Best Soft Skateboard Wheels for Cruising: Smooth Rides for Commuting and Freestyle
Finding the right soft skateboard wheels for cruising can drastically improve comfort, grip, and control on city streets. This guide highlights five top options designed for longboards and cruisers, focusing on softer durometers that absorb vibrations while maintaining reliable grip for carving and cruising. Each wheel is evaluated for ride quality, durability, and all-weather performance, helping you choose wheels that suit urban streets, bike lanes, and park vibes.
| Product | Diameter x Width | Durometer | Notable Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Ride! Iceeez | 59mm x ? | 78A | Ultra slick slides, easy learning for freeride |
| Cloud Ride! Street Cruiser | 65mm x ? | 78A | Versatile, predictable slides, good grip |
| Spitfire Lil Softies | 54mm x ? | 95A | Soft feel with smooth anti-stick slide |
| FREEDARE 58mm | 58mm x 45mm | 82A | Good balance of grip and durability |
| Maxfind 75mm | 75mm x 50mm | 78A | Urban all-terrain with dampened ride |
Cloud Ride Iceeez 59mm Longboard Wheels
Iceeez wheels are designed for freeride and sliding with a 59mm diameter and a soft 78A urethane. The distinctive Ice formula emphasizes an ultra slick feel that preserves speed while enabling controlled slides. They arrive pre-ground for immediate use, making them a solid pick for learners and seasoned riders who enjoy smooth, consistent slides and easy kick-outs on a cruising setup. The design also emphasizes high resilience to maintain shape and longevity during flexing pavement rides.
Cloud Ride Street Cruiser 65mm Wheels
Street Cruisers measure 65mm and feature a versatile lip profile with a cruiser urethane blend. Pre-ground for predictable slides, these wheels require minimal break-in time and deliver confident turns on urban surfaces. They offer good grip for cornering and roll smoothly over cracks and small debris, making them a reliable choice for cruising, carving, freeride, and even downhill sessions on mixed terrain.
Spitfire Lil Softies 54mm
The Lil’ Softies use a softer 95A duro for first-time riders or anyone seeking a gentle, forgiving ride. They combine speed with stability through Spitfire Formula 4, offering enhanced control on various surfaces, reduced flatspot risk, and a smooth, anti-stick slide. The classic wheel shape with a medium-width contact surface makes them suitable for learning slides or cruising while maintaining reliable grip under casual riders and park skaters alike.
FREEDARE 58mm 82A Wheel Set
The FREEDARE 58mm wheels come in a compact 58x45mm size with a durable 82A durometer and include ABEC-7 bearings and spacers. They deliver smooth rolling on street surfaces and skate park terrain, offering reliable traction with a balance between grip and slide. This set is a practical choice for riders who want simple maintenance and a consistent feel across different cruising contexts.
BRAVORD 70mm Longboard Wheels
BRAVORD offers 70mm wheels with an 82A durometer and a frosted surface for slip resistance on varied terrains. The larger diameter improves rollover capability across cracks and rough patches, while the frosted finish adds traction for controlled slides and precise handling. This set emphasizes durability and consistent performance for cruising and street carving.
RaceBon 60mm 78A Wheels
RaceBon’s 60mm wheels use a 78A durometer to balance grip and slide. The set includes high-resilience PU for durability and smooth riding on diverse surfaces. The slightly smaller diameter fosters quicker acceleration and easier maneuverability, making them suitable for cruising and street skating with reliable control during turns and slides.
Maxfind 75mm 78A Wheels
Maxfind 75mm wheels deliver an urban all-terrain performance with a wide 50mm contact patch and a 78A durometer. The larger diameter helps roll over debris and cracks, while the soft urethane dampens vibrations for a smoother ride. They are designed to provide solid grip during carving and stable cruising on city streets, making them a strong option for heavier-footed riders or steeper terrain.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Wheel diameter: Larger wheels (e.g., 65–75mm) roll over cracks easier and provide a smoother cruise, but can reduce quickness in tight spots. Smaller wheels (50–60mm) offer quicker acceleration and are more nimble for carving in tight spaces.
- Durometer (softness): Softer wheels (78A–82A) absorb vibrations for a smoother ride but wear faster under harsh surfaces. Harder wheels (90A+) slide less and grip more on dry pavement; consider softer wheels for urban cruising with plenty of potholes.
- Pre-ground vs. fresh: Pre-ground wheels have a reliable slide right away and reduced break-in time, while new wheels may require a break-in period to achieve optimal performance.
- Surface compatibility: Softer wheels excel on rough asphalt and debris-heavy routes; harder wheels may perform better on smooth concrete and park environments.
- Durability and bearings: Look for wheels with durable PU formulations and included bearings or spacers if you want a ready-to-ride package. Proper bearings improve speed and longevity.
- Board compatibility: Ensure wheel diameter and width fit your longboard or cruiser deck, truck clearance, and mounting hardware to prevent rub or wheelbite.
- Riding style: For cruising and carving, prioritize grip and stability. For learning slides, consider wheels with predictable slides and a softer feel that reduces stickiness.