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Every crack, pebble, and patch of rough asphalt feels like a tiny wall when you are on the wrong wheels. The right set turns all that into a quiet glide, so you actually enjoy learning instead of fighting the pavement. This guide looks at seven sets for beginners, sorted by how soft they are, what size fits your board, and what real buyers report about each one.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you are outfitting your first complete board or upgrading a hand-me-down deck that shakes over every sidewalk crack, the right set of beginner skateboard wheels makes the difference between a fun session and a frustrating one by absorbing vibration and rolling smoothly over imperfections.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Beginner Skateboard Wheels
Most new skaters grab wheels based on looks or price, but two numbers — durometer and diameter — determine almost everything about how the board feels under your feet. Picking the wrong combination can make cruising feel like a workout and turning feel like a wrestling match.
Durometer (Hardness): The Number That Defines Your Ride
This is the A-scale hardness of the urethane, and it is the single most important decision for a beginner. A lower number means a softer, more grippy wheel that soaks up bumps. A higher number means the wheel is harder, faster on smooth surfaces, and easier to slide. For beginners riding on anything rougher than a freshly paved skatepark, look for a durometer between 78A and 87A. A 78A wheel feels like a plush cushion, while an 87A wheel gives you a bit more speed and slide potential without being jarring.
Wheel Diameter: How Big Should You Go?
Diameter is measured in millimeters and it controls how easily the wheel rolls over obstacles. A larger wheel, like a 56mm or 60mm, rolls over cracks and pebbles with less effort, and you do not have to push as often. A smaller wheel, like a 52mm or 53mm, accelerates faster and is lighter for popping tricks, but it feels every single pebble. Beginners who plan to cruise around the neighborhood or campus are better off with a 54mm to 60mm wheel, as the added roll speed and obstacle clearance make learning more forgiving.
Core Material: The Hidden Speed Component
Some soft wheels are made entirely of urethane, while others have a hard plastic center (a core) where the bearing sits. A cored wheel keeps the bearing perfectly aligned during turns. Bearings can shift under load in a coreless soft wheel, creating friction that slows you down. Wheels with a hard plastic core, like the Bigfoot and Ricta models in this list, maintain bearing alignment so you roll faster for longer, even at softer durometers.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Durometer | Diameter | Core Type | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RICTA 54mm Clouds 78a★ Best Overall | Ultimate cushioned cruiser | 78A | 54mm | Solid 78D core | Amazon |
| OJ Super Juice 60mm 78aBig Roller | Maximum roll over rough stuff | 78A | 60mm | Plastic | Amazon |
| Ricta Clouds 56mm 78a | Silent, fast street cruising | 78A | 56mm | Plastic | Amazon |
| OJ Plain Jain Keyframe 87a | Bridge between cruiser and park | 87A | 52mm | Urethane | Amazon |
| Bigfoot 55mm 83A | Budget-friendly street cruiser | 83A | 55mm | Hard plastic core | Amazon |
| [CCS] Cruiser 52mm 78A | Value pick for light cruising | 78A | 52mm | Urethane | Amazon |
| Shark Wheel 60mm 78a | All-terrain and obstacle deflecting | 78A | 60mm | Urethane (wave profile) | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. RICTA 54mm Clouds White 78a Skateboard Wheels – Set of 4, White/Blue
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 950+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The softest cloud this side of a freshly paved parking lot.
This is the wheel most riders turn to when they want rough asphalt to feel like a smooth warehouse floor. The 78A urethane is paired with a solid 78D core, meaning the bearing stays perfectly straight inside the wheel even when you carve hard. Owners mention the “soft, cushioned ride absorbs bumps and cracks” while the 54mm size keeps the board nimble enough for light tricks. It finds a sweet balance between stability for cruising and maneuverability for learning, and at 54mm you can run them on most standard decks without needing tall riser pads.
One experienced reviewer mentioned they feel like a hybrid — soft enough to roll over pebbles and cracks, but with a shape that still lets you slide or revert when you want to. The trade-off is that the rolling friction is slightly higher than a harder wheel, so long pushes across smooth concrete can feel a little tiring. At 78A durometer versus the OJ Keyframe 87A, the Ricta Clouds are noticeably more forgiving on bad roads but slightly slower on smooth park floors.
