What Are Skateboard Wheels Made Of? (Answered)
Skateboard wheels are made of polyurethane, a synthetic rubber that offers grip, durability, and shock absorption. Before the 1970s, wheels were made of steel or clay, but polyurethane revolutionized performance and comfort in modern skateboarding.
But there’s more to it than that.
In this guide, we’ll explore what skateboard wheels are made of, how they’re constructed, why polyurethane is used, and how wheel size, shape, and hardness affect performance.
The movie ‘Lords of Dogtown’ (one of my favorite skateboard movies) did a great job of showing how polyurethane wheels helped change the game.
The Material: Polyurethane
Why Polyurethane?
Modern skateboard wheels are made entirely from polyurethane, a type of synthetic rubber known for its flexibility, durability, and shock absorption. Before polyurethane took over, skateboard wheels were made from steel or clay, which offered little grip and a rough ride.
Polyurethane was a game-changer. It’s strong, grippy, and versatile—ideal for everything from cruising to hard-hitting tricks.
Benefits of Polyurethane
- Great grip and control: Ideal for technical tricks and tight turns
- Durability: Handles rough terrain and heavy use
- Shock absorption: Smoother ride on cracks, bumps, and gaps
- Customizability: Wheel manufacturers can change the formula to adjust grip, hardness, and rebound
Downsides
- Not eco-friendly: Polyurethane is petroleum-based and tough to recycle
- Resource intensive: Production requires a lot of energy and chemicals
Despite the drawbacks, polyurethane remains the best material available for skateboard wheels.
How Are Skateboard Wheels Made?
Skateboard wheels are manufactured using a casting and curing process:
- Polyurethane liquid mix is poured into a mold.
- The mix is cured under heat to solidify the shape.
- The wheel is cooled and removed from the mold.
- Edges are cut and sanded for precision.
- Branding and graphics are added last.
Some brands modify the process with special additives or layered urethane for speed, grip, or flat-spot resistance.
Components of a Skateboard Wheel
Skateboard wheels are simple in structure. Most are either:
1. Standard Wheels
- Made entirely of solid polyurethane
- Bearings are inserted directly into the wheel’s center
2. Core Wheels
- Feature a plastic core inside the polyurethane
- The core reduces weight, improves spin, and keeps bearings securely in place
Bearings themselves are not part of the wheel—they’re installed separately and allow the wheels to spin freely. Read our in-depth guide on how to choose skateboard bearings.
A Quick Look Back: The History of Skateboard Wheels
In the early days, skateboards used metal or clay wheels, which were rigid, unsafe, and hard to control.
That changed in the early 1970s when Frank Nasworthy invented the first urethane wheel. This invention revolutionized skateboarding, making it faster, smoother, and far more accessible.
Ever since, polyurethane has been the go-to material for nearly every wheel on the market, including those for scooters and rollerblades.
Do Wheel Size and Shape Matter?
Absolutely.
Wheel Diameter (Size)
Wheel size is measured in millimeters (mm). Common sizes range from 50mm to 75mm.
| Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| 50–53mm | Technical tricks and street skating |
| 54–59mm | All-around use and beginners |
| 60mm+ | Cruising, filming, and rough surfaces |
Smaller wheels accelerate faster but have lower top speeds. Larger wheels roll faster and smoother but accelerate slower.
Wheel Shape (Lip Profile)
| Lip Shape | Best For |
|---|---|
| Sharp Lip | Carving, commuting |
| Round Lip | Slides, park, freestyle |
The lip shape affects traction and how the board handles turns. Sharper lips grip better, while round lips slide easier.
What Is Durometer? (Wheel Hardness)
Durometer is how we measure a wheel’s hardness. Most skateboard wheels are measured on the A scale, ranging from 78a to 101a.
| Durometer | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 78a–87a | Soft | Rough roads, cruising, beginners |
| 88a–95a | Medium | Versatile use, some tricks |
| 96a–99a | Hard | Skateparks, street, technical tricks |
| 100a+ | Very Hard | Fast, aggressive park skating |
- Softer wheels = more grip, smoother ride, slower speed
- Harder wheels = faster speed, more slide, less grip
Some brands use the B scale (20 points lower than A). For example, a 100a wheel is roughly equivalent to an 80b. See the list of our favorite skateboard wheels.
Types of Skateboard Wheels
Not all skateboard wheels are built for the same kind of riding. While they’re all made of polyurethane, the formulas, shapes, and profiles vary depending on purpose.
| Wheel Type | Best Use |
|---|---|
| Street Wheels | Flips, ledges, rails |
| Cruiser Wheels | Commuting, sidewalks, rough roads |
| Park Wheels | Skateparks, bowls, vert ramps |
| Longboard Wheels | Downhill speed, carving |
Street and park wheels are generally smaller and harder, while cruisers and longboards use larger, softer wheels for a smoother ride.
