Skateboarding on rough roads can be challenging, but having the right wheels makes all the difference.
Smooth asphalt, cracked sidewalks, and uneven surfaces demand wheels that provide both durability and comfort.
Choosing the best skateboard wheels for rough roads ensures better grip, shock absorption, and a smoother ride.
With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which wheels will perform best for your style and terrain.
In this guide, we have carefully selected the top ten skateboard wheels that excel on rough surfaces.
Whether you are cruising, commuting, or hitting challenging streets, these wheels deliver reliability and performance.
10. Bigfoot Wheels Bigfoot 55mm Cruiser Wheels
Bigfoot’s newest cruiser wheels combine the classic street‑wheel size with a buttery‑soft 83 A durometer, delivering a ride that’s both fast and forgiving.
The 55 mm diameter and 32 mm width give you the stability of a typical street wheel while the ultra‑soft urethane smooths out cracks, bumps, and rough pavement.
A high‑rebound formula ensures quick acceleration, and the hard‑plastic core guarantees precise bearing alignment—so your bearings stay free of the restrictive pressure that softer‑core wheels can cause during tight turns.
The vivid red finish isn’t just eye‑catching; it also signals that these wheels are built for film crews who need quiet, smooth rolling on any urban terrain.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a forgiving ride or a seasoned skater craving a silent, fast cruiser, these wheels are designed to keep you moving with confidence.
Pros
- Soft 83 A urethane for smooth cruising
- Hard plastic core ensures precise bearing alignment
- High‑rebound formula provides quick acceleration
- Quiet roll ideal for filming and street use
- Vibrant red color adds visual flair
Cons
- Slightly softer than typical street wheels
- May wear faster under aggressive tricks
- Not ideal for high‑speed downhill runs
9. Shark Wheel 60 mm 78a, Set of 4 Wheels
The Shark Wheel 60 mm 78a “California Roll” set brings a fresh spin to cruising.
These 78‑a polyurethane wheels are engineered with Shark’s signature wave‑pattern tread, which actively deflects rocks, sand and debris—so you stay smooth on rough pavement, park trails, beach boardwalks, or skate ramps.
Built in the USA with premium local materials, the wheels deliver consistent speed, reduced friction and superior abrasion resistance, letting you push longer without losing grip.
Whether you’re carving downhill, hitting a rail, or just cruising the city streets, the 60 mm diameter offers a balanced blend of stability and maneuverability.
The set of four wheels fits standard long‑board trucks, making installation a breeze and giving your board a sleek, eye‑catching purple finish that stands out in any crowd.
Pros
- Wave‑pattern deflects debris, stays rolling
- Low‑friction design boosts speed on any terrain
- High abrasion resistance for longer wheel life
- Made in the USA with premium local materials
- Versatile 60 mm size for stability and control
Cons
- Slightly higher price than standard wheels
- May feel soft on ultra‑smooth indoor surfaces
- Requires compatible long‑board trucks for optimal fit
8. Bigfoot Skateboard Wheels 55mm Soft Cruiser
Bigfoot’s new 55 mm cruiser wheels combine the classic street‑wheel size with a buttery‑soft 83 A urethane, delivering a ride that’s both fast and forgiving.
The black, filmed finish not only looks sleek but also adds a thin protective layer that resists scuffs on rough terrain.
A hard‑plastic core keeps the bearings perfectly aligned, so you won’t feel the drag that soft‑core wheels can cause during tight turns.
At 32 mm wide, these wheels maintain the stability of a standard street wheel while the reduced durometer gives you that smooth, “filmer‑friendly” feel.
The high‑rebound formula ensures quick acceleration and a lively pop, making them ideal for beginners learning to glide and seasoned riders craving a quiet, controlled cruise on cracked pavement or gritty sidewalks.
Pros
- Soft 83 A urethane, smooth street cruising
- Hard plastic core for precise bearing alignment
- High‑rebound formula gives rapid acceleration
- Black film coating resists scuffs and scratches
- Wide 32 mm profile adds stability
Cons
- Slightly slower on perfectly smooth surfaces
- May wear faster under aggressive tricks
- Not ideal for high‑speed downhill runs
7. Ricta Clouds 86A Cruiser Wheel
The Ricta Unisex Adult Clouds 86A “Ditch Formula” wheel is a soft‑cruiser designed to tackle the toughest streets and film‑friendly surfaces with confidence.
Its 86A durometer offers just the right blend of grip and comfort, letting you glide over rough pavement, potholes, and gravel without sacrificing control.