Plush cruiser verdict: Ideal for anyone learning on sidewalks, parking lots, or residential streets who wants comfort first. Stick with the 56mm Ricta Clouds if you want a bigger rolling diameter; stick here for quick turns and lighter weight.
Best for: Beginners who skate on rough pavement and want the softest possible ride without sacrificing the ability to learn basic turns and small ollies.
Not for: Riders who plan to spend most of their time in a skatepark on smooth concrete — the extra grip and softness slows you down on polished surfaces.
2. OJ Skateboard Wheels Super Juice 60mm 78a Skateboard Wheels – Set of 4 Wheels
Massive 60mm wheels that treat cracks like they are not even there.
These are the largest wheels in this guide, and that diameter is the whole story. A 60mm wheel rolls over debris, rocks, and rough expansion joints with far less effort than smaller wheels. The OJ Super Juice is a 78A soft urethane formula with a solid plastic core that keeps your bearings true. Customers note that these feel “super soft and can ride over almost anything,” and one reviewer called them the “smoothest cruiser skateboard wheels” they have ever tried. At 60mm diameter versus the CCS Cruiser 52mm wheel, they translate into noticeably better momentum and obstacle clearance.
The catch here is grip. A 78A wheel this big is extremely grippy, and as one buyer pointed out, they are “not suitable for sliding to scrub speed” on a hill. You lose the ability to powerslide or revert easily, which gives you less control if you pick up too much speed. You will also need taller riser pads (about 1/8″ to 1/4″) to avoid wheel bite when you turn hard. For a pure commuting or campus cruiser, this is tough to top.
Cruising authority: If your riding is 90% pushing from point A to point B and you want the least effort per push, the Super Juice is the top pick. For anyone wanting to learn slides or tricks, the smaller OJ Keyframe 87a is a better fit.
Reach for this if: You are using the skateboard strictly for transportation — getting to class, rolling to a friend’s house, commuting across town — and want the smoothest, least-effort ride.
Look elsewhere if: You want to learn slides, powerslides, or skatepark tricks. The grip and size make those maneuvers very difficult.
3. Ricta Wheels Clouds White / Blue Skateboard Wheels – 56mm 78a (Set of 4)
The 56mm balance that one reviewer called the best wheel in 25 years of skating.
This takes the same beloved 78A Ricta Clouds formula from the 54mm version and adds 2mm of diameter, which translates into better roll speed and more forgiving obstacle clearance. At 56mm, you get closer to the momentum of a 60mm wheel without needing tall riser pads. One buyer who has been skating for more than two decades said this is the “best wheel in 25 years of skating.” Reviewers consistently mention how quiet they are — one noted it gives a “close to silent ride” that is perfect for cruising in a quiet neighborhood. The 78A formula grips smooth surfaces firmly and absorbs vibration from cracks.
Like all the Ricta Clouds, these wheels have a solid plastic core. That core keeps the bearing centered during turns, which prevents the wheel from binding up. A couple of long-term users mentioned that after many months of heavy use, the urethane can feel slightly soggy, but that trade-off is common with very soft wheels. Compared to the 54mm Clouds, the 56mm version rolls up to speed with fewer pushes, making it the better choice if your routes have long, flat stretches.
Why it stands out
- Perfectly balanced size for cruising without needing riser pads
- Extremely quiet rolling — ideal for neighborhood use
- Veteran-level grip and smoothness that experienced skaters also choose
Things to know
- Soft urethane can feel tired after a year of daily use
- High grip means sliding to slow down is not an option
Verdict: The 56mm Ricta Clouds are the best of both worlds — enough softness for rough roads and enough size for easy cruising, without the hassle of tall risers. A near-perfect first upgrade.
4. OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a Skateboard Wheels -Set of 4 Wheels
Firm enough to slide, soft enough to not rattle your teeth.
At 87A durometer, these OJ Keyframes sit in the spot between a true soft cruiser wheel and a standard hard street wheel. The 52mm diameter makes them light and quick to spin up, which is great for learning ollies and flat-ground tricks. One reviewer described them as “the only wheels I’ll ever skate,” appreciating their versatility for cruising, bombing hills, and skatepark sessions. They are noticeably stickier than standard 99A-101A street wheels, so you get a comfortable ride on rough surfaces without the extreme grip of a 78A wheel.
