If you’ve ever tried to cruise around town with regular 99a skateboard wheels, you know the massive difference a cruiser wheel can make. Skating hard skatepark wheels makes you feel every single bump and crack in the road. With soft, cruiser-style skateboard wheels, everything gets absorbed and you can roll smoothly no matter how bad the concrete is.
For skaters who use their boards to commute around town, get to work, or even skate to the skatepark, having cruiser wheels just creates an overall more positive experience.
The first time I ever slapped on a set of cruiser wheels onto my skateboard, I couldn’t believe how much smoother it felt to skate. Rather than dreading the endless vibrations skating home on the sidewalk, I could actually enjoy getting around.
Heck, I even started taking the long way from time to time.
Now if you’re like me when I first bought a set of cruiser wheels, you aren’t exactly sure what makes the “right” wheel. So to help make the process of finding a wheel easy, let’s break down every aspect that goes into the perfect cruiser wheel.
What Makes A Skateboard Wheel Good For Cruising?
The ideal skateboard wheel for cruising has a 56mm – 60mm diameter, with a durometer of 78a to 85a. A larger wheel is best for maintaining speed while you skate, which makes it easier to cruise. With a soft wheel like 78a, any bumps, rocks, or cracks in the road are absorbed to create a smooth ride.
If you’re completely lost as to why wheel size and hardness make any difference in how fast or smooth your board rolls, don’t worry. Let’s break down each of these factors individually to give you a better understanding of what makes a cruiser wheel “good.”
1. Wheel Hardness (Durometer)
The biggest factor of a good cruiser wheel is the wheel durometer. The durometer rating of a wheel lets you know exactly how hard or soft a wheel is. With a softer wheel, any bumps or rough cement you skate through is better absorbed compared to a harder wheel. That’s why cruiser wheels are generally much softer than skatepark-specific wheels where the concrete is smooth.
Durometer ratings are measured on a 100-point scale known as the A-scale. The closer the wheel is rated to 100, the harder the wheel will be. That means that a 78a wheel will be much softer than a 99a wheel for example.
The “a” beside the number simply indicates the scale that is being used, which is the A-scale in this case.
Now it’s worth noting that some manufacturers use the B-scale for their durometer ratings. This scale is the equivalent of 20-points less than the A-scale, meaning a 79b wheel would be the same hardness as a 99a wheel, which is considered a hard wheel.
Besides the smoothness lower durometers offer on rough ground, they also tend to grip better the softer the wheel is. That’s because the wheel has more friction against the ground and can even “mold” to the ground more responsively than a hard wheel. When leaning hard into turns, that added grip can be handy to have.
Especially for beginners, a softer wheel is sometimes preferred since it feels more stable than much harder wheels.
With all that said, you might want a cruiser-style wheel that you can still do powerslides with. In that case, you need to opt for a medium-hard durometer such as 85a. With a harder wheel, you get less grip which makes it easier to slide. Luckily around 85a, you still get a smooth ride on rough concrete, so it’s not too much of a trade-off.
2. Wheel Size (Diameter)
The next factor that makes a great skateboard wheel for cruising is its size. In general, larger wheels roll faster and hold speed better than smaller wheels. How that translates into your skating is that you can roll further with less effort. With a larger wheel, you can literally spend more time cruising since you aren’t needing to push as often.
The ideal cruiser wheel size in my experience is 60mm, however, 58mm – 62mm could be considered as a good general range.
Although larger wheels are better for skating around, they make tricks increasingly difficult as they are noticeably heavier than smaller wheels. If you are looking for a soft wheel that you can still do tricks with, you’ll need to opt for a wheel under 55mm. Trying to do a simple varial flip with 60mm wheels is nothing short of miserable.
Another factor to consider is with larger wheels comes the need for riser pads. Riser pads are small plastic blocks that mount between your truck’s baseplate and your deck. They come in 1/8″, 1/4″, and 1/2″ sizes, each lifting your board further from your wheels based on their thickness. For wheels that are 56mm and above, getting a riser will be crucial to avoid wheel bite.
The only downside to risers is that they raise your center of gravity, which can make beginner skaters feel more wobbly on the board at first. If you’ve been skating for a while, risers won’t throw off your balance nearly as much.
3. Contact Patch Width
The contact patch is the amount of wheel surface that actually makes contact with the ground. With a wider contact patch, you get a better grip, while a more narrow contact patch is easier to powerslide.