The striking white‑and‑red finish not only looks sharp but also makes the wheel easy to spot on the road.
At 55 mm width, it provides a stable platform for a wide range of skateboards, longboards, and cruiser decks, making it a versatile choice for riders of all skill levels.
Whether you’re cruising downtown, navigating uneven back‑roads, or shooting a smooth rolling shot for a video, the Clouds 86A delivers a plush ride that absorbs bumps while maintaining responsive handling.
Pros
- Soft 86A durometer absorbs road imperfections
- Ideal for rough roads and filming setups
- Eye‑catching white/red color scheme stands out
- Wide 55 mm profile offers stable handling
- Hybrid design suits both cruising and rugged spots
Cons
- Slightly softer feel may reduce top speed
- May wear faster on abrasive surfaces
- Not optimal for high‑performance carving tricks
6. Shark Wheel 60, 78a Set
The Shark Wheel 60 mm 78a set of four “California Roll” wheels combines cutting‑edge design with rugged durability.
Their distinctive wave‑shaped tread deflects rocks, sand and other debris, letting you maintain speed on rough terrain, skate ramps, or city streets.
Built from premium U.S.‑sourced materials, these 78 a soft‑durometer wheels provide a smooth, forgiving ride while still delivering the grip you need for rails and ledges.
The clear outer face with a striking blue hub adds a pop of color without sacrificing performance, and the 60 mm diameter strikes a perfect balance between stability and maneuverability for cruising, long‑boarding, and even light downhill runs.
Whether you’re carving park paths, shredding beach boardwalks, or hitting a concrete rail, Shark Wheels promise reduced friction, abrasion resistance, and an extended lifespan—so you can ride longer between replacements.
Pros
- Wave pattern clears debris effortlessly
- Soft 78 a durometer offers smooth ride
- All‑terrain performance on rocks, sand, rails
- Made in USA with premium local materials
- Eye‑catching clear‑blue hub design
Cons
- Slightly heavier than standard plastic wheels
- May be pricier than basic street wheels
- Requires compatible bearings for optimal fit
5. Shark Wheel 60mm, Cruising Wheels, Set of 4
The Shark Wheel 60 mm 78a set of four “California Roll” wheels delivers a smooth, high‑performance ride on everything from gritty city streets to sandy beach paths.
Their distinctive wave‑shaped tread deflects rocks, leaves and other debris, letting you maintain speed on rough terrain or skate ramps without constant interruptions.
Built in the USA with premium local materials, these wheels combine durability with a sleek black‑and‑blue swirl finish that looks as good as it performs.
Whether you’re cruising down a hill, carving rail lines, or tackling off‑road obstacles, the 78a durometer offers a forgiving yet responsive feel, while the 60 mm diameter provides stability without sacrificing maneuverability.
Shark’s patented geometry reduces friction and wear, extending the life of each wheel and giving you more time on the board and less time in the shop.
Pros
- Wave pattern deflects debris effortlessly
- High‑performance grip on rough surfaces
- Long‑lasting durability reduces replacement frequency
- Made in USA with premium local materials
- Balanced 78a durometer for smooth cruising
Cons
- Slightly heavier than traditional round wheels
- Premium price reflects advanced engineering
- May feel too soft for aggressive downhill runs
4. Bones ATF 56mm Skateboard Wheels
The Bones Wheels ATF Rough Riders Eternal Flames set brings street‑ready performance with a splash of eye‑catching style.
Each 56 mm wheel is paired with a 40 mm width, giving a wide contact patch that steadies your board on both smooth pavement and rougher terrain.
The naturally bonded core and ATF (All Terrain Formula) construction keep the wheels supple enough for a smooth ride yet durable for aggressive tricks.
With an 80A durometer, they strike a sweet spot between grip and slide, making them versatile for cruising, park sessions, and even light downhill runs.
The bold white “Eternal Flames” graphics finish the look, while the set of four wheels ensures you’re ready to roll straight out of the box.
Pros
- Wide contact patch enhances stability everywhere
- 80A hardness balances grip and slide
- ATF formula handles mixed surfaces effortlessly
- Naturally bonded core resists cracks and chips
- Striking white flame graphics turn heads
Cons
- Slightly softer for high‑speed downhill
- May wear faster on abrasive concrete
- Limited color options for custom builds
3. Bones Wheels ATF 59mm Skateboard Wheels
These 59 mm × 44 mm Bones Wheels are built for riders who want the confidence of a street‑ready setup with the versatility of an all‑terrain formula.
