6 Best Skateboard Risers For Larger Wheel Clearance Setups

There is nothing more frustrating than mid-ride wheelbite abruptly halting a smooth descent and sending a rider flying. Properly setting up a board with larger wheels requires a strategic approach to ride height and clearance. Selecting the right riser pads is the most effective way to modify your board’s geometry, ensuring a smooth and safe ride regardless of the terrain.

08/27/2026 09:26 am GMT

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Independent 1/4″ Riser: Best Overall Pick

The Independent 1/4″ riser is a staple in the industry, offering a perfect balance of durability and functional height. It provides just enough clearance to run mid-sized wheels without drastically altering the center of gravity. This is the go-to choice for skaters who fluctuate between street skating and light transition work.

The injection-molded plastic is rigid, which helps maintain a consistent feel between the truck baseplate and the deck. Because it is a hard riser, it won’t compress over time, ensuring the hardware remains snug. It is the ideal middle-ground for anyone who finds 1/8″ insufficient but considers 1/2″ excessive for their riding style.

Choose this option if you value predictability and want a product that installs easily and lasts through seasons of heavy abuse. It is not the choice for those looking for vibration dampening, but for pure wheel clearance, it is arguably the most reliable product on the market.

Sector 9 Angled Wedges: Best for Carving

Sector 9 Angled Wedges are designed specifically to change the geometry of your truck’s kingpin angle. By wedging or de-wedging your trucks, you can drastically sharpen your turn radius or stabilize the board for higher speeds. These are essential for longboarders looking to dial in their carves or pumping efficiency.

When installed with the thick side facing outward, the trucks become more responsive and turn-happy, which is perfect for tight, sidewalk-carving setups. Conversely, reversing the wedge dampens the steering, providing the stability needed for downhill descents. They essentially function as an upgrade to the board’s handling rather than just a clearance tool.

These are recommended for riders who understand the relationship between truck geometry and board performance. They are not intended for simple street setups that require a neutral feel. If the goal is to transform the responsiveness of a cruiser or longboard, these wedges are the definitive solution.

Khiro 1/2″ Hard Risers: Best Extra Height

When running massive wheels for rough terrain or high-speed commuting, 1/2″ risers become a necessity rather than a preference. Khiro is the industry leader for this specific category, providing substantial clearance that effectively eliminates wheelbite on even the deepest carves. These are rigid enough to handle the leverage placed on them by larger trucks.

Because these risers are quite thick, they raise the board’s center of gravity significantly. This trade-off is necessary for big-wheel setups, but it does require slightly more ankle effort to initiate a turn. The increased height is a worthy sacrifice for the ability to roll over cracks and debris that would otherwise stop smaller wheels in their tracks.

Opt for the Khiro 1/2″ if you are building a dedicated commuter board or a long-distance cruiser. They are built for serious utility and are not recommended for technical street skating where board height is a disadvantage. When extra clearance is the primary objective, no other riser competes in terms of raw functionality.

Loaded Shock Pads: Top Vibration Damping

Loaded Shock Pads differ from standard risers because they are made from a soft, urethane-like material designed to absorb road chatter. This is a game-changer for long-distance pushers and anyone riding on asphalt with heavy aggregate. They isolate the deck from the vibrations that cause foot fatigue over long rides.

These pads aren’t primarily for increasing clearance, though they do provide a slight lift. The soft material compresses under the bolts, creating a custom fit between the truck and the concave of the deck. This compression also helps protect the wood from stress cracks that can occur when tightening metal baseplates directly against the board.

These pads are essential for comfort-focused setups, particularly on overlanding or long-distance push boards. Avoid them if you prioritize a stiff, responsive board feel, as the slight flex can feel “mushy” to aggressive riders. For those who want to extend their ride time by reducing physical strain, these are the gold standard.

Paris Truck 1/8″ Risers: Best Subtle Lift

Sometimes a setup only needs a tiny bit of extra breathing room to avoid contact during deep carves. The Paris Truck 1/8″ riser is designed for that exact purpose, offering minimal lift while keeping the board as close to the ground as possible. It is a discreet way to safely run slightly larger wheels on a low-profile deck.