Most cruiser wheels resemble the shape of a longboard wheel with a wide and flat contact patch. These wider wheels feel far more secure to skate on and remain stable at high speeds or while turning.
There are some exceptions to this, as you’ll see in the list below, with cruiser wheels that have narrow contact patches. These aren’t as ideal for beginners but are perfect for anyone looking for a soft wheel that’s easy to powerslide. Since there’s less surface area against the ground, it takes a lot less effort to get your board sideways on the pavement.
4. Consider What You Want From The Wheel
You can hmm and ha over the right wheel specs for cruising all day long, but what it ultimately comes down to is what you want out of the wheel. Depending on your style of skating and what “cruising” means to you, the type of wheel you choose will change.
If you’re someone who wants a cruiser wheel to get around town and doesn’t plan on doing tricks, getting a bigger, softer wheel is the way to go. I’d recommend a 60mm – 62mm wheel with a 78a durometer for the most comfortable ride.
Now if you’re the type of skater who wants to skate smoothly over rough roads, but still pop the occasional trick or stop by the skatepark, you’ll want a smaller and slightly harder wheel. In this case, you should look for a wheel that’s 53mm – 56mm with an 83a -85a durometer.
Finally, if you just want to rip as fast as possible and powerslide your skateboard, getting a larger wheel with a harder durometer is the way to go. A 58mm – 65mm wheel with an 83a – 85a durometer will do just the trick.
With all this said, just remember that with any wheel 56mm and above, you will want a riser pad. I have added suggested riser pad sizes for each wheel in this list, but I want to stress this again so you don’t end up with terrible wheel bite.
Also, remember that you will need longer hardware to fit your riser pads. For example, a 1/8″ and 1/4″ riser requires 1 1/4″ hardware, and a 1/2″ riser requires 1 1/2″ hardware.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
So now that you have an idea of what makes a good cruiser wheel based on your skating style, here are 12 of my favorite cruiser wheels perfect for all types of skaters.
The 12 Best Skateboard Wheels For Cruising
1. Bones ATF Rough Rider Wheels (80a)
Wheel Profile – Wide
Size Options – 56mm, 59mm
Colors – Green, Red, Black, White
Wheel Surface – Smooth
Best For – Cruising on rough roads
| Size | 56MM | 59mm |
|---|---|---|
| Width (MM) | 39 | 44 |
| Contact Patch (MM) | 31 | 33 |
| Recommended Riser Size (IN) | 1/8″ | 1/4″ |
Bones is one of the most durable and reputable wheel brands in skateboarding, and their All-Terrain Formula (ATF), rolls like butter on rough concrete. This particular wheel has a longboard-style wheel shape with a relatively large contact patch that gives you exceptional grip even when laying hard into a turn.
At 80a and having as wide a contact patch as it does, this wheel isn’t the best for sliding if that’s what you’re looking for. Instead, this wheel shines as a general cruiser wheel to get you around town smoothly.
The nice thing about the wheel sizes here is there is the option for smaller diameters at 56mm, meaning you don’t need as large of a riser pad. With larger riser pads, your board may feel more wobbly, while also making your bushings feel less stiff since you gain more leverage over the trucks. With the 56mm wheel, you can get away with a 1/8″ riser that is hardly noticeable to skate on.
Just keep in mind that the smaller wheel doesn’t hold speed as well as the larger 59mm option. It’s a bit of a trade-off, but maybe worthwhile depending on your opinion of riser pads.
2. Santa Cruz Slime Ball Cruiser Wheels (78a)
Wheel Profile – Wide
Size Options – 60mm, 66mm
Colors – Assorted
Wheel Surface – Stone Ground
Best For – Smooth cruising on even the roughest roads
| Size | 60MM | 66MM |
|---|---|---|
| Width (MM) | 40.4 | 47 |
| Contact Patch (MM) | 30.1 | 37 |
| Recommended Riser Size (IN) | 1/4″ | 1/2″ |
The Slimeballs are one of the most classic cruiser wheels around with an uber soft durometer that rolls smooth on rough, or even pebbly roads. At 78a this is one of the softest cruiser durometers you’ll find, and it’s awesome for commuting with.
Being that this wheel is so soft, it’s also exceptionally grippy. Although it is possible to slide with this wheel, it’s pretty difficult on flat ground without a ton of momentum. For skaters who aren’t familiar with powerslides yet, these wheels aren’t forgiving to learn with.
