| Best Choice |
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Sure-Grip Boardwalk Outdoor Wheels | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
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Mafffoliverr Roller Skate Wheels | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
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Atom Pulse Outdoor Quad Skating Wheels | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
- 1. Sure-Grip Boardwalk Outdoor Wheels
- 2. Mafffoliverr Roller Skate Wheels
- 3. Atom Pulse Outdoor Quad Skating Wheels
- 4. Wheeloont Outdoor Roller Skate Wheels
- 5. Sharova’s Store Roller Skate Wheels
- 6. RollerBones Team Logo 101A Recreational Roller Skate Wheels
- 7. Skylety LED Light Up Roller Skate Wheels
- 8. Sure-Grip Outdoor Aerobic Wheels
- 9. Sure-Grip Twister Wheels
- 10. Clas Fox 78A Indoor or Outdoor Roller Skate Wheels
Picking out the perfect pair of roller skates is hard enough. With an array of different styles, including inline and quad, made with different materials and in many colors, roller skates offer a ton of options. But once you’ve picked out the right pair of skates, you have to turn your attention to the wheels. The wheels your skates use have a direct effect on how smoothly you glide across the sidewalk or around the rink. They determine your speed and how well you can ride over bumps, cracks, and other little shocks and obstacles. And your skate wheels can also enhance your style with bright colors, sleek simplicity, or even lights that flash as they roll. Don’t know where to find the right roller skate wheels? Check out our picks for the best roller skate wheels right here.
The Sure-Grip Boardwalk Outdoor Skate Wheels are colorful, stylish, and sleek. They are among the most popular soft wheels – with a 78A rating hardness – and are specifically designed for outdoor use. They measure 65mm in diameter and come in a pull pack of eight, so you have extra if and when they start to wear out. Skates are meant to be fun and being able to select the color of the wheels is part of their aesthetic. These Sure-Grip are available in five colors ranging from opaque to translucent. They glide smoothly over cracks and are comfortable to use on trails and sidewalks. Their premium-grade polyurethane design makes them sturdier and all around more effective. The wheels are long lasting as well and last through several rides. Their biggest drawback may be the price. Considering the wheels come as a pack of eight does make more sense when you take into account their higher price, however. Another issue is the color may slightly vary from the pictures online.
- 78A hardness
- 65mm
- Polyurethane design
- Five colors
- Brand Sure-Grip
- Model N/A
- Weight N/A
Long lasting
Colorful
Durable
Expensive compared to other wheels
Color may be slightly off
If you’re looking to score great roller skate wheels at a budget-friendly price, the Mafffoliverr Roller Skate Wheels are a great option. This set of four wheels plus 10 bearings and five cores includes everything you need to upgrade your skates with a new set of slick, smooth wheels. Designed for quad skates, each wheel measures 32 x 58 millimeters, and there’s a selection of colors for every style. The wheels come with a 10 pack of 608 bearings for smooth rolling results, plus five wheel cores. Made out of durable urethane, these roller skate wheels will give you the right amount of grip no matter where you skate. They’re suitable for rink or indoor skating, outdoor skates on streets and sidewalks — you can use them anywhere. And once you get rolling, you’ll love how these wheels light up with nothing more than the force of your feet.
- Made of polyurethane material
- 82A hardness
- Includes bearings and wheel cores
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Brand Mafffoliverr
- Model N/A
- Weight 13.62 ounces
Super bright illumination
Great for outdoor skating
Extra grippy exterior
Only includes four wheels, which is enough for just one skate
When you’re skating on rough roads, you need wheels that can survive it all — like the Atom Pulse Outdoor Quad Skating Wheels. These premium wheels are made with softer material and feature a lower hardness of 78A. This makes them an excellent choice for outdoor skating, particularly when you’re leading your roller skates over bumpy surfaces or uneven terrain. The extra softness is better for absorbing shocks and bumps to keep you well-cushioned. Each roller skate wheel measures 65 x 37 millimeters, giving you a wider base that’ll add even more stability. Available in eight different colors, these wheels can be mixed and matched for any kind of custom style you’d like. Keep in mind, though, that these higher-priced wheels are only sold as a set of four, so you’ll need two sets to equip both of your skates.
- 65 x 37 millimeters
- 78A hardness
- Hybrid wheels
- Ideal for outdoor use
- Brand Atom
- Model N/A
- Weight 2.01 pounds
Smooth rolling
Sticky enough for grip
Handle bumps, cracks, and more with ease
Expensive
A set of Wheeloont Outdoor Roller Skate Wheels will offer you some seriously impressive versatility. These wheels are designed to be able to be used with quad roller skates, but they’ll also work for skateboards. You can swap these wheels between your favorite methods of fun transportation. Designed specifically for outdoor use, these 32 x 58 millimeter wheels come with a set of 608 bearings and wheel cores so you’re completely covered with everything you need. With a hardness of 82A, these urethane wheels will provide the right balance of grip and slick rolling on outdoor surfaces from the street to the sidewalk. They’re shaped for competition and high rebound so you can really pick up speed. Made from durable urethane, you can expect these wheels to last you throughout many skates and many miles outdoors. Whether you’re competing or simply having fun, these wheels will give you smooth results.
