The wheels are the only connection between skate and tarmac. Diameter, hardness and profile determine how fast, how comfortable and how safe you are on the move – and how long a set of wheels lasts. This guide explains the most important figures and helps you find the right inline skate wheels.
Diameter: how big can the wheel be?
The diameter is given in millimetres. As a rule: the larger the wheel, the better it rolls over bumps and the longer it holds its speed. Smaller wheels accelerate faster, sit lower and make the skate more manoeuvrable.
- 80 mm to 90 mm: recreational and fitness skates, kids' and junior skates
- 100 mm to 110 mm: speed fitness skates and speed skates, versatile for training and tours
- 125 mm: speed skates with three wheels, for high speeds and long distances
Important: your frame determines which diameter fits. A frame for 4 × 100 mm will not take 110 mm wheels. Check the maximum wheel size of your frame before buying.
Hardness: grip or speed?
Hardness is given in Shore A, for example 82A, 85A or 86A. The lower the number, the softer the wheel.
| Softer wheels (e.g. 82A) | Harder wheels (e.g. 86A) | |
|---|---|---|
| Grip | more grip, even in the wet and on bends | less grip |
| Comfort | absorb vibrations on rough tarmac | more direct, harder feel |
| Rolling resistance | slightly higher | lower on smooth surfaces |
| Wear | wear out faster | last longer |
As a rule of thumb: lighter skaters and rough routes benefit from softer wheels, heavier skaters and smooth tarmac from slightly harder ones. For rain there are special, particularly grippy compounds.
Profile and core
Wheels for speed skates have a narrow, pointed profile with a small contact area. This reduces rolling resistance but demands clean technique. Recreational wheels are rounder and more forgiving. The core (hub) inside holds the bearings and transfers the power. Stiff cores deform less during push-off, which is particularly noticeable with large speed wheels.
Don't forget the bearings
Almost all inline wheels take bearings of size 608 (8 mm axle). Between the two bearings of a wheel sits a spacer, which must match the axle of your frame. Clean, smooth-running bearings make an immediate difference when rolling. Our guide Cleaning bearings shows you how to look after bearings properly.
When should you replace your wheels?
- The wheels are worn unevenly or at an angle.
- The diameter is noticeably smaller than when new.
- The tread has cracks or chunks missing, or is coming away from the core.
To make the wheels wear evenly, you should regularly swap them around and flip them. You can read how to do this in our guide Changing wheels.
Our recommendation
Always buy wheels as a set for both skates and in a uniform hardness. If you are torn between two hardnesses, the slightly softer option is usually the better choice on roads with varying surfaces. If you have questions about your frame or your skating style, we will be happy to advise you by phone or in our shop in Villingen-Schwenningen. You can read which skate suits you in the guide Speed skates or fitness skates?
