Wheels with ABEC-9 Bearings 50mm Street Tricks Soft Wheels 83A for Riding The Roughest Spots
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of bumpy rides and slow skates? The Fortoo Skateboard Wheels with ABEC-9 Bearings are here to save your shredding sessions. These 50mm, 83A soft wheels are designed for street tricks and tackling even the roughest spots. They come in a cool white color and include everything you need to get rolling: four wheels, eight ABEC-9 bearings, and four spacers.
What We Like:
- These wheels are 83A, which means they are soft. Soft wheels are great for rough roads. They soak up bumps and vibrations.
- The 50mm size is perfect for street skateboarding. It’s not too big or too small for tricks.
- The wheels are fast and quiet. This makes riding more enjoyable.
- The high-rebound formula makes them smooth. New skaters will find them easy to learn on.
- They come with ABEC-9 bearings. These are high-quality bearings that spin fast and last long.
- The kit includes wheels, bearings, and spacers. You get everything in one package.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are soft and good for rough spots, very aggressive riders might want harder wheels for certain tricks.
- The white color, while stylish, can show dirt and scuffs easily.
If you’re looking for a smooth and fast ride, especially on less-than-perfect pavement, these Fortoo wheels are a solid choice. Get ready to conquer those rough spots and enjoy your skate!
3. Cloud Ride! Wheels Iceeez 59mm 78A Longboard Wheels
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to shred with the Cloud Ride! Wheels Iceeez 59mm 78A. These urethane longboard wheels are built for fun and speed. They are perfect for longboarding, skateboarding, carving, cruising, downhill, and freeriding. The special “Ice” formula makes them super slick, so you can slide with ease without losing speed. They measure just 59mm, making them a nimble choice for any setup. Let the freeriding adventures begin!
What We Like:
- These wheels are ultra slick and designed for fun slides and freeriding.
- The grippy lips and softer urethane help you keep control during slides.
- They come pre-ground, so you can start sliding right away.
- Cloud Ride makes durable wheels with great attention to detail.
- They are a fun, playful wheel, perfect for learning new tricks.
- These wheels offer consistent slides and easy kick-outs.
- Their performance is comparable to top brands like Orangatang and Sector 9.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 59mm size might be a bit small for some riders who prefer larger wheels for rolling over obstacles.
- While designed for sliding, some advanced riders might seek a wheel with a slightly different durometer for more specialized downhill or freeride applications.
These Iceeez wheels are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add some serious fun and slideability to their longboard. Grab a set and leave your mark on the pavement!
4. LONTOHCE Skateboard Wheels 52mm 95A with Tool Set
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to upgrade your ride? The LONTHCE Skateboard Wheels 52mm 95A with Tool Set is a complete package designed to get you rolling in style. This kit includes everything you need to refresh your skateboard, from durable wheels to all the essential tools. Whether you’re a beginner hitting the sidewalks or a seasoned skater mastering street tricks, these white wheels are built to perform.
What We Like:
- Complete package: You get wheels, bearings, washers, spacers, and an all-in-one tool. It’s a convenient all-in-one solution.
- Durable construction: The wheels are made of tough polyurethane (PU) and feature carbon steel bearings. They can handle lots of use.
- Great for street skating: The 52mm size is perfect for street tricks and skating in various places like skate parks and plazas.
- Good hardness: The 95A hardness is suitable for most surfaces, including roads, ramps, and concrete.
- Quality guarantee: LONTHCE offers a 30-day return or exchange if you’re not happy with your purchase.
What Could Be Improved:
- Bearing spacers are included, but some advanced skaters might prefer to purchase their own specific brand of spacers for a custom feel.
- While the all-in-one tool is convenient, dedicated skaters might find specialized tools offer a bit more precision.
This LONTHCE set offers a fantastic value for anyone looking to enhance their skateboarding experience. It provides a durable and versatile option for street skating and tricks, making it a solid choice for many riders.
5. [CCS] Cruiser Skateboard Wheels – 52mm
![[CCS] Cruiser Skateboard Wheels - 52mm, 54mm, 57mm - 78A - White (52mm)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/316saAYmeUL._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 9.0/10
Ready to upgrade your ride? The [CCS] Cruiser Skateboard Wheels, specifically the 52mm white set, promise a smoother, more enjoyable skateboarding experience. These wheels are designed for skaters who love to cruise and explore.
What We Like:
- You get a set of 4 wheels, which is exactly what you need for your skateboard.
- These wheels are made from high-quality polyurethane, so they are tough and will last a long time.
- The 78A softness means they roll over bumps and cracks like a dream, making your ride super smooth.
- They are perfect for cruising around town or going on longer skate trips.
- These wheels are light and easy to move, helping you turn sharp corners and even pop the occasional ollie.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description mentions 54mm and 57mm sizes, but this specific listing is for 52mm, which might be confusing for some shoppers.
- While durable, very aggressive skaters might find they wear down faster than harder wheels.
These CCS cruiser wheels are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance their cruising game. They offer a comfortable ride and are built to handle the everyday challenges of the road.
Skateboard Soft Wheels: Glide Smoother, Ride Better
So you’re looking to upgrade your skateboard wheels, and you’ve heard about “soft wheels.” What’s the big deal? Soft wheels are a fantastic choice for many skateboarders, offering a smoother, more comfortable ride than their harder counterparts. This guide will help you pick the perfect set.