Which Skateboard Wheel Brands Are Best?
Even though nearly all skateboard wheels are made of polyurethane, not all wheels are created equal. Brands use different urethane formulas, molds, and production techniques to give their wheels unique feel and performance. Whether you’re looking for something smooth and grippy or fast and hard, here are the top skateboard wheel brands trusted by beginners and pros alike.
Spitfire Wheels – Best for Performance and Durability
Spitfire is arguably the most well-known skateboard wheel brand on the market—and for good reason. Their Formula Four line is famous for its:
- Exceptional durability (resists flat spots)
- Long-lasting rebound and slide control
- Multiple hardness levels (99a and 101a for street/park)
Many pros swear by Spitfire Formula Fours for both street and park. They’re ideal for skaters who need a reliable, fast, and smooth wheel that holds up under pressure.
Popular pick: Spitfire Formula Four Classic 99a – Great for technical tricks and powerslides.
Bones Wheels – Best for Street and Technical Skating
Bones Wheels are another industry leader, particularly known for their STF (Street Tech Formula) and ATF (All-Terrain Formula) urethane blends.
- STF: Designed for hard street skating, flips, and slides
- ATF: Great for rougher terrain—ideal if you’re commuting on sidewalks or filming in sketchy spots
- No flat spots guarantee on most STF models
Bones wheels tend to feel slightly harder than competitors at the same durometer, giving them a fast, snappy ride that’s perfect for ledges, stairs, and manual pads.
Popular pick: Bones STF V5 Sidecuts 103a – Built for grinds, slides, and rough street spots.
Ricta Wheels – Best All-Around Option for Beginners
Ricta is a versatile brand offering everything from soft cruiser wheels to hard street and park models. Their Clouds series is especially popular among skaters who want a quiet ride over rough pavement without sacrificing too much control.
- Ricta Clouds (78a–92a): Great for hybrid setups and filming
- Ricta Sparx and Speedrings: Harder durometers for tricks
Ricta is a solid middle ground—especially for skaters still figuring out what terrain and riding style they prefer.
Popular pick: Ricta Clouds 86a – Soft enough to cruise, hard enough to trick.
OJ Wheels – Best for Cruising and Old School Style
OJ Wheels have roots going back to the ’70s, and today they’re loved by cruiser skaters, pool riders, and those looking for a classic look with modern urethane.
- Super Juice and Mini Super Juice wheels are thick and soft (78a)
- Elite Hardline wheels cater to bowl and transition riders
- Bright retro-inspired colorways
OJ is often the go-to brand for filming setups, sidewalk commutes, and vintage reissues.
Popular pick: OJ Mini Super Juice 78a – Buttery smooth ride for commuting or filming lines.
Powell Peralta Wheels – Best for Bowls, Pools, and Vert
Powell Peralta has been an iconic name in skateboarding since the 1980s, and their wheels are still a favorite in transition skating circles.
- Dragon Formula (93a): One of the most innovative blends—rides soft, slides hard
- Park Ripper and G-Bones: Designed for bowls and vert
- Super durable with a nostalgic aesthetic
Their Dragon Formula wheels are unique—they feel soft on rough surfaces but still slide like a harder wheel. Great if you want speed and grip without too much chatter.
Popular pick: Powell Peralta Dragons 93a – Ideal for mixed terrain and bowl skating.
Pro Tip: Match the Brand to Your Style
| Riding Style | Best Brand(s) |
|---|---|
| Street tricks | Spitfire, Bones |
| All-around beginner | Ricta, Powell Peralta (Dragon) |
| Cruising/filming | OJ, Ricta Clouds |
| Bowl/transition | Powell Peralta, Bones, Spitfire |
No matter which brand you choose, make sure you pair the right durometer, size, and shape with your skating goals.
Conclusion
So, what are skateboard wheels made of? The answer is polyurethane, through and through. It’s durable, customizable, and essential to modern skateboarding.
When choosing skateboard wheels, don’t just think about color or brand. Consider:
- Polyurethane quality
- Wheel size
- Lip shape
- Durometer
The right combo can make all the difference in your ride—whether you’re bombing hills, hitting the skatepark, or cruising through the city.
Are All Polyurethane Wheels the Same?
No. Skate companies use proprietary formulas to change wheel feel. Some wheels resist flat spots better, while others prioritize grip or speed.
Can I Recycle My Skateboard Wheels?
Unfortunately, polyurethane wheels are not easy to recycle. While some brands experiment with eco-friendly options, most wheels end up in the trash.
Are Bigger Wheels Better?
It depends on how you ride. Larger wheels are great for cruising and downhill, but not for tricks. Smaller wheels are better for street skating and technical performance.
Is Urethane the Same as Polyurethane?
Yes. In skateboarding, the terms are used interchangeably. Polyurethane is the full chemical name, but many skaters and manufacturers simply call it urethane.
