Best Outdoor Roller Skate Wheels for Sidewalks and Trails (2026)
Soft, wide wheels make outdoor skating smoother and safer. Here are four 78A favorites and what to know before you buy.
Why Outdoor Wheels Matter
Outdoor surfaces are rough, with cracks, pebbles and uneven pavement. Outdoor roller skate wheels are softer (around 78A), larger (around 62–65mm) and often wider than indoor wheels, so they absorb vibration, roll over small debris and grip better. Swapping to good outdoor wheels is one of the best upgrades for any quad skate. Here are four popular 78A options.
Radar Energy 62
Best all-round outdoor wheel
- 78A hardness
- 62mm
- Made for outdoor surfaces
Outdoor Wheels Compared
| Wheel | Hardness | Size | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radar Energy 62 | 78A | 62mm | 4 |
| Sure-Grip Boardwalk | 78A | 65mm | 8 |
| Atom Pulse | 78A | 65mm x 37mm | 4 (check listing) |
| Moxi Classic | 78A | Check listing | 4 |
A pair of quad skates needs 8 wheels, so buy two packs of 4-packs.
The Best Outdoor Roller Skate Wheels
1. Radar Energy 62
Riedell's Radar Energy 62 wheels are 78A outdoor wheels designed to glide over rough surfaces and small debris on sidewalks, trails and streets. Sold as a 4-pack.
Good to Know
- Popular outdoor wheel
- Smooth on rough ground
Watch Out For
- 4-pack; you need two for a pair
2. Sure-Grip Boardwalk 65mm
The Boardwalk is a 65mm, 78A urethane wheel with Super Hi Rebound (SHR) quality, sold as a set of 8.
Check Price on Amazon3. Atom Pulse
A soft 78A outdoor wheel in a 65mm x 37mm size, a popular size for outdoor skating with a sturdy base.
Check Price on Amazon4. Moxi Classic
Moxi's outdoor recreation wheels in 78A, designed for grip and a smooth ride from sidewalk to pavement. Sold as a 4-pack.
Check Price on AmazonHow to Choose Outdoor Wheels
Hardness (Durometer)
| Durometer | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 78A–82A | Soft, grippy | Rough sidewalks, trails |
| 83A–88A | Medium | Smooth outdoor and some indoor |
| 88A+ | Hard | Indoor rinks, skateparks |
Size
Larger wheels (62–65mm) roll over cracks better and keep momentum. Smaller wheels are more agile but feel bumpier outside.
Width
Wider wheels feel more stable; narrower wheels feel more agile.
How to Change Your Wheels
- Remove the axle nut with a skate tool.
- Slide off the wheel and pop out the bearings.
- Press the bearings into the new wheel.
- Replace and tighten until the wheel spins freely without wobble.
The process is the same as for skateboards; see how to replace bearings.
Need skates? See roller skates, kids roller skates and how to roller skate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardness wheels are best for outdoor roller skating?
Soft wheels, usually around 78A to 85A. 78A is a popular choice for rough sidewalks and trails.
What size outdoor roller skate wheels should I get?
Larger wheels, around 62 to 65mm, roll over cracks and pebbles more easily than smaller indoor wheels.
How many wheels do I need?
Eight for a pair of quad skates. Some wheels come in packs of 4, so you'd need two packs.
Can I use indoor wheels outside?
You can, but hard indoor wheels feel rough and slippery outdoors and wear faster.
Do I need new bearings with new wheels?
Not usually. Move your bearings into the new wheels, as long as they're in good condition.