Roller skate wheel hardness—often called durometer—has a major effect on grip, comfort and how your skates respond to the surface.

What Does Durometer Mean?

For common roller skate wheels, a lower hardness number generally means a softer wheel and a higher number means a harder wheel. The ideal hardness depends on the surface, your weight, skating style and how much grip or slide you prefer.

Softer Wheels for Outdoor Skating

Softer outdoor roller skate wheels help absorb vibration from asphalt, sidewalks and paths and generally provide more grip on rough surfaces. See our outdoor roller skating setup guide for a complete outdoor setup.

Indoor and Rink Wheels

On smooth indoor floors, skaters often use firmer indoor roller skate wheels. Rhythm, derby and rink skaters may choose different hardnesses depending on floor grip and desired slide. Browse roller derby wheels if track performance is your priority.

Park Roller Skate Wheels

Park and aggressive skaters commonly use harder wheels designed for smooth concrete, ramps and transitions. Browse park roller skate wheels and park and aggressive skates for setups designed for this style.

Shop Roller Skate Wheels

Browse all roller skate wheels at Bo’s Boots on Wheels. If you are unsure which hardness works for your surface, visit our San Diego skate shop or contact us for help.