However, if powerslides aren’t very important to you, these wheels are one of the best options for riding around town. Being that they also have a larger diameter, they roll over cracks without even a hiccup and don’t get hung up on small rocks. They just keep the good times rolling.
Just remember that they are a minimum of 60mm, so you will absolutely need a riser pad to avoid wheel bite.
3. OJ Hot Juice Wheels (78a)
Wheel Profile – Wide
Size Options – 60mm
Colors – Orange, Black
Wheel Surface – Smooth
Best For – Cruising on any road
| Size | 60MM |
|---|---|
| Width (MM) | 43.45 |
| Contact Patch (MM) | 41.73 |
| Recommended Riser Size | 1/4″ |
The OJ Hot Juice Cruiser wheels are extremely soft, ultra-grippy, and are the current set of cruiser wheels I skate. For pushing around town on sidewalks, rough roads, or even smooth paths, these wheels are a treat to skate.
Despite having only one diameter option, 60mm is a solid diameter for cruising since it holds momentum better than smaller wheels. That means you can spend more time “cruising” and less time pushing.
At 78a, these wheels are extremely soft and pretty difficult to slide, however, it is possible with enough willpower. I’d suggest going with these if you want a durable, smooth-riding, and quiet set of cruiser wheels if you aren’t picky about the diameter.
Once again, since these wheels are 60mm, you will need at least a 1/4″ riser to fit these on your board. I skate them with a 1/2″ riser to get a bit more out of my turns without wheel bite.
4. OJ Mini Super Juice Cruiser Wheels (78a)
Wheel Profile – Wide
Size Options – 55mm
Colors – Assorted
Wheel Surface – Smooth
Best For – Cruising rough cement without risers
| Size | 55MM |
|---|---|
| Width (MM) | 42.73 |
| Contact Patch (MM) | 35.75 |
| Recommended Riser Size (IN) | N/A |
One of the major pains about putting cruiser wheels on a skateboard is the fact you usually need riser pads. Skating with riser pads can take some getting used to, which is where this wheel sets itself apart.
Although very comparable in feel to the OJ Hot Juice wheels, the Mini Super Juices are small enough to fit on your board without a riser. That way you can quickly get cruising without the need to install anything beyond your new wheels.
The only downside to the smaller wheel is that it doesn’t hold speed as well as a larger one. This means you will definitely find yourself pushing a bit more with these wheels. However, at 55mm, you could still comfortably ride these at the skatepark, or even do flat ground tricks if you wanted. Just remember 78a wheels will feel a bit spongey for tricks and are primarily meant for smooth skating on any concrete.
5. Krooked Zip Zinger Cruiser Wheels (80a)
Wheel Profile – Wide
Size Options – 54mm, 56mm, 58mm
Colors – White, Orange, Purple
Wheel Surface – Smooth
Best For – Cruising with the option for basic tricks
| Size | 54MM | 56MM | 58MM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width (MM) | 33.34 | 36.5 | 38.1 |
| Contact Patch (MM) | 19.05 | 23.8 | 25.4 |
| Recommended Riser Size (IN) | N/A | 1/8″ | 1/8″ – 1/4″ |
Similar to the previous option, the Krooked Zip Zinger cruisers have a few smaller diameters if you want to avoid installing a riser. At 80a, these wheels are still very soft, but they are some of the best cruiser wheels if you want the option to pop the occasional trick.
For riding at the skatepark these won’t roll very fast due to their softness, but for street skating or flat ground on a rough road, these are a solid wheel to skate.
Now if you just want to cruise and still love the old-school look of these wheels, the 58mm diameter will be pretty good at holding speed. For getting around town or commuting, the larger version of this wheel is the way to go. I’d suggest getting a 1/4″ riser if you go with the 58mm wheels so you have a bit more space for turning.
6. Powell Peralta G-Slides (85a)
Wheel Profile – Wide
Size Options – 56mm, 59mm
Colors – White, Black, Red
Wheel Surface – Smooth
Best For – Cruising focused skaters who want the option to do tricks and powerslides
| Size | 56MM | 59MM |
|---|---|---|
| Width (MM) | 38 | 40 |
| Contact Patch (MM) | 31.5 | 35 |
| Riser Size (IN) | 1/8″ | 1/4″ – 1/2″ |
Now if you’ve been looking for a cruiser wheel that also powerslides like butter, here’s your wheel. At 85a this is a harder cruiser wheel, but it is far easier to slide than any 78a or 80a cruiser wheel.