Why Choose Soft Wheels?
Hard wheels are great for tricks and smooth skateparks. They let you slide easily and have less friction. But if you ride on rougher streets, sidewalks, or even just want a more forgiving feel, soft wheels are your best friend. They absorb bumps and vibrations, making your ride much more enjoyable.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for soft skateboard wheels, keep these important features in mind:
- Durometer (Hardness): This is the most crucial feature. Durometer measures how hard a wheel is. For soft wheels, you’ll typically see numbers in the 78A to 90A range.
- 78A-85A: These are super soft. They grip well and are perfect for cruising, longboarding, and rough surfaces. They feel like riding on clouds!
- 86A-90A: These are still considered soft but offer a bit more speed and a slightly less grippy feel. They’re a good middle ground if you want to do some light tricks and still cruise comfortably.
- Diameter (Size): Wheel size affects how fast you go and how easily you can accelerate.
- Larger wheels (60mm and up): These roll faster and smoother over cracks and pebbles. They are great for cruising and longboarding.
- Smaller wheels (54mm-58mm): These accelerate quicker. They might be a good choice if you still want to try some tricks but prefer a softer ride.
- Shape and Contact Patch: The shape and width of the wheel’s surface that touches the ground (the contact patch) affect grip. Wider contact patches generally offer more stability and grip, which is common in softer cruising wheels.
Important Materials
Skateboard wheels are almost always made from polyurethane. Different types of polyurethane offer varying levels of durability, grip, and rebound (how well the wheel springs back after compression). High-quality polyurethane is key to a good, long-lasting wheel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Improve Quality:
- High-Quality Polyurethane: Brands that use premium polyurethane compounds create wheels that are more durable, have better rebound, and maintain their softness over time.
- Consistent Manufacturing: Well-made wheels have uniform hardness and shape, ensuring a smooth and predictable ride.
- Reputable Brands: Established skateboard brands often invest more in research and development, leading to better quality products.
- Reduce Quality:
- Cheap Materials: Wheels made with lower-grade plastics or poorly mixed polyurethane will wear out faster and may feel uneven.
- Inconsistent Hardness: If a wheel isn’t uniformly soft, it can lead to vibrations and a bumpy ride.
- Poorly Molded: Wheels with imperfections in their shape can cause wobbling and reduce performance.
User Experience and Use Cases
Soft wheels are fantastic for a variety of skateboarding styles:
- Cruising: This is where soft wheels truly shine. They make riding around town, to the store, or just for fun incredibly smooth and comfortable. You won’t feel every little bump.
- Longboarding: Many longboarders prefer soft, larger wheels for their stability and ability to roll over rough terrain.
- Commuting: If you use your skateboard to get from place to place, soft wheels will make your commute much more pleasant.
- Beginner Skaters: The forgiving nature of soft wheels can make learning to skate easier and less intimidating. They offer more grip, reducing the chance of slipping out.
- Riding on Rough Surfaces: Sidewalks, cracked pavement, and bumpy paths are no match for soft wheels. They absorb the shock, saving your feet and ankles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are soft wheels good for tricks?
A: Soft wheels are generally not ideal for advanced tricks that involve a lot of sliding or grinds. Harder wheels offer less friction, making slides easier. However, softer wheels in the higher durometer range (around 86A-90A) can still be used for some basic tricks and will offer a more comfortable ride overall.
Q: How do I know if I need soft wheels?
A: If you find your current skateboard ride is too bumpy, you feel every crack and pebble, or you’re primarily using your skateboard for cruising and getting around, then soft wheels are likely a great choice for you.
Q: What is the difference between 78A and 90A wheels?
A: 78A wheels are very soft and offer maximum grip and shock absorption. 90A wheels are still considered soft but are firmer, providing a bit more speed and less grip. Think of 78A as super squishy and 90A as firm but still yielding.
Q: Will soft wheels slow me down?
A: Softer wheels have more friction, which can make them slightly slower than very hard wheels, especially on very smooth surfaces. However, on rougher surfaces, their ability to roll over obstacles smoothly can actually make them feel faster and more efficient because they don’t get stopped by bumps.
Q: How long do soft skateboard wheels last?
A: The lifespan of soft wheels depends on the quality of the urethane, how much you ride, and the surfaces you ride on. High-quality soft wheels can last a long time, often many months or even years for casual riders.
Q: Can I put soft wheels on any skateboard?
A: Yes, you can put soft wheels on most standard skateboard trucks. You might need to adjust your bushings or consider wheelbite if you choose very large soft wheels, but generally, they are compatible.
Q: What is “wheelbite”?
A: Wheelbite happens when your wheels touch the underside of your skateboard deck during turns. This can cause you to stop abruptly. Larger wheels or riding with very loose trucks are more prone to wheelbite. Using slightly smaller wheels or tightening your trucks can help prevent it.
Q: Are soft wheels good for rainy weather?
A: Soft wheels generally offer better grip, which can be helpful in wet conditions. However, no skateboard wheel is completely safe on wet surfaces, so always ride with caution.
Q: Do I need to buy bearings with new wheels?
A: Bearings are usually sold separately. You’ll need to buy them if you don’t have any or if your old ones are worn out. You can often find “wheel packs” that include wheels and bearings together.
Q: How do I clean my soft skateboard wheels?
A: You can clean your wheels with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the urethane. Make sure they are completely dry before riding again.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!