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Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you or your loved ones love roller skating, we have compiled a list of the best roller skate wheels to help you glide smoothly. Roller skating is a fun activity involving concentration, balance, and coordination. However, regular skating can lead to wear and tear of the wheels. Thus, it is important to ensure the wheels are maintained properly for optimal performance. Our list includes high-quality, durable wheels that you can use as replacements or spare wheels. With various best-selling options available, choosing the right wheels may be challenging. So, explore our list to find suitable wheels from a trusted brand for a smooth ride.
Top Picks
Benefits Of Roller Skate Wheels
The right roller skate wheels offer the following benefits while skating:
- Help gain traction
- Bring maneuverability
- Offer good rebound
- Provide good grip
Types Of Roller Skate Wheels
Each type of wheel has its purpose based on the surface the wheel would be used upon.
- Outdoor skating wheels: These wheels are softer and larger, thus offering more surface area to outdoor roller elements. A low durometer range of 78 – 88A offers more grip.
- Jam skating wheels: The jam skating wheels are for dancers and gymnasts. With a durometer range of 93A – 96A, these wheels offer high agility while providing a strong grip.
- Roller derby skate wheels: Having a durometer range of 90 – 96A, these wheels offer good grip and speed. In addition, competitive roller derby wheels are light to wear.
- Artistic skate wheels: Narrow wheels are the common characteristics of artistic skate wheels as they tend to stick less on the surface. They also have a durometer range above 100A to offer more agility.
- Speed skate wheels:The speed roller skate wheels are slightly longer than the rest to provide quick acceleration. They are also harder and have a durometer range of 80 – 101A.
10 Best Roller Skate Wheels
1. Best Vibrant Colors:Sure-Grip Outdoor Aerobic Wheels
Available in vibrant colors such as black, blue, pink, green, yellow, red, and more, the aerobic wheels by Sure-Grip can match all your multi-colored skates. Made of durable materials, these stylish wheels are sold in a pack of eight, making them a complete package for your skating needs. Moreover, they measure 62mm x 38mm, making them compatible with standard-sized skates.
Pros
- 85A hardness
- Ideal for outdoor use
- Standard wheel size
- Easy to install
Cons
- Mat not include bearings
- Some may not like the shiny finish
"I’ve clocked in some hours on these wheels, and they have been perfect for performing advanced moves. They perform well on various surfaces and offer ample traction."
Did you know?2. Best Hybrid: Atom Skates Atom Pulse Outdoor Skating Wheels
Made of soft material, these outdoor roller skating wheels are great for all skill levels. These soft hybrid wheels roll smoothly on most surfaces. The 78A wheels are perfect for outdoor pavements, streets, and sidewalks. They are available in five different colors and are sold in packs of four, so you can mix and match them.
Pros
- Smooth-rolling
- Great for beach skating
- Stylish design
- Optimal hardness
Cons
- May not be suitable for waxed or wooden floors
- May not be great for experienced skaters
"After struggling to find the right pair, I am glad I found these that perfectly complement my outdoor adventures. I have tried them over rough patches and challenging terrains, and their performance and stability have impressed me."
3. Best For Recreational Skating: RollerBones Recreational Roller Skate Wheels
This set by Rollerbones includes eight skate wheels, and you can choose from the six different color options. These high-rebound indoor roller skate wheels are great for recreational and artistic skating. Each artistic skate wheel is made of materials that are medium-hard and long-lasting. The tried-and-tested wheels have a hardness of 101A and roll smoothly while providing a good grip on the rink floor.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Compatible with almost all adult skates
- Smooth gliding
- Good grip
Cons
- May not be suitable for bowl riding
- Beginners may find them hard
"After a year of rink and park skating, these wheels impressed me with their durability. They’re hard, so rough surfaces are felt, but they slide as expected. They have been of great help to me in transitioning to harder floors."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 122 fine reviews on Amazon.
Sure-Grip Outdoor Aerobic Wheels Best Vibrant Colors | Atom Skates Atom Pulse Outdoor Skating Wheels Best Hybrid | RollerBones Recreational Roller Skate Wheels Best For Recreational Skating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | black | Blue | Black |
| Material | - | Rubber | Urethane |
| Wheel Material | - | Polyurethane | - |
| Weight | - | 1.01 Pounds | 0.5 Kilograms |
| Dimensions | - | 5.2 x 5.1 x 1.6 inches | 4.6 x 4.3 x 2.4 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 42 | 44 | 122 |
| Price | $49 | $35 | $59.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Responsive: Radar Roller Skate Wheels
Radar wheels come in packs of four and measure 38 x 59mm. Each wheel is made of neothane that is durable and long-lasting. These derby wheels are lightweight and made of high-quality components that reduce friction and maximize speed, making them a trusted choice of many. The Radar Halo consists of an H-shaped hub that makes the wheels responsive and allows you to perform stops with ease. These time-tested skater wheels come in ten different color and hardness options to match any set or type of skates.