The G-Slides are made with Powell’s SSF (Soft Slide Formula), which helps the wheels maintain their shape even after tons of sliding. This formula also helps the urethane to slide with less resistance, making them a lot of fun to skate for any skill level.
A unique aspect about these wheels is the varied durometers, with a harder core, and a softer 85a urethane on the outside. This improves the wheel’s rebound to carry its momentum when hitting bumps, cracks, or rocks on the road.
If you want a cruiser wheel that’s smooth enough, but a ton of fun to slide, definitely go with this wheel. However, if you just want the smoothest possible ride, this wheel will likely be a bit too “bumpy” for your tastes.
7. Sector 9 Butterballs ( 80a)
Wheel Profile – Wide
Size Options – 65mm, 70mm
Colors – White/Yellow
Wheel Surface – Stone Ground
Best For – Smooth cruising on any terrain with the option to slide
| Size | 65MM | 70MM |
|---|---|---|
| Width (MM) | 46.5 | 47.2 |
| Contact Patch (MM) | 38 | 38 |
| Recommended Riser Size (IN) | 1/2″ | 1/2″+ |
With the Sector 9 Butterballs, you’re essentially putting a longboard wheel on a skateboard, but it can work if you use a 1/2″ riser. Although these wheels are available in 70mm, you’ll have a pretty miserable time with them on your skateboard. Instead, opt for the 65mm to help avoid wheel bite when putting these on a standard skateboard deck.
At 80a these wheels roll smoothly over cracks and rough roads, and with such a large diameter, they roll for days without needing to push. The only downside is that with the larger wheel comes a bit less room to lean hard into a turn without getting wheel bite.
These wheels also have a rounded lip and stone-ground finish that roughens the surface of the wheel out of the box. This helps make the wheel easier to slide compared to other wheels if sliding is important to you.
Ultimately, these wheels are a solid choice if you want a fast-rolling cruiser wheel, and you don’t intend to do any tricks.
8. Orangatang Skiff Slasher Cruiser Wheels (80a/83a/86a)
Wheel Profile –
Size Options –
Colors – Orange (80a), Purple (83a), Yellow (86a)
Wheel Surface –
Best For – Cruising & Sliding
| Size | 62MM |
|---|---|
| Width (MM) | 35 |
| Contact Patch (MM) | 25 |
| Recommended Riser Size (IN) | 1/4″ – 1/2″ |
Although most cruiser wheels have a wide contact patch, these wheels have a more traditional contact patch similar to skatepark wheels. That makes them exceptionally easy to slide with, and a ton of fun to skate. There are also a variety of durometer options depending on how smooth of a ride you want.
For the smoothest possible ride, opt for the 80a version. However, if you want to slide all day long, opt for the 86a version.
Unfortunately, there is only one size option for these wheels, but 62mm is a solid diameter for keeping speed. Similar to the Powell Peralta G-slides previously mentioned, these wheels have a harder inner core which improves the rebound and enhances the rolling resistance of the softer urethane.
For cruising and sliding, these wheels are one of the best options to go with. However, they are pretty big and clunky if you want the option to do tricks from time to time.
9. Bones ATF Filmers (80a)
Wheel Profile – Wide
Size Options – 54mm, 56mm, 60mm
Colors – White
Wheel Surface – Smooth
Best For – Cruising on all types of concrete, easier to powerslide
| Size | 54MM | 56MM | 60MM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width (MM) | 33 | 34 | 37 |
| Recommended Riser Size (IN) | N/A | 1/8″ | 1/4″ – 1/2″ |
The Bones ATF Filmers are one of the best cruiser wheels with a traditional skateboard wheel shape. They also have size options that don’t require a riser, making them another option if you want to avoid risers at all costs.
At 80a these wheels roll over just about anything without much vibration, and the more narrow contact patch makes them pretty easy to slide. With that said, 80a is still a very grippy wheel, so you can lay into turns without worry if powerslides aren’t your thing.
As with all Bones wheels, they are incredibly long-lasting and reasonably priced considering their high quality. If you want a fast and long rolling wheel, opt for the 60mm diameter; but if you want a smooth ride while still being able to do tricks, opt for the 54mm.
