Skateboard wheels are made from polyurethane. Though they are all made of the same material, the structure and of course style of skateboards wheels is totally versatile. The formula behind skate wheel making varies from company to company so it is best to stick with reputable companies if you want a good wheel.

Before you get caught up in what a wheel looks like, you need to consider what the wheel will add to your skating experience. The basic differences in wheels are found in the durometer (hardness and durability) of the wheel and its size. These elements give the skater the ability to choose the perfect wheel for the style of skating they desire.

Durometer

Durometer is the measurement of the hardness of the skate board wheel as well as its durability. It determines how fast a wheel will go, what kind of grip it provides, and the feel of the ride. A harder wheel will give a faster ride, but will absorb fewer vibrations and has poor grip. Harder wheels are designed more for street skaters whereas soft wheels are more for longboarding and downhilling. Softer wheels are slower and provide a smoother ride because they are more absorbent. Because the urethane is softer, they will wear faster than harder wheels.

DUROMETER
Hardness	How it rides
87A	Made for very hard surfaces. Good for longboards, cruise riding, and downhilling. Provides exceptional grip and a smooth ride
95A	Made for hard surfaces. Good for street skating. Forfeiting some grip, but still smooth, fast, and will last longer
97A	Made for smooth surfaces. Good for street, ramp, park, and pool skating. Has some grip and speed
100A	Not good for surfaces that are too rough or smooth. Absorbs no vibrations and has no grip. Many pros choice.

Size

The basics behind the size of the skate boardwheel have to do with speed. The larger the wheel, the faster it will go because with every rotation, the wheel covers more surface area. Large wheels are also wider giving them they extra stability to back up the speed. So, in saying that, smaller wheels are slower. Why would anyone want smaller wheels? Simple, smaller wheels are optimal for street skating because they adhere to tricks better than larger wheels. Though they are faster, larger wheels are also heavier making it more difficult to achieve maximum air.

SIZES
Size	How it rides
52-55MM	Slower riding. Good for street, park, and pool skating. Good for smaller skaters
56-60MM	Slightly faster. Good for street, park, pool, and vert ramp skating. Good for all size riders
60+MM	Best for longboards and old-school boards. Good for rough surfaces and speed.

We hope that this information will be helpful with the process in choosing which wheels are right for you. Keep in mind, however, that this choice is one of personal preference. Trial and error may be the only route in finding the perfect skateboard wheel for you.