Despite their thin profile, these risers add a crucial layer of separation that prevents the truck baseplate from digging into the deck. They are particularly well-suited for setups where the rider wants to maintain a low center of gravity for maximum stability. They are essentially insurance for your deck’s health and your own safety.

These are for the rider who has calculated their clearance perfectly and just needs a tiny margin of error. If you are already experiencing major wheelbite, these will likely be too thin. For the minimalist builder, however, they represent the perfect, unobtrusive upgrade.

Bones Wheels Hard Risers: Best Budget Pick

Bones Wheels produces a straightforward, high-quality hard riser that gets the job done without any unnecessary bells and whistles. They are cost-effective, durable, and come in various sizes to accommodate almost any setup. For the skater building a board on a budget, these are the most reliable option available.

Their simple, flat design ensures that the truck remains perfectly level, preventing any unintended shifting of the steering geometry. The material is tough enough to withstand the vibrations of street riding without deforming or cracking. There is no guesswork involved; they are a standard, no-nonsense component.

Pick these up if you are looking to get back on the road without overspending on brand names. They are perfect for beginners or riders who swap decks frequently and need reliable, affordable hardware. While they lack the vibration-damping features of more expensive options, their performance-to-price ratio is unmatched.

How to Choose the Perfect Riser Thickness

Choosing the correct riser depends entirely on the diameter of your wheels and the depth of your board’s wheel wells. A good rule of thumb is to start with 1/8″ for wheels under 56mm and move up to 1/4″ for wheels up to 60mm. Anything larger generally requires 1/2″ or more to remain safe during sharp maneuvers.

You should also factor in the tightness of your truck bushings. Loose trucks allow for deeper carves, which increases the likelihood of wheelbite, necessitating a thicker riser. If your setup feels like it is on the edge of rubbing, err on the side of a thicker riser to prevent a dangerous mid-ride lock-up.

Finally, consider the curvature of your deck. Deeply concave boards often provide more natural wheel clearance, while flat decks require more aggressive risers. Evaluate your specific setup’s “dead zone”—the point where the wheel meets the deck—before making your final purchase.

Hard vs Soft Riser Pads: What Works Best

Hard plastic risers are designed for stability, efficiency, and consistent board feel. They do not compress, which means the energy of your push is transferred directly through the truck to the pavement without any loss of momentum. These are the preferred choice for technical skating, downhill, and any setup where “snap” and response are prioritized.

Soft risers, or shock pads, serve a different purpose entirely. They act as a suspension system, absorbing vibrations and dampening the road harshness that can fatigue your legs. While they provide a slightly “deader” feel to the board, the trade-off in increased comfort is massive for long-distance riders.

The decision comes down to the environment: do you need performance and responsiveness, or do you need to survive miles of rough, cracked pavement? Most riders find that their local terrain dictates the choice more than any other factor. If you ride smooth skateparks, stick with hard risers; if you commute on city streets, go for soft pads.

Hardware Length Guide for Your New Setup

Adding a riser requires longer mounting hardware to ensure the bolt fully engages the nut. As a general rule, add the thickness of the riser to the length of your current hardware. Using 1/8″ risers usually requires 1″ or 1.125″ hardware, while 1/4″ risers typically demand 1.25″ bolts.

If you are stepping up to 1/2″ risers, prepare to use 1.5″ hardware. It is vital that at least a few threads of the bolt extend past the nut once tightened to ensure the assembly doesn’t vibrate loose. Using hardware that is too short is a major safety risk, as the nuts can strip or fall off mid-session.

Always carry a skate tool and check your hardware tightness after the first few hours of riding a new setup. Bolts tend to settle into the wood of the deck, which can loosen the connection slightly after the initial break-in period. Tightening them once, then leaving them be, is the hallmark of a well-maintained board.

Preventing Wheelbite on Larger Wheel Sizes

Wheelbite occurs when the wheel touches the underside of the deck, causing it to stop instantly. Beyond adding risers, you can prevent this by adding aftermarket wheel wells or sanding down the area where the wheel makes contact. Removing a small amount of wood from the underside of the deck is a common, though permanent, solution for aggressive setups.