The main trade-off is that they are not as comfortable as the 78A options on really bad asphalt. Rolling over deep cracks or sharp gravel requires more attention. Another buyer noted they are “sticky” — great for cruising, less ideal for a park board where you want looseness. At 87A durometer versus the Ricta 54mm Clouds at 78A, these OJ wheels slide more easily but transmit more road vibration. They do not have a plastic core, so bearing alignment relies on the urethane itself.
Strengths
- Can handle both rough streets and park sessions in one set
- Light 52mm size makes tricks and manuals easier to learn
- Slides and reverts are possible, unlike a pure 78A wheel
Limits
- Not as smooth as a 78A wheel on really torn-up pavement
- Coreless design means bearings may bind under hard carving
Best for: The beginner who is about evenly split between riding around the neighborhood and trying flat-ground tricks at a local park. You get one set that does decent work in both worlds.
Not for: Riders who only cruise on terrible roads. Stick to a 78A wheel for pure comfort.
5. Bigfoot Skateboard Wheels 55mm 83A Soft Cruiser Filmer Wheels
An 83A mid-ground that is soft enough for cruising yet firm enough for tricks.
Bigfoot built these wheels with a hard plastic core, which is a big deal at the lower end of the price scale. That core keeps the bearing aligned during turns, preventing the friction that slows down coreless soft wheels. The 83A durometer places them right between the 78A cruiser wheels and the 87A hybrid wheels. At 55mm diameter and 32mm wide, they are slightly wider than a standard street wheel, giving you more surface contact and stability. Reviewers point out they are “great wheels for cruising” and note that the “soft PU outside with plastic core” makes rough roads very skateable while maintaining a standard park-wheel look.
The trade-off is that some reviewers warn they are not suitable for a skatepark if you plan to slide. The high grip keeps them planted, so you lose the ability to powerslide easily. Compared to the Ricta 54mm Clouds (78A), the Bigfoot wheels are 5 durometer points harder, giving you more speed on smooth surfaces but less shock absorption on cracks. For a beginner on a tight budget who wants one wheel for both street cruising and basic ollies, this is the best value.
Smart budget move: The hard plastic core punches above the price point. If you can only afford one set of wheels and you are not sure if you will be a pure cruiser or a tricks learner, the 83A Bigfoot is a safe compromise.
Reach for this if: You want to spend the least money possible without giving up a cored wheel and decent cruising comfort on average streets.
Look elsewhere if: Your streets are truly terrible — the 78A wheels will serve you better.
6. [CCS] Cruiser Skateboard Wheels | Professional Grade | Polyurethane | 78A Durometer | Sizes 52mm, 54mm, & 57mm | Set of 4
Entry-level 78A softness with a lightweight feel that lets you pop ollies.
These CCS wheels offer the soft 78A durometer of the top-tier picks but at a lower starting point and without a plastic core. At 52mm, they are the smallest diameter wheel on this list besides the OJ Keyframe. The small size keeps the wheel light, which makes lifting the board for ollies and basic flat-ground tricks much easier than a larger 60mm wheel. Shoppers say they are “perfect for a beginner” and that the 78A urethane makes skating on rough pavement “much more smooth.” One experienced rider even noted they wish these wheels had existed 15 years ago when they were deep into skating.
The small size comes with a practical downside: at 52mm, bumps and cracks hit harder than they do on a 56mm or 60mm wheel. You also lose momentum faster between pushes. At 52mm diameter versus the OJ Super Juice at 60mm, these CCS wheels require you to push more frequently to maintain speed. They are best suited for a younger or lighter beginner who is still learning to balance and wants the cushion of a 78A wheel without the weight of a larger set.
Why choose these
- Very affordable entry point for the 78A softness
- Light weight helps new skaters learn to pop ollies and manuals
- Proven reliable by a community of beginner and returning skaters
Drawbacks
- 52mm diameter hits cracks harder and loses speed faster than larger wheels
- No hard plastic core means bearings may bind during sharp turns
Best for: A smaller or lighter rider who wants the comfort of a soft 78A wheel but still wants to practice ollies and basic flip tricks. Also a great budget-friendly spare set.
