Best Cruiser Skateboards for Getting Around Town (2026)
Seven cruisers that roll smoothly over rough streets and still fit under your arm, and how to choose deck size, wheels and trucks.
Why Ride a Cruiser?
Cruisers are made for getting from A to B: campus, the beach, the coffee shop. Soft, larger wheels roll over cracks that would stop a street skateboard, and a compact deck with a kicktail lets you weave through crowds, hop curbs and carry the board inside. They sit between standard skateboards and longboards. If you're still deciding, read longboard vs cruiser and types of skateboards.
Landyachtz Dinghy 28"
Best all-round cruiser
- 28-inch deck with kicktail
- Nimble and portable
- A modern cruiser favorite
Loaded Ballona
Best carving mini cruiser
- Compact cruiser shape
- Loaded's surf-inspired feel
- Smooth on city streets
Globe Big Blazer
Best larger cruiser
- 32-inch length
- Stable for longer rides
- Classic cruiser shape
Cruiser Skateboards Compared
| Cruiser | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Landyachtz Dinghy | 28" | All-round city cruising |
| Loaded Ballona | Compact (check listing) | Carving, short trips |
| Globe Big Blazer | 32" | Stability, taller riders |
| Arbor Pilsner XL | 29" | Wood-deck carving cruiser |
| Powell Peralta Sidewalk Surfer | Check listing | Retro surf style |
| Dusters Flashback | Check listing | Retro styling |
| Penny 22 | 22" | Ultra-portable |
The Best Cruiser Skateboards
1. Landyachtz Dinghy 28"
The Dinghy is one of the most popular modern cruisers. Its 28-inch deck has a kicktail for quick turns and curb hops, and its soft wheels and responsive trucks make it smooth and fun on city streets. It's small enough to carry and stable enough to ride across town.
Good to Know
- Nimble and portable
- Kicktail for maneuvering
- Smooth ride
Watch Out For
- Less stable at speed than longboards
2. Loaded Ballona
Loaded is known for surf-inspired boards, and the Ballona is its compact mini cruiser. It's a fun carver for short trips and beach paths.
Check Price on Amazon3. Globe Big Blazer
The Big Blazer is a 32-inch cruiser with a classic shape. The longer deck adds stability for taller riders and longer rides.
Check Price on Amazon4. Arbor Pilsner XL
Arbor's Pilsner is a 29-inch wood cruiser with a kicktail, known for its natural wood look and carving feel.
Check Price on Amazon5. Powell Peralta Sidewalk Surfer
A retro-shaped cruiser from Powell-Peralta, inspired by the surf-style boards of skateboarding's early days.
Check Price on Amazon6. Dusters Flashback
Dusters California makes cruisers with retro shapes and graphics. The Flashback is a stylish choice for relaxed cruising.
Check Price on Amazon7. Penny 22
The original plastic mini cruiser is the most portable option here. It's fun for short hops but twitchy at speed. See penny boards.
Check Price on AmazonHow to Choose a Cruiser
Deck Size
| Length | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| About 22–27" | Very portable, twitchy | Short trips, carrying |
| About 27–30" | Nimble, balanced | City cruising |
| About 30–33" | More stable | Longer rides, taller riders |
Wheels
Soft wheels around 78A to 85A and 56 to 65mm smooth out rough roads. Bigger wheels roll faster and over more debris. See skateboard wheels.
Kicktail
A kicktail makes it easy to turn sharply, hop curbs and do kick turns.
Deck Material
Maple decks are stiff and durable. Bamboo and composite decks can add flex. Plastic decks are light and waterproof but less stable.
Cruising Tips
- Push with your back foot and keep your front foot over the front bolts.
- Learn to foot brake before riding hills.
- Watch for pebbles and wet leaves; even soft wheels can stop suddenly.
- Wear a helmet, especially in traffic.
Need a bigger board? See longboards and longboards for beginners. Upgrading wheels? See longboard and cruiser wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cruiser skateboard?
A cruiser is a skateboard designed for riding around rather than tricks. It usually has a shaped deck, a kicktail and larger, softer wheels that roll smoothly over cracks and rough pavement.
Cruiser or longboard: which is better?
Cruisers are shorter, lighter and easier to carry and maneuver in crowds. Longboards are more stable at speed and more comfortable for long distances. For short city trips, a cruiser is usually better.
Can you do tricks on a cruiser skateboard?
Basic tricks like ollies, kick turns and manuals are possible on cruisers with a kicktail. Their soft wheels and shapes make technical flip tricks harder.
What wheels are best for a cruiser?
Soft wheels around 56 to 65mm and 78A to 85A are typical. Bigger, softer wheels are smoother on rough roads but may need risers to avoid wheel bite.
What size cruiser should I get?
About 27 to 30 inches is compact and nimble. About 30 to 33 inches feels more stable and suits taller riders and longer rides.