- 32 x 58 millimeter
- Includes bearings and cores
- 82A hardness
- Made for outdoor use
- Brand Wheeloont
- Model N/A
- Weight N/A
Great brightness for night skating
Includes extra bearings
Minimize friction for smoothness
Wheels are bit thick
May interfere with trucks or screws
Sharova’s Store Roller Skate Wheels are great wheels for any kind of skater. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, they’ll ride just as smoothly indoors at a rink or outdoors on the sidewalk. Each individual wheel measures 32 x 58 millimeters and comes with 608 bearings for sleek, smooth rolling action and one core pack. With a hardness of 82A, you’ll be able to put these wheels through their paces. Formed out of polyurethane material, they can actually reduce friction to maximize your speed on any kind of surface. Whether you’re competing in derby skating or are skating casually in your neighborhood, you’ll love the feel of these wheels — and they even light up automatically when they start spinning. Before buying, just keep in mind that these wheels are sold in a four-pack; you’ll need two packs to completely equip your skates.
- 82A hardness
- Light-up wheels without batteries
- 32 x 58 millimeter
- Made from polyurethane
- Brand Sharova’s Store
- Model N/A
- Weight N/A
Bright illumination
Brilliant color
Automatically light up
Only sold as a set of four
If you prefer to skate for fun or in an artistic style, then you aren’t too worried about high speeds — and the RollerBones Team Logo 101A Recreational Roller Skate Wheels are the perfect pick. Designed specifically for recreational and artistic use, these roller skate wheels are designed for slick rink floors and indoor use. They’re made in proven competition shapes, poured in a high rebound, and made with a special long-lasting urethane formula. Featuring a medium hardness and built for wear and tear, these roller skate wheels are meant to last a long time. You’ll get great grip on rink floors too, something that’s critical when you’re on an extra-slick surface. Sold as a complete set of eight wheels, you’ll have the right amount of smoothness and durability beneath your skates for quality and performance.
- Set of 8 wheels
- 101A hardness
- High rebound
- Designed for indoor use
- Brand RollerBones
- Model WRBARB25701X8
- Weight 1.19 pounds
Smooth, slick gliding indoors
Durable
Cushions against bumps and rough surfaces
Take time to break in
May be tough to install on some skates
Skylety LED Light Up Roller Skate Wheels are brightly colored, especially when they light up as you skate. But they really shine when it comes to skating fast. Made with long-lasting silicone at an 82A hardness, these wheels are slick and able sliding, especially on indoor surfaces like wood and tile. Designed to reduce friction, they can actually increase and maximize your speed, offering smooth, quick rolling as you skate. They’re a great choice for both casual indoor skating (if you like speed) or competitive skating. And the faster you skate, the brighter the wheels will flash as they light up. Sold as a set of eight wheels, each individual wheel measures 32 x 58 millimeters and suits any pair of quad roller skates. The wheels come with 608 bearings and two replacement wheel cores, plus a mounting wrench for easy installation.
- 32 x 58 millimeters
- 82A hardness
- Light up with increased speed
- Made from silicone
- Brand Skylety
- Model N/A
- Weight 35 ounces
Bright illumination
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Arrive ready to be screwed into place
May require adjustments once installed
May be too grippy for rink skating
If you’re skating over some seriously rough, uneven terrain, you’re going to want to add Sure-Grip Outdoor Aerobic Wheels to your roller skates. These tough and highly durable wheels are designed for the most unpredictable surfaces, and they make it easier to navigate all types of terrain — including rocks. Wider at 38 x 62 millimeters in size, these wheels have an 85A hardness so you’re able to put them through their paces while still getting good shock absorption. Sold in a set of eight wheels, these are specifically designed for tough outdoor use. They can offer great grip and traction to keep your feet stable beneath you, and they’ll perform on smooth surfaces just as well as when you encounter bumps, rocks, debris, and even gravel. These roller skate wheels can even help you skate for longer, offering solid support that allows you to cover many miles.