Not for: Heavier riders or anyone covering long distances on rough pavement — the small diameter will make every push feel like more work.
7. Shark Wheel 60 mm 78a Skateboard Wheels | California Roll | 4-Pack
A wavy 60mm design that deflects debris instead of rolling over it.
The Shark Wheel looks unlike any other wheel in this guide. Instead of a smooth round contact patch, the surface has a wavy, sinusoidal pattern. The idea is that the waves push rocks, pebbles, and debris out from under the wheel rather than letting them jam up against the urethane. At 60mm and 78A, it offers the same large diameter and soft durometer as the OJ Super Juice. One reviewer noted they “roll smoothly and fast over gravel, grass, and pebbles without stopping,” and another noted that small rocks are “no problem.” All Shark Wheels are made in the USA, which is a detail some buyers value.
The unique shape means the wheel has less surface contact than a traditional round wheel of the same size. That can feel slightly different when you are turning or pushing hard — it is not a dealbreaker, but it takes a few rides to adjust to. The wheel is coreless, so there is no hard plastic center to keep bearings aligned. One experienced skater who paired these with Bones Swiss bearings on an old-school setup found them to be “fairly priced” and great for rough terrain. If you are dealing with loose gravel, dirt paths, or significantly debris-covered roads, the Shark Wheel is worth a look.
Unique advantage
- Wave pattern genuinely helps deflect pebbles and debris
- Made in the USA from polyurethane
- 60mm diameter gives excellent roll speed and obstacle clearance
Considerations
- Reduced contact patch can feel less stable during sharp turns
- No hard plastic core may cause bearing misalignment over time
Verdict: A niche pick that shines in one specific environment — loose, debris-covered surfaces. For standard asphalt or concrete, a traditional round wheel like the Ricta Clouds offers a more predictable feel.
Understanding the Specs
Durometer (78A vs 87A vs 83A)
This is a measurement of how hard or soft the urethane wheel is. The ‘A’ scale goes from roughly 75A (very soft, like a squishy eraser) to 101A (very hard, like a hockey puck). Every beginner skateboard wheel in this guide sits between 78A and 87A. A 78A wheel grips the ground firmly, absorbs vibration, and rolls quietly over cracks. An 87A wheel slides more easily, feels faster on smooth surfaces, and transfers more road shock through the board. For a true beginner riding on mixed surfaces, 78A is the safest starting point because it forgives bad pavement and helps you build confidence.
Wheel Diameter (52mm vs 60mm and everything between)
Diameter determines how much effort it takes to push and how easily the wheel clears obstacles. A larger wheel, say 56mm or 60mm, gets up to speed with fewer pushes and rolls over cracks and pebbles without slowing you down. A smaller wheel, like 52mm, accelerates faster but loses momentum quickly and feels every bump more sharply. The most common beginner-friendly sizes are 54mm to 56mm, which offer a good trade-off between roll speed and weight. If your board has standard riser pads (or none at all), a 60mm wheel may cause wheel bite during hard turns unless you add taller risers.
FAQ
What durometer is best for a beginner skateboarder?
Will 60mm wheels fit on my standard skateboard?
What is the difference between a cored wheel and a coreless wheel?
Can I learn to ollie with soft 78A wheels?
How long do soft skateboard wheels last?
What size riser pads do I need for 56mm or 60mm wheels?
Are all 78A wheels the same quality?
What is the best beginner skateboard wheel for a child or light rider?
Can I mix different wheel sizes on the same skateboard?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the best beginner skateboard wheels winner is the RICTA 54mm Clouds 78a because its combination of soft urethane, a solid core, and a versatile 54mm diameter works on rough streets without sacrificing the ability to learn basic tricks. If you want maximum roll speed and obstacle clearance for pure cruising, grab the OJ Super Juice 60mm 78a. And for a balanced option that lets you slide and cruise on a budget, the standout is the Bigfoot 55mm 83A for the price.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, The Tools Trunk earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.