Pros
- Run smoothly
- Ideal for speed skating
- Easy to match with any skates
- Thoughtful design
- Ideal for casual indoor skating
Cons
- Not suitable for children
"This set of skating wheels strikes a decent balance between grip and glide–providing good speed and stability. While durability issues are notable, they don’t hinder the overall performance. In my opinion, they make a decent pick for roller derby."
Quick tip5. Best Medium-Hard: Rollerbones Turbo Wheels
The Rollerbone turbo wheels with 94A speed or derby are available in a pack of eight. These medium-hard skate wheels are made of urethane to offer a high-rebound and ensure long-lasting use. The 38mm wheels are a great pick if you’re a beginner and want to practice roller skating on wooden flooring.
Pros
- Features an aluminum hub
- Easy to ride
- Offer a good grip and roll
- Work on a variety of surfaces
Cons
- May not be suitable for untreated concrete floors
- May not be great for outdoor use
"In terms of precision and functionality, these wheels deliver. They offer a smooth ride and excellent grip, with a hardness that doesn’t compromise performance. I struggled with the initial setup, but overall, they have been a quality investment for regular skating."
Do remember6. Best For Traction: Sure-Grip Outdoor Aerobic Wheels
These super grip skates are best for outdoor skating, but some users find them apt for indoor skating too. Each high-quality wheel measures 62 x 38mm and has a hardness of 85A. The Sure-Grip wheels come in a pack of eight and are available in orange, red, black, blue, purple, yellow, pink, and green and will suit fancy roller skates. The polyurethane roller skate wheels have a good grip and provide excellent traction, making them one of the best roller skate wheels for outdoor use.
Pros
- Compatible with standard skate bearings
- Soft outer layer for easy gliding
- Suitable for trails and hills
- Suitable for marathons
Cons
- Not for smooth surfaces
- Need side set barrels to fit on the axles
"I enjoy mixing indoor and outdoor skating in my routine, and these wheels offer remarkable performance in both settings. Fitting the bearings into them was a bit tricky but manageable. I’ve been using these for roller dancing and figure skating."
7. Best For Tricks: Radar Wheels Roller Skate Wheels
Made of durable urethane, these roller skate wheels offer good grip on sidewalks, trails, and streets. The Radar Wheels are designed for agility and help you perform tricks on various types of outdoor surfaces. Each street roller skate wheel contains a micro hub that gives you a responsive and smooth ride. These wheels measure 31 x 57mm and have a hardness of 78A. They are available in clear blue, navy blue, red, and yellow.
Pros
- Optimally hard
- Trendy design
- Offer good control
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Small size makes transitions easy
Cons
- White print may flake off over time
"This set of wheels is quite versatile and suits both indoor and outdoor surfaces. With a reassuring grip, they offer control and a smooth ride. I recommend these to those seeking to upgrade their skating experience."
8. Best For Beginners:RollerBones 98A Roller Skate Wheels
Made of high-quality materials, the roller skate wheels by RollerBones are an ideal choice for those learning to skate. The hard roller skate wheels come in a pack of eight and are available in two sizes — 57mm and 62mm — to match different-sized skates. As they boast a thickness of 30mm and 98A hardness, these tried-and-tested wheels are suitable for recreational as well as beginner skaters.
Pros
- Durable
- Well-built
- Available in multiple colors
- Suitable for outdoor use
Cons
- Colors might vary
- May not be suitable for indoor use
"I’ve tried various skating wheels, but this set has been a delight to test! It offers impressive stability for advanced moves and glides smoothly on hard surfaces. They are a great choice for regular sessions at the skating rink."
9. Best Grip: Riedell Sonar Wheels Zen Quad Roller Skate Wheels
Image: Riedell The Riedell sonar skate wheels are made of urethane that is durable and gives a long-lasting grip on the rink floor, sidewalk, or street. These quad skate wheels are designed to reduce friction and maximize speed on various types of surfaces and are great for outdoor skating. The wheel design also offers easier performance stops and excellent handling for trail skating. These wheels come in a pack of four and eight different colors. They measure 32 x 62mm and have a hardness of 85A.
Pros
- Great for casual skating
- Cost-effective
- Suitable for beginners
- Suitable for polished concrete
Cons
- May take time to break in
"These wheels impressed me with their versatility–performing well both indoors and outdoors. Transitioning and footwork are pretty smooth with these, and they handle small debris well. They are a solid choice for beginners and suit several terrains."
10. Best Sturdy:Bont Skates Evolve Roller Derby Skate Wheels
Bont’s Evolve skate wheels have superior grip and high-roll rebound properties. Its outer body is made of ultra high-grade urethane, and its hub is designed via CAD and constructed of lightweight polycarbonate. The wheels measure 4.9 x 4.9 x 1.7 inches and come in a pack of four and eight. While the 98A hardness wheels are suitable for outdoor use, the slightly softer 92A one can be used on indoor and outdoor compounds.
Pros
- Rigid structure
- Wear-resistant
- Facilitates high-speed cornering
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Colors might vary
- May not be suitable for slippery surfaces
"I recently replaced my previous set with these wheels on my skates and was amazed by their performance, especially during t-stops and plow stops. While still a bit on the harder side, they provide good balance."