Tightening your kingpin nut is another temporary fix, but it comes at the cost of steering responsiveness. If you find yourself having to over-tighten your trucks to stop wheelbite, you are likely under-risered for your current wheel size. It is almost always better to add a thicker riser than to compromise the turn-ability of your trucks.

Ultimately, your setup should be intuitive and safe, allowing you to focus on the ride rather than the mechanics. If the board is prone to biting, you are holding yourself back from leaning into turns with confidence. Invest in the right riser size early, ensure your hardware is secure, and head out to find the perfect line.

Whether you are hitting the local skatepark or planning a long-distance cruise, the right riser is a small investment that pays off in control and peace of mind. By matching your hardware to your riding style, you ensure that every session remains smooth and uninterrupted. Now that the gear is dialed in, the only thing left to do is get out there and ride.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do skateboard risers do for wheel clearance?

Skateboard risers increase wheel clearance by lifting the deck higher above the trucks, which prevents the wheels from rubbing against the wood during sharp turns. Without risers, larger wheels over 56mm frequently contact the deck and cause sudden stops known as wheel bite. Adding a simple 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch hard plastic spacer gives the wheels room to rotate freely while carving.

What is an angled wedge skateboard riser pad?

An angled wedge skateboard riser pad is a sloped spacer that changes the truck geometry and turning radius instead of just adding deck height. Standard flat pads raise the board evenly, but wedge risers feature an incline between 3 and 10 degrees. Installing the thick end facing the nose or tail makes the trucks turn sharper, which is ideal for longboards and carving setups using 65mm or larger wheels.

How do I choose the right skateboard riser height for 60mm wheels?

Choosing the right skateboard riser height for 60mm wheels requires matching your truck profile and bushing stiffness to a 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch riser pad. High trucks can often clear 60mm wheels with a slim 1/8-inch pad, while low or mid trucks typically require a 1/4-inch pad to eliminate deck contact. If you ride loose trucks or carve aggressively, choose a 1/4-inch pad to guarantee safe turning clearance.

How do I install skateboard risers on a cruiser board?

Installing skateboard risers on a cruiser board involves placing the pad between the baseplate of the truck and the bottom of the deck before tightening your mounting hardware. Remove your old truck bolts using a skate tool and a Phillips screwdriver. Slide longer replacement bolts through the grip tape, align the riser pad holes with the protruding screws underneath, and press the truck baseplate firmly against the riser before securing the locknuts.

Are hard plastic risers better than rubber shock pads for large wheels?

Hard plastic risers are better than rubber shock pads for large wheels because rigid plastic maintains a consistent clearance height under heavy rider weight. Rubber shock pads compress under load, temporarily reducing clearance and potentially causing unexpected wheel bite during deep carves. Soft pads measuring 1/8-inch work well for absorbing road vibrations on rough pavement, but setups with wheels over 60mm perform more reliably with solid polyurethane or rigid plastic spacers.

What length hardware bolts do you need for quarter-inch skateboard risers?

Quarter-inch skateboard risers require mounting hardware bolts measuring between 1.25 inches and 1.375 inches in length. Standard skate hardware measures 1 inch, which is too short to reach through the deck, a 1/4-inch riser, and the truck baseplate with threads to spare. A 1.25-inch bolt ensures the nylon locking nut engages fully past the end of the bolt for safety.

Why are my skateboard wheels still getting wheel bite after installing risers?

Persistent wheel bite after installing risers usually happens because the truck bushings are too soft or loose for your weight and riding style. Adding a riser raises the center of gravity, but excessively loose trucks can still lean far enough to strike the wood. Tightening the kingpin nut by a half turn, switching to harder 90A+ barrel bushings, or moving up to a taller riser will resolve the issue.

Are skateboard risers worth using on a standard street skateboarding setup?

Standard street skateboarding setups do not need risers if you ride wheels that measure 53mm or smaller. Small wheels naturally clear low and mid trucks without biting into the deck. Adding unnecessary risers increases the board height, which steepens the tail angle, makes ollies require more downward effort, and adds unneeded weight to technical flip tricks. Stick with bare trucks unless you upgrade to 55mm wheels or larger.