One of the most important—yet often overlooked—aspects of roller skating is wheel hardness. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade your setup, knowing how wheel hardness affects your skating experience can make a huge difference. At Empire Skates, we’re here to help you roll smoothly no matter where you skate.
What Is Wheel Hardness?
Wheel hardness is measured using the durometer scale, typically indicated with an "A" rating. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. For example:
78A is a soft wheel, perfect for outdoor skating.101A is a very hard wheel, often used by advanced skaters indoors, especially for artistic skating or derby.
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Want a beginner indoor wheel for your figure boot? Try the Sure Grip Fame Wheels or the Sure Grip Velvet Wheels. The Sure Grip fame wheels come in both clear and solid. Clear urethane includes red, teal, pink, and purple.
Why Wheel Hardness Matters
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Softer wheels (lower numbers) provide more grip and shock absorption, making them ideal for rough surfaces like sidewalks or asphalt.
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Harder wheels (higher numbers) offer speed and precision, great for smooth indoor surfaces like rink floors.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Skating
Where you skate plays a big role in choosing the right wheels:
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Outdoor Wheels: Look for softer wheels (around 78A-85A) to glide over cracks and uneven terrain with ease. Try the Radar Energy wheels or Atom Pulse wheels. They come in different heights for more agility or stability. Choose a 65mm for a more forgiving ride over rocks, cracks and debris. Although, nothing is fail-safe unfortunately! We suggest always taking care and wearing safety gear outside including wristguards, helmet, and knee pads. |
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| Skatepark Wheels: Try the Moxi Fundae wheels if you are just starting out. Want something a little more harder, try the Huck Wheels or the Last Supper Wheels |  |
| Indoor Wheels: Harder wheels (usually 88A and up) are better suited for slick, polished floors where control and speed are key. Try the Radar Halo Wheels! |  |
Customize Your Ride
Choosing the right hardness isn't just about where you skate—it's about how you skate:
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Do you prefer cruising or tricks?
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Do you skate fast or take it slow and steady?
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Are you training for derby, artistic skating, or just out for weekend fun?
Our team at Empire Skates can help you figure out exactly what you need to match your goals and skating style.
Still Unsure? We’ve Got You
If you’re not sure what wheel hardness is best for you, come by and talk to us! We’ll help you try out different options and find what feels right. And don’t worry—we’ll be stocking a wide variety of wheels for every type of skater.
Empire Skates: Helping You Roll Right Every Time Ready to upgrade your wheels or get started with the perfect setup? Empire Skates is your one-stop shop for all things roller skating. Swing by or shop online and let us help you ride your way. Email us at empirerollerskates@gmail.com with any questions on wheels. Or hit us up on the Chat feature.
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