For beginners and street skaters alike, small soft skateboard wheels offer a forgiving ride, better grip, and smoother rolls on rough pavement. This guide highlights five reliable options that balance soft feel with control, helping riders glide over cracks, gravel, and uneven concrete. Each wheel set is designed to minimize flat spots and provide confident slides when needed. Read on to compare sizes, durometers, and design features from trusted brands.
| Product | Brand | Diameter | Hardness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spitfire Lil’ Softies 54mm | Spitfire | 54 mm | 95A | Entry-level, versatile on all surfaces |
| Spitfire Lil’ Softies 52mm | Spitfire | 52 mm | 95A | Smaller wheel for quicker response |
| Bigfoot 55mm 83A Soft Cruiser | Bigfoot Wheels | 55 mm | 83A | Film-friendly, smooth and quiet |
| LONTOHCE 52mm 95A | LONTOHCE | 52 mm | 95A | All-in-one kit, durable and beginner-friendly |
| Jonscart 50mm 83A White | Jonscart | 50 mm | 83A | High-rebound, ideal for rough patches |
Spitfire Lil’ Softies 54mm 95A
The Spitfire Lil’ Softies 54mm wheels pair a classic 54mm diameter with a soft 95A durometer, delivering a forgiving ride for beginners and casual cruisers. The Formula 4 construction emphasizes speed, control, and durability on a variety of surfaces, with strong resistance to flat spots and smooth anti-stick performance for controlled slides. The classic wheel shape offers a balanced riding surface and rounded sidewalls for predictable handling in different street scenarios.
These wheels are designed to reduce vibration on rough pavement while maintaining enough rebound for stable handling. The urethane blend is optimized for true performance without a premium price, making them a smart first upgrade for riders seeking more comfort than standard hard wheels. The combination of softness and a reliable shape helps new skaters develop balance and confidence without sacrificing speed.
Spitfire Lil’ Softies 52mm 95A
The 52mm variant follows the same Lil’ Softies philosophy, delivering a compact footprint with 95A softness for a smoother ride on sidewalks and park terrain. The smaller diameter reduces rotational inertia, helping skaters respond quickly to changes in direction, while the 95A urethane maintains grip and comfort over cracks and rough patches. Spitfire’s Formula 4 construction supports fast acceleration, steady braking, and reliable wear resistance, making these wheels a solid upgrade for park and street use.
As with the 54mm version, the classic shape and rounded edges promote stable turns and controlled slides. This size is particularly attractive for skaters who prioritize nimble handling or who ride tighter bowls and street courses where quick transitions matter. The balance of softness and performance is a common thread across the Lil’ Softies line.
Bigfoot 55mm 83A Soft Cruiser
Bigfoot’s 55mm wheels in 83A offer a soft cruiser setup that emphasizes smooth rolling and quiet operation. The larger diameter increases momentum for longer cruises, while the 83A hardness preserves a forgiving feel on rough pavement without excessive skidding. A rigid plastic core helps align bearings and maintain speed through turns, contributing to efficient rolling and consistent performance for filmers and casual riders alike.
These wheels balance softness and speed, making them ideal for city streets and rough surfaces. The film-friendly design helps reduce vibration and provides a smooth glide when rolling over textured asphalt or concrete. While 83A wheels are softer than standard street wheels, the included core design helps keep bearings aligned and minimizes wobble during high-speed maneuvers.
LONTOHCE 52mm 95A With Tool Set
The LONTOHCE kit combines 52mm wheels with a 95A durometer for a balance of speed and grip on street terrains. The set includes specialized bearings, spacers, and washers, plus a compact tool kit, delivering a ready-to-ride package for beginners who want an all-in-one upgrade. The polyurethane formula provides dependable rebound and durability across sidewalks, ramps, and light park use.
Durability is a key feature here: the wheels’ hardness supports longevity on a variety of surfaces while preserving a comfortable ride. The included hardware helps beginners assemble and tune their setup quickly, reducing maintenance friction and enabling more practice time. The 52mm size is well-suited for skaters seeking quick, responsive turns with stable traction on uneven ground.
Jonscart 50mm 83A White Set
Jonscart’s 50mm wheels in 83A are designed for quick handling and smooth rolling over rough pavement. The 50mm diameter reduces inertia, helping skaters maneuver in tight spots and traffic-lined streets. A high-rebound formula enhances speed and agility while maintaining a comfortable ride over cracks and small obstacles. The 83A hardness keeps grip usable on a range of textures, making them a practical choice for beginners learning balance and control.
These wheels come as a complete kit with bearings and spacers, which simplifies setup for new skaters. The white color aesthetic is versatile for street and park boards alike, and the overall design emphasizes reliability and easy maintenance. For skaters prioritizing quick turns and a forgiving ride, this set offers a well-rounded first upgrade from hard wheels.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When choosing small soft skateboard wheels, buyers should evaluate diameter, hardness, and construction to match their riding style and terrain. Smaller wheels (50–54 mm) respond faster and are ideal for street skating and quick changes of direction, while slightly larger sizes (55 mm) offer more momentum and smoother rides over rough concrete. A softer durometer (around 83A–95A) reduces shock and improves grip but can wear faster on rough asphalt if used aggressively.
The core design matters for speed and bearing alignment; wheels with a sturdy core tend to roll straighter and spin longer under load. For filmers and riders who push through rough spots, a rounded or classic shape with smooth sidewalls helps maintain control during slides and grinds. Packs that include bearings, spacers, and tools can save time and money for beginners assembling a new setup.
Durability versus performance is a trade-off. Softer wheels provide comfort and grip but may wear quicker or produce more drag on very smooth surfaces. Harder configurations can be faster on clean concrete but feel harsher on rough pavement. Consider your primary riding environment—city streets, skateparks, or mixed terrain—when selecting size and hardness. Finally, verify compatibility with your board’s axle width and bearing size to ensure a proper fit.