How To Choose The Right Roller Skate Wheels?
Here are a few things to keep in mind while looking for replacement wheels for your roller skates.
- Wheel hardness: The hardness of the wheel is an important factor, as it determines the usage of the wheels and how safe they are on different surfaces. Wheels with a hardness grade of 78A-89A work best for outdoors and slippery floors, while harder wheels with a hardness of 90A-103A are suitable for indoors and sticky floors. The lower the hardness number, the softer the roller skate wheels.
- Wheel diameter: This is one more crucial factor as it determines the overall height of your skates, which in turn affects the acceleration, roll time, speed stability, and the weight of the wheel. Here is a chart to help you understand the wheel diameter better.
| WHEEL DIAMETER (MM) | USE |
|---|---|
| 45mm | Artistic, freestyle |
| 57mm-58mm | Derby, speed, jam, artistic |
| 59mm- 62mm | Derby, speed, jam |
| 65mm- 70mm | Outdoor, long-track speed |
- Lips: These are the edges of the wheel and can affect the overall grip of the wheels. Square lips (pointy edges) have a maximum contact patch and more grip, whereas rounded lips, which are generally found in cruiser roller skate wheels, give less traction and provide more cruise ability, making them great for outdoor adventures.
- Wheel core: The innermost portion of the wheel is known as the core or the hub. This is also the place where the skate inner bearings snap in place. Usually, these are made of nylon, which is light, less rigid, and more affordable. An aluminum core is the strongest and most rigid and does not give you much traction. A hollow core is relatively light and can provide you with good acceleration.
- Brand: It is ideal to opt for field-tested wheels from brands that showcase an in-depth expertise in manufacturing roller skate wheels for superior performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are roller skate wheels universal?
No, roller skate wheels are not universal since they are available in various sizes, shapes, and ranges. Roller skate wheels also vary based on the type of skating.
2. How long does it take to learn roller skating?
On an average, it may take up to 20 hours to learn roller skating. These hours should be spread out between ten rides of one to two hours each. Start with learning the basics such as balancing, accelerating, stopping, and turning. Then, practice regularly to perfect each step.
3. Do wheels matter on roller skates?
In most cases, the type of wheels could be influenced by the level of your expertise. Beginners may be encouraged to use soft roller skate wheels, while the harder ones could suit seasoned skaters.
4. What is the difference between 57mm and 62mm skate wheels?
The former offers more movement due to its comparatively small diameter, making them great freestyle roller skate wheels. The latter, on the other hand, is bigger, and hence, offers more traction, making them more suitable for indoor skating.
5. What is the difference between indoor and outdoor roller skate wheels?
The main difference is their firmness levels. Indoor roller skates require harder wheels, while outdoor skates need softer wheels to be pliable enough on rough surfaces.
6. What are 80A wheels good for?
Being softer wheels, they can be good for smooth cruising outdoors. The letter after the number generally denotes the density levels of the wheel. ‘A’ mostly signifies that the wheel has the least density.
7. Should I rotate my roller skate wheels?
To ensure that all the wheels wear evenly and at the same time, it could be useful to rotate the wheels every few months. It also helps to reduce the chances of flat spots.
Why Trust MomJunction?
After viewing and analyzing multiple products and user reviews on e-commerce websites and forums, we have compiled a list of the best roller skate wheels. These top-rated and best-selling products from trusted brands are carefully picked by our writers and reviewers for their high-quality build and optimal performance. This article also lists the type of roller skate wheels so you can choose one based on your preference. Further, it includes a buying guide section that will lead you to a custom roller skate wheel set that meets all your requirements.
Roller skate wheels will be subjected to wear and tear, and so, you may have to replace them often. Remember all these points while choosing replacement wheels, as the performance of the skates depends on these. We hope this list helps you pick the right set of roller skate wheels.
The Bottom Line
Roller skating is fun and games until your roller skate wheels are smooth. However, they witness wear and tear with time, especially when used regularly. Investing in roller skate wheels that work as replacements for your worn-out wheels can make roller skating fun again. When buying roller skate wheels, pay attention to the hardness of the wheels. While harder wheels are suited for indoor roller skating and on sticky floors, settling for relatively soft wheels is recommended when you use the roller skate outdoors or on slippery floors. We recommend the durable Sure-Grip Outdoor Aerobic Wheels, which are easy to install and suitable for outdoor use, and the high-rebound RollerBones Recreational Roller Skate Wheels, which offer a good grip and are suitable for indoor use.
Infographic: A Quick Guide To Roller Skate Wheels
A well-designed roller skate wheel helps you maneuver smoothly with less effort. However, note that each wheel type suits a certain skating style. Check out the different roller skate wheels mentioned in the infographic below. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
How we chose the list
We researched the various functions of roller skate wheels and how each type suits various requirements. Then, we shortlisted the products that met the quality standards, affordability, and suitability. We have also considered the reviews of actual users from multiple websites and incorporated them in our analysis.
References
- Roller Skating
https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/sports/roller-skating - The History Behind the Roller Skating Trend
https://daily.jstor.org/the-history-behind-the-roller-skating-trend/
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