- 38 x 62 millimeters
- 85A hardness
- Soft outer layer
- Suitable for rough surfaces
- Brand Sure-Grip
- Model N/A
- Weight N/A
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Smooth even over rough surfaces
Great maneuverability
Not the best for fast skating
Rink skating requires a different approach than outdoor skating, and if you’re a big fan of indoor skating you’ll want to equip yourself with Sure-Grip Twister Wheels. Specifically made for rinks, these wheels are extra hard for the especially slick surfaces you’ll find at any roller rink. Sold as a set of eight wheels, each 62 millimeters in size, these 94A hardness skate wheels come in a variety of different colors so you can show off your style. Whether you’re headed to a brand-new and nicely slick rink floor or one that’s got a bit of age, these wheels can help you stand your ground on slippery surfaces. They even feature small ridges along their exterior, which helps you increase your speed and perform when you’re participating in derby skating. These roller skate wheels offer a good amount of grip, helping you maintain your footing anywhere.
- 62 millimeters
- 94A hardness
- Made for indoor use
- Ribbed exterior surface
- Brand Sure-Grip
- Model N/A
- Weight N/A
Very grippy
Can provide extra speed
Ribbed surface is ideal for rink skating
May need to be paired with upgraded bearings
Clas Fox 78A Indoor or Outdoor Roller Skate Wheels are versatile and can be used indoors or outdoors. However, they really excel when it comes to comfort. Whether you’re riding over rough surfaces and debris or are on the slick surface of a roller rink, these wheels will absorb shocks and impacts, keeping you well-cushioned and comfortable. Each wheel in this eight wheel set measures 35 x 65 millimeters and is made out of high-rebound polyurethane. That material makes these roller skate wheels feel gummy or a bit sticky. They roll smoothly, but that gummy feel helps you cushion against whatever your feet encounter. With a 78A hardness, they have a bit more give than many wheels — a detail that only enhances the cushioning and shock-absorption as you roll over absolutely any surface.
- 35 x 65 millimeters
- Sold as a set of eight
- Made with high-rebound polyurethane
- 78A hardness
- Brand Clas Fox
- Model N/A
- Weight 1.96 pounds
Comfortably smooth
Offer good balance
Good both indoors and outdoors
Difficult to install
No bearings, washers or other hardware included
Best Roller Skate Wheels Buying Guide & FAQ
If you own a pair of roller skates, you’re going to want to update or upgrade your skates’ wheels at some point. Whether you aren’t thrilled with the stock wheels or have worn out your current set of wheels, it’s time to find something new — and better. Fortunately, there are plenty of different roller skate wheels available to choose from.
However, most of those wheels look pretty much identical at first glance, which makes deciding which set is best more challenging. From hardness to rebound to traction (or lack of traction), even the small details can make a significant difference. Let our buying guide lead you to the best roller skate wheels for your unique skating style and needs.
Do You Need Roller Skate Wheels?
If you own a pair of roller skates, you absolutely need roller skate wheels. Sure, every pair of skates comes with their own set of standard wheels. But often, those wheels wear out or don’t offer the right results for your specific style of skating. That’s why it’s important to get a set of wheels that you’ve personally picked out. The right wheels will make a world of difference in speed, comfort, and stability.
Roller skate wheels are what keep you rolling smoothly and at any speed. Without a quality set, you may find your skating experience lacking. Whether you’re a speed seeker or simply someone who wants very durable wheels, choosing a good set is important. You can also reap other benefits, like:
- Increased speed with slicker, harder wheels that can glide more easily and with less friction.
- Better traction for outdoor skating, with good grip and texture to handle bumps, cracks, debris and more.
- Long-lasting durability for frequent skaters, with the ability to survive many miles.
- Great cushioning and shock absorption in the event of impacts or debris on your path.
Different Kinds of Roller Skate Wheels
Roller skate wheels come in plenty of different sizes, shapes, and even colors. But one of the most important aspects you need to consider is the type of wheel you want. Roller skate wheels typically come in one of two forms: hard wheels or soft wheels.
Hard Wheels
Hard roller skate wheels are the ideal choice for indoor skating. They’re made for rink floors, which are tighter and coated, and they typically feature a hardness rating between 90A and 103A. Hard wheels will help you get less grip as you skate — a key consideration if you’re hoping to achieve faster speeds. With a set of hard wheels, your skates will offer more of a slide-like feel.
Advanced indoor skaters will particularly like hard wheels. With less grip, you can pick up speed easily and make slick maneuvers. These wheels are also a great choice for artistic skaters, creating freer spins at higher speeds.
Soft Wheels
Soft roller skate wheels are kind of the opposite of hard wheels. They’re an ideal choice for outdoor skating — but they can actually be a great option for particularly slippery indoor rinks too. Made with a hardness between 78A and 89A, these cushier skate wheels offer increased grip and traction. They also provide a softer, more shock-absorbent ride that’s perfect for bumpy surfaces or rolling over small pebbles, cracks, and other debris.
Soft wheels are especially great if you plan to skate on uncoated surfaces. They’re also better for beginners, since they offer more grip for increased security and stability.
