Specialized soft skateboard wheels delivering smooth rolling over rough terrain, superior grip, and vibration dampening for comfortable city exploration.
With durometers typically ranging from 78a to 87a, soft wheels represent skateboarding's practical solution for navigating Richmond's historic but often challenging terrain. Their specialized urethane formulas absorb the vibration created by weathered brick pathways throughout Shockoe Bottom and The Fan, transforming bone-rattling routes into smooth cruising surfaces without the foot fatigue that accompanies harder options. Premium options from brands like OJ, Ricta Clouds, and Spitfire 80HD maintain their shock-absorbing properties while offering surprising durability, with specialized core designs that prevent the mushrooming that plagued earlier soft wheel iterations. Their superior grip creates confident push routes connecting Richmond's scattered spots – navigating from the smooth concrete of Brown's Island through downtown's varied surfaces to the DIY transitions at Texas Beach without the constant disruption of stray pebbles and surface cracks. For filmers documenting sessions throughout RVA, soft wheels provide the smooth rolling essential for steady footage, while their vibration dampening properties protect camera equipment from the harsh impacts of rougher terrain. The slightly larger diameters commonly found in soft wheel lines (54-60mm) deliver elevated rolling speed and momentum, allowing riders to maintain velocity with fewer pushes when cruising along the Capital Trail or carving through Forest Hill Park. While not ideal for technical flatground where slide and precise feedback matter most, soft wheels create the perfect setup for city exploration, spot hunting missions or casual cruises. When Richmond's historic charm creates challenging skateboard terrain, soft wheels transform rough streets into smooth pathways, expanding skateable territory throughout the city's diverse architecture and connecting pathways.
