Precision-engineered urethane circles that determine your ride's speed, grip, and slide potential—the unsung heroes that connect theory to concrete across every terrain from crusty street spots to pristine park surfaces.
Skateboard wheels have traveled light years from the clay deathtraps of the 1960s to today's highly specialized urethane formulas engineered for specific terrains and riding styles. The revolution began with Frank Nasworthy's Cadillac Wheels in 1973, introducing urethane and transforming skateboarding's fundamental ride experience overnight. The late 70s saw technical advancements from brands like Kryptonics and OJ, while the street skating explosion of the early 90s pushed wheel sizes down from 65mm+ to the tiny 39-42mm pebbles that prioritized weight reduction and trick responsiveness over actual rolling function. Today's wheel landscape reflects skateboarding's diverse approaches—from technical street skaters running 52-54mm wheels with 99-101a durometer for minimal rolling resistance and predictable slides, to transition specialists on softer 56-60mm options that maintain speed through flat bottoms and rough concrete. Specialty formulas have emerged to address specific needs, with brands like Spitfire developing urethane like Formula Four that resists flat spots while maintaining slide control, and Bones creating their proprietary SPF and ATF compounds for varying surface conditions. The shape profile—from classic conical to wide-riding full conicals and technical-oriented radials—further customizes performance characteristics. OJ's key innovations with their Mini Super Juice series proved smaller wheels could still roll over rough terrain with softer durometers, while Ricta's Clouds bridged the gap between crusty street spots and skateable cruising. Whether you're running Spitfire's performance-focused Tablets for technical ledge work or Powell-Peralta's park-oriented Bowlriders, modern wheel selection represents the perfect intersection of personal preference, physics, and the specific abuse your local terrain demands.