What to Consider When Buying Roller Skate Wheels
The qualities that make certain wheels better than others does depend on personal preference — and deciding between hard and soft wheels is the first decision you’ll need to make. To determine which is right for you, think about how you plan to use your skates. If you’ll be outdoors, opt for softer wheels. If you love hitting the rink or skating indoors, hard wheels are your best choice.
After you’ve decided on the type of roller skate wheels you need, it’s also important to consider a few other factors. Think about whether you want speed or stability, grip and traction or as little friction as possible. These decisions will help you pick wheels that either enhance your skating or keep you on your feet for longer.
The Most Important Features of Roller Skate Wheels
Small differences in the construction, shape, and even exterior surfaces of a set of roller skate wheels can make a world of difference. Make sure you think about the following features — or even look specifically for these features — in order to separate the best wheels from those that are a bit less than the best.
Wider Wheel Diameter
Wider wheel diameter is a good choice whether you’re skating indoors or outdoors. Larger diameter wheels tend to provide a better roll time — a detail that allows for better cruising and less physical pushing. While larger diameter skate wheels do require more effort to get rolling, they’ll keep up to speed easily and with less effort once they’re moving.
Additionally, wider wheel diameter is a feature that’s especially handy for long distance skating or long distance speed skating. You can save your energy and effort over miles of skating. Larger diameter wheels are also a good choice for indoor speed, especially when you’re racing.
Urethane Material
Roller skate wheels made out of urethane (or polyurethane) are the gold standard. While there are other types of wheels available, including silicone options, urethane makes for the absolute best results when it comes to quality. Urethane actually heats up as your wheels roll, and that warmth results in a great grip. This material can also be hard or soft, spongy or sticky, giving you great options depending on the type of urethane wheel you need.
Additionally, urethane is also wonderfully durable. While any set of roller skate wheels will wear down with use, urethane is made to be long-lasting and able to survive a lot of use.
Ridged or Ribbed Surface
You might assume that perfectly sleek and smooth roller skate wheels are the best choice for slick, speedy skating. However, you actually want to opt for wheels that feature a ridged or ribbed exterior — meaning there’s a bit of texture on the surface that’ll be in contact with the ground you’re skating on. Whether you’re indoors at a rink or outdoors on sidewalks or streets, ridged or ribbed texture on your wheels offers you increased grip.
A ridged or ribbed wheel surface is especially beneficial if you want versatility. These types of wheels are able to handle indoor and outdoor skating, offering a balanced skate every time.
Care and Maintenance for Roller Skate Wheels
Although roller skate wheels aren’t high-maintenance — in fact, they’re pretty smooth when it comes to their mechanics and functionality — they do require a bit of maintenance with regular use. You should always make sure your wheels are rolling smoothly, without any clunkiness or unevenness. It’s also a good idea to check the tightness; wobbly wheels can sometimes be easily fixed with a tighter mount.
You should also check your roller skate wheels for signs of wear. If you’re seeing signs of excessive wear, like a loss of edges, stripped material, or even uneven wear (where one or two wheels are wearing out differently than the rest), it’s time to swap out your wheels for a new set.
- Always check your bearings along with your wheels, as bearings can need lubrication to keep rolling smoothly and quickly.
- Clear away dirt, debris, and any other kind of buildup that might collect under your wheels to prevent damage or a lack of smooth rolling.
- Remove your wheels every so often to give them a more thorough cleaning from the outside inwards.
Best Roller Skate Wheel FAQs:
Wondering what other factors might affect your roller skate wheels? If you’re coming up with more questions than answers in your search for the best wheels, you definitely aren’t alone. Find the answers to some commonly asked questions about choosing the perfect set of roller skate wheels right here.
You’ll want to look specifically for roller skate wheels to make sure the wheels you choose fit and work properly. However, some wheels can be used for other purposes — for example, many skateboard wheels can be used as roller skate wheels.
Yes, size matters. Smaller wheels can be more agile, which is ideal for speed and quick maneuvers. Larger wheels take more time to get rolling, but they roll longer and are great for maintaining speed over distances.
Roller blades and roller skates can both be used outside — but you’ll want to make sure you have outdoor-ready wheels on your skates.
Our Top Pick
We choose the Sure-Grip Boardwalk Outdoor Wheels as our pick for the overall best skate wheels. One of the main reasons is due to their design. They are a softer wheel with a 78A hardness rating, so they are perfect for skating on boardwalks, trails, or sidewalks. They’re also rather sleek and come in five colors and styles, so you can match the look of your skates, helmet, and pads.Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a durable set of skate wheels that also look great, consider the Sure-Grip Boardwalk Outdoor Wheels. The skate wheels come in a full set of eight, glide smoothly, and are long lasting. However, if you need something more budget friendly, check out the Mafffoliverr Roller Skate Wheels. They are a reliable set of wheels set at a much lower price.
Sources:
- Roller Skates – Wikipedia
- Rolling Skating – Wikipedia