10. Spitfire Chargers Cruiser Wheels (80a)
Wheel Profile – Wide
Size Options – 54mm, 56mm
Colors – White/Blue
Wheel Surface – Smooth
Best For – Cruising while still being able to do tricks
| Size | 54MM | 56MM |
|---|---|---|
| Width (MM) | 35 | 35.6 |
| Contact Patch (MM) | 23 | 23.5 |
| Recommended Riser Size (IN) | N/A | 1/8″ |
Spitfire is one of the longest-lasting and most flat spot resistant wheels I’ve skated, and these cruiser wheels are no exception. Although the durometer is technically rated 80HD, that’s Spitfire’s way of saying they’re actually 80a. For rough or smooth roads, these wheels roll like butter and have a solid grip when turning.
These wheels are a more versatile cruiser wheel since they come in smaller diameters. You could easily skate these at the skatepark, at a street spot, or just while commuting. Although they won’t roll as fast on smooth concrete due to their softness, they can be used just about anywhere.
If you’re looking for a wheel that’s great to skate on rough roads, but still works when at the skatepark, this should be your pick.
11. Ricta Clouds Cruiser Wheels (78a)
Wheel Profile – Medium
Size Options – 52mm, 53mm, 54mm, 55mm, 56mm, 57mm, 60mm
Colors – White, White/Blue, White/Red
Wheel Surface – Smooth
Best For – Cruising on rough roads or at the skatepark
| Size | 52MM | 53MM | 54MM | 55MM | 56MM | 57MM | 60MM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width (MM) | 31.8 | 34 | 34 | 34.5 | 34.5 | 35 | 43 |
| Contact Patch (MM) | 19.4 | 20.5 | 18.36 | 21 | 21.5 | 21.5 | 32 |
| Recommended Riser Size (IN) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1/8″ | 1/8″ | 1/4″ |
Although there are several different durometer ratings available for the Ricta Clouds, one of the best for cruising is the 78a version of the wheel. It rolls over anything and hardly transfers vibrations through the board, even on extremely rough roads. Given that there are so many wheel diameters to choose from, you can easily use this as a cruiser-specific, or a cruiser/trick hybrid wheel.
As I suggested with other wheels, opt for the smaller 52mm – 54mm wheels if you plan to use these as your everyday skating wheel. However, opt for a 55mm+ wheel if cruising is all you’ll be doing.
This 78a version of the wheel is incredible for rough road cruising. If you want a wheel that’s smooth on rough roads, but still good at the skatepark, opt for the Ricta Clouds 86a wheel instead. It’s the exact same, just with a harder durometer making it better suited for smooth concrete too.
12. Element Filmer Cruiser Wheels (78a)
Wheel Profile – Wide
Size Options – 60mm
Colors – Red, White,
Wheel Surface – Smooth
Best For – Cruising on rough roads
| Size | 60MM |
|---|---|
| Width (MM) | 45.5 |
| Contact Patch (MM) | 41 |
| Recommended Riser Size (IN) | 1/4″ |
The final cruiser wheel to consider is the Element Filmer wheel which is your classic wide-profiled smooth rolling wheel. With a 78a durometer, you can skate over bumps, cracks, or small rocks without any issues and feel hardly any vibrations through the board.
Since these wheels only come in 60mm, they are a cruiser-specific wheel that won’t serve you well for doing tricks. Luckily, for skating around town and holding speed, these wheels get the job done.
It’s worth noting that these wheels are semi-translucent and they can start to look dirtier faster than solid-color wheels. Element isn’t necessarily known for its wheels, but since these are the cheapest cruiser wheels on the list, they are worth looking into if you’re on a budget.
Just remember to get a 1/4″ riser at the minimum to fit these wheels on your skateboard.
So Which Cruiser Wheels Should You Choose?
To make the choice easier, let’s give you some straight answers.
If you’re looking for a great cruiser wheel that’s perfect for skating on any road, sidewalk, or bumpy back alley, go for the OJ Hot Juice Cruiser Wheels or the Bones ATF Rough Riders Wheels.
For those who want a soft cruiser wheel that’s still enjoyable at the skatepark, go for the Ricta Clouds or the Bones ATF Filmers.
Lastly, if you just want to powerslide everywhere you go while still having a buttery smooth ride, opt for the Sector 9 Butterballs in 65mm or the Orangatang Skiff Slashers.
I wouldn’t blame you with all these choices if you still feel a bit overwhelmed by your options. To help narrow down your wheel choices based on other types of skating, check out my other skateboard wheel buying guides below:
- Best skateboard wheels for rough roads
- Best skateboard wheels for skateparks
- Best skateboard wheels for bowl & pools
- Best skateboard wheels for tricks & street
- Best skateboard wheels for beginners
Happy Shredding!
Brendan 🙂