The ATF (All Terrain Formula) core is naturally bonded, delivering a wide contact patch that smooths out cracks, gravel and pavement alike.
At 80A, the wheels strike a sweet spot between grip and slide, making them ideal for cruising, carving and technical tricks.
The black finish adds a sleek, low‑key look to any deck, while the four‑wheel pack ensures you’re ready to roll straight out of the box.
Whether you’re shredding a park bowl or cruising the city streets, these wheels provide stability, control, and a responsive feel that keeps you locked in.
Pros
- Wide contact patch enhances stability on rough surfaces
- Naturally bonded core resists cracking and delamination
- 80A durometer balances grip and slide performance
- ATF formula works well on both street and terrain
- 59 mm diameter offers smooth roll and speed
Cons
- Slightly softer for high‑speed downhill runs
- Black color may show scuffs quickly
- Not ideal for aggressive vertical skateparks
2. Shark Wheel California Roll 60mm
The Shark Wheel California Roll 60 mm 78 A wheels deliver a smooth, high‑performance ride whether you’re carving park ramps or cruising rough‑terrain streets.
Their distinctive wave‑pattern tread deflects rocks, leaves and other debris, so you stay in motion instead of getting stuck.
Built in the USA with premium local materials, these 60 mm wheels combine durability with a responsive feel, giving you confidence on rails, ramps, beaches or gritty city streets.
The 78 A durometer strikes the perfect balance between grip and slide, letting you maintain speed on flat ground while still carving tight turns.
Thanks to reduced friction and abrasion‑resistant construction, the wheels stay fast longer, meaning fewer replacements and more time doing what you love—skating.
Pros
- Wave pattern clears debris effortlessly
- Made in USA with premium materials
- Low friction for sustained speed
- Abrasion‑resistant for long‑lasting performance
- Versatile on all surfaces, from rails to rocks
Cons
- Slightly heavier than standard plastic wheels
- Premium price reflects high‑quality build
- Limited color options (currently only white)
1. Bones ATF Rough Riders 59mm
The Bones Wheels ATF Rough Riders Runners set delivers a smooth, stable ride on any surface.
Each 59 mm wheel features a wide 44 mm contact patch, giving you confidence when carving, cruising, or tackling rough pavement.
The naturally bonded core and ATF (All‑Terrain Formula) combine a forgiving 80A durometer with a durable construction that resists flat‑spotting and maintains grip in wet or gritty conditions.
With four wheels per set, you’ll get consistent performance across your board, whether you’re a commuter, park rider, or street enthusiast.
The bright red color adds a pop of style while the proven Bones engineering ensures longevity and reliable roll‑out mile after mile.
Pros
- Wide contact patch improves stability
- 80A hardness balances grip and slide
- ATF formula handles mixed terrain effortlessly
- Naturally bonded core resists flat‑spotting
- Vibrant red color adds visual flair
Cons
- Slightly softer for aggressive park tricks
- 59 mm size may not suit mini‑cruisers
- Not ideal for high‑speed downhill runs
Frequently Asked Questions
What durometer is best for riding on rough roads?
For uneven or cracked pavement, a softer wheel (78‑90 A) absorbs vibrations and provides a smoother ride. Softer durometers also grip better on loose debris, reducing slip and fatigue.
How does wheel size influence comfort and control on rough surfaces?
Larger wheels (70 mm + ) roll over bumps more easily and maintain speed on rough terrain, while smaller wheels (54‑60 mm) can feel “choppy.” For rough roads, aim for 65‑70 mm wheels to balance maneuverability with shock absorption.
Can I use street‑oriented wheels on rough roads, or should I switch to cruiser wheels?
Street wheels (typically 95‑100 A, 50‑55 mm) are hard and small, making them unsuitable for rough pavement—they’ll vibrate and wear quickly.
Switching to slightly softer, larger cruiser wheels (78‑85 A, 65‑70 mm) will dramatically improve comfort and durability on rough roads.
Conclusion
When it comes to tackling rough roads, the right wheels can make all the difference, offering smoother rides, better grip, and enhanced durability.
Prioritizing a larger durometer ensures resilience against cracks and debris, while a generous diameter helps maintain speed and stability on uneven surfaces.
Opt for wheels crafted from high‑quality urethane that resist wear and provide consistent performance, and consider a balanced hardness that suits both comfort and control.
By focusing on these core attributes—size, hardness, material quality, and a reliable brand reputation—you’ll equip your board to glide confidently over any gritty terrain, extending both your enjoyment and the lifespan of your setup.
Ricardo Whyte