Posted on September 10 2026
If you've ever looked at inline skate wheels, you've probably noticed numbers such as 80A, 84A or 88A.
These numbers refer to wheel hardness, also known as durometer.
Understanding inline skate wheel hardness can help you choose the right wheels for your skating style and surface.
What Is Inline Skate Wheel Hardness?
Inline skate wheel hardness describes how hard or soft the polyurethane wheel is.
The hardness is measured using a durometer scale.
Generally:
Lower number = softer wheel
Higher number = harder wheel
What Are Soft Inline Skate Wheels Good For?
Softer inline skate wheels generally provide more grip and can absorb more vibration from rough surfaces.
They can be useful for:
- Outdoor skating
- Rough surfaces
- Recreational skating
- Beginners who want additional grip
What Are Hard Inline Skate Wheels Good For?
Harder inline skate wheels generally provide less grip and can feel faster and more responsive on smooth surfaces.
They're commonly associated with:
- Indoor skating
- Smooth surfaces
- Aggressive skating
- Technical skating
Is a Softer Inline Skate Wheel Better for Beginners?
Not necessarily.
A softer wheel can provide additional grip, which some beginners may appreciate.
However, wheel hardness should be chosen based on the surface and skating style as well.
What Inline Skate Wheel Hardness Is Best for Outdoor Skating?
Outdoor surfaces can vary significantly.
A moderately soft wheel can provide a comfortable balance between grip and rolling performance.
The ideal hardness depends on the surface you're skating.
What Inline Skate Wheel Hardness Is Best for Indoor Skating?
Smooth indoor floors generally allow skaters to use harder wheels.
Harder wheels can provide a responsive feeling and work particularly well on smooth surfaces.
Does Wheel Hardness Affect Speed?
Yes, but it's not as simple as "harder equals faster."
Surface, wheel quality, wheel size, skating technique and the type of skating all influence speed.
A wheel that's too hard for a rough surface may actually feel unpleasant and difficult to control.
Wheel Hardness and Wheel Size
Don't look at hardness in isolation.
An inline skate wheel's diameter and durometer both influence how it performs.
For example, a large soft wheel will feel very different from a small hard wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 80A mean on inline skate wheels?
80A refers to the wheel's approximate durometer rating. It indicates a relatively soft polyurethane compared with harder options.
Are softer inline skate wheels better?
They can provide more grip and comfort, particularly on rough outdoor surfaces, but they're not automatically better for every skater.
Are harder inline skate wheels faster?
Hard wheels can feel faster and more responsive on suitable smooth surfaces, but overall speed depends on many factors.
What wheel hardness should beginners use?
A moderate hardness suitable for your skating surface is generally a good starting point.
