Ever wonder why your skateboard feels like it’s flying one day and sticking to the pavement the next? Spoiler: it’s all about the wheels. Those little circles under your deck are the unsung heroes of your ride, dictating whether you’re zooming like Tony Hawk in a ‘90s arcade game or gripping the ground like Spider-Man. So, how do skateboard wheels affect speed and grip? Let’s roll into the nitty-gritty and break down the science with some street-smart swagger.

Wheel Size: Small for Tricks, Big for Speed

Skateboard wheels come in different sizes, and size does matter when it’s about speed and grip. Think of it like picking the right sneakers for the vibe.

Small Wheels (50-54mm): These are your go-to for street skating and tricks. They’re lightweight and keep your board low, making it easier to pop ollies or grind rails like you’re in a Sk8er Boi music video. But speed? Not their thing. They're grippy, sure—but slow.

Tip: Smaller wheels are preferred for technical tricks but are best used on smooth surfaces.

Big Wheels (55-60mm+): Want to cruise like you’re in a Fast and Furious montage? Bigger wheels roll faster and smoother, especially on rough surfaces. The trade-off? Less grip for tight tricks, but you’ll be flying down the street.

Bigger wheels handle cracks, pebbles, and uneven sidewalks better—great for cruising or downhill.

Ever hit a crack and felt your soul leave your body? Bigger wheels laugh at those obstacles. What’s your vibe—trick master or speed demon?

Wheel Hardness: Soft for Grip, Hard for Zoom

The durometer (hardness) of your wheels is like the personality of your ride—soft and clingy or hard and slippery. Measured in the “A” scale, it’s a game-changer.

Soft Wheels (83A or lower): These babies hug the ground like a cozy Euphoria vibe. Perfect for cruising rough streets or skateparks, they grip like nobody’s business but sacrifice speed. Think of them as your chill, all-terrain pals.But speed? Not their thing. They're grippy, sure—but slow.

Soft wheels are common in longboards and cruiser setups. Not usually ideal for doing flip tricks.

Hard Wheels (83A-99A+): Hard wheels are the hypebeasts of the wheel world—fast, slick, and built for smooth surfaces like skateparks. They slide easier for tricks but can feel like you’re skating on ice over gravel. Channel your inner Nyjah Huston with these.

Most street and park skaters use 99A–101A. Anything above 95A starts to feel faster but loses grip.

Ever tried powersliding on soft wheels? It’s like trying to dance in flip-flops. Pick your durometer based on your skate spot.

Wheel Shape and Contact Patch: The Secret Sauce

The shape and contact patch (where the wheel meets the pavement) are like the seasoning in your skate sesh. They fine-tune your speed and grip.

Rounded Edges: These wheels have a smaller contact patch, making them slide-happy for tricks and powerslides. They’re less grippy but faster, perfect for street skaters pulling Stranger Things Hawkins-level stunts.

Square Edges: More contact with the ground means more grip, ideal for carving or cruising. They’re slower but stick like glue—great for bombing hills or vibing at the boardwalk.

The wider the contact patch, the more stability and grip you’ll feel. Great for high-speed riding or beginners.

Ever wonder why your board feels like it’s on rails? That’s the contact patch working its magic.

How to Choose Your Wheels

Picking the right wheels is like building your perfect Spotify playlist—it’s gotta match your vibe. Ask yourself: Where am I skating?

• Skateparks love hard, small wheels for speed and slides.
  
  

• Rough streets? Go soft and big for grip and smoothness.
  
  

• Want to do it all? Mid-range (54-56mm, 83-85A) wheels are your compromise kings.
  
  

Hybrid wheels around 95A are great for those who want to cruise and still land tricks.

Pro Tip: Check your bearings too. Clean, high-quality bearings boost speed no matter the wheel. Dirty bearings? That’s like skating with lag in an online match—slow and frustrating.

Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try bigger wheels with a softer durometer for a grippy yet speedy cruise. It’s all about finding your flow.

Why Wheels Are Your Skateboard’s Soul

Your wheels are the heartbeat of your board, setting the tone for every kickflip, carve, or cruise. Small and hard for tricks, big and soft for speed, or somewhere in between—there’s no wrong choice, just your choice. They’re like the ultimate hype man, turning your ride into a story you tell with every push.

Ready to roll with the perfect wheels? Hit up Alcostashop’s skateboard wheel collection and find the set that matches your vibe. Keep shredding the streets!