Skateboard risers are essential components that elevate your trucks from the deck, primarily used to prevent 'wheel bite' where larger wheels rub against the board during turns. They also play a crucial role in absorbing impact shock and dampening vibrations, thereby extending the lifespan of your hardware and deck. Products were evaluated based on material composition, thickness variations, impact absorption capabilities, user reviews, and feature analysis.
Independent Genuine Parts 1/8" RISERS Single Set
$9.99
These Independent risers offer a balanced 1/8" thickness with solid construction, effectively preventing common issues like wheel bite and board cracks.
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Outus 10 Pieces 3 mm Skateboard Riser Shock Pads Longboard Rise Mats Skateboard Shock Mat Soft Longboard Shockpads
$7.99
Providing 10 pieces of 3mm PU pads, this set offers substantial value for riders seeking basic shock absorption and increased deck clearance.
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INDEPENDENT Skateboard Truck PHILLIPS 1 1/4" Hardware and 1/4" Riser Pad
$12.95
This Independent set combines 1/4" risers with Phillips hardware, offering a complete and robust solution for taller setups requiring new mounting bolts.
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- Solid hard riser pads
- The 1/8" Riser Pads from Independent Truck Co. Independent riser pads are tried and approved by the Indy team, these riser pads help prevent vibration, loose hardware, board cracks, and wheel bite. Get them on your skateboard today.
- Prevent vibration, loose hardware, board cracks, and wheel bite
- Independent Trucks is the #1 choice of professional skateboarders since 1978
- - Enough for two trucks, one skateboard.
- 🛹【PREVENT WHEEL BITE】4MM 6MM soft rubber riser pads increase clearance to completely eliminate wheel bite during sharp turns.easy to install。
- 🛹【COMPATIBLE WITH MOST SKATEBOARDS】Standard 6-hole design perfectly fits kinds of skateboards,longboards,penny board，mini skateboards,penny board , Short Board,Mini Cruiser Skateboard,Banana Board,and Double Kick Skateboard.
- 🛹【SHOCK ABSORPTION】Made of high-density premium rubber that absorbs street vibrations for a smoother, quieter longboard cruise，6 holes solid Material: natural rubber Hardness: 75±5°
- 🛹[STRUCTURAL DESIGN]：一.Two screw holes Center distance They are： 1.63MM/2.5inch*41MM/1.625inch 2.53MM/2.086inch*41MM/1.625inch 二.Thickness: 4MM 0.156 (in) 5/64
- 🛹【PACKAGE CONTENT】一. 4X 4MMHigh flexibility trucks rises
- Packaging includes: you will receive 10 skateboard riser shock pads to meet your long-term needs, enough quantity for sharing and replacement
- Powerful effect: these skateboard riser shock pads can reduce the impact force caused by falling and impact, extend the service life of the skateboard, also can avoid the contact between the wheel and the skateboard when modifying the large wheels
- Reliable materials: our longboard rise pads are made of quality PU with good cushioning properties, helping to absorb most of the impact; Make your movement more steady and prevent the sole from rubbing repeatedly
- Appropriate size: soft longboard shockpads are 78 mm/ 3.1 inch in length, 56 mm/ 2.2 inch in width, and 3 mm/ 0.12 inch in thickness, suitable for most skateboards
- Flexible use: you can stack the number when using according to your height requirements; These black rectangle skateboard rise pads are packed in a box, which is light and small, convenient for you to store and carry
- The package includs: 1set (2pcs) skateboard riser pads w/ 1set (8pcs) skateboard hardware/screws
- REDUCES WHEEL BITE – Raises truck height to provide additional wheel clearance, helping reduce wheel bite and improve control during turns.
- ABSORBS SHOCK & VIBRATION – Durable rubber construction cushions road impact and vibration for a smoother, more comfortable ride.
- FITS SKATEBOARDS & LONGBOARDS – Compatible with most skateboard, longboard, cruiser, and old school setups using standard skateboard trucks.
- MULTIPLE SIZE OPTIONS – Available in 6mm, 12mm, and 14mm thicknesses, each paired with matching hardware for a proper fit and reliable performance.
- 🛹【PREVENT WHEEL BITE】4MM 6MM soft rubber riser pads increase clearance to completely eliminate wheel bite during sharp turns.easy to install。
- 🛹【COMPATIBLE WITH MOST SKATEBOARDS】Standard 6-hole design perfectly fits kinds of skateboards,longboards,penny board，mini skateboards,penny board , Short Board,Mini Cruiser Skateboard,Banana Board,and Double Kick Skateboard.
- 🛹【SHOCK ABSORPTION】Made of high-density premium rubber that absorbs street vibrations for a smoother, quieter longboard cruise，6 holes solid Material: natural rubber Hardness: 75±5°
- 🛹【HEAVY-DUTY HARDWARE】：high-tensile steel skateboard screws， that match the pads perfectly without loosening Resistant to stripping。Length: Approx,M5*29mm/1.18"
- 🛹【PACKAGE CONTENT】一. 2X 4MMHigh flexibility trucks rises 二.8 X M5 Nut ,8 X m5-29MM Screw
- Includes a set of 2, 1/2" hard plastic riser pads. These risers feature the 6 hole design so these will fit on virtually all deck and truck combinations. Perfect for Old School Skateboards, Cruisers, and Longboards.
- PREVENT WHEELBITE - Risers increase ride height which reduces wheelbite. Risers are great for those who ride loose trucks or big wheels.
- INCREASE DECK LIFE - Risers add a layer between hard aluminum trucks and the wood deck.
- INCREASE POP - Adding height to your setup increases the distance between your tail and the ground. The increase in distance allows for more downward force to be generated when popping your board.
- PREVENT WHEELBITE - Riser pads increase ride height which reduces wheelbite. Risers are great for those who ride loose trucks or big wheels.
- INCREASE DECK LIFE - Risers add a layer between hard aluminum trucks and the wood deck. Risers help prevent stress cracks in decks at the bolt holes by absorbing and dissipating some of the shock from harsh landings and rough terrain.
- RIDE SMOOTHER - Using the same reasoning behind preventing stress cracks, risers also promote a smoother ride by absorbing and dissipating shock from riding on rough terrain.
- INCREASE POP - Adding height to your setup increases the distance between your tail and the ground. The increase in distance allows for more downward force to be generated when popping your board.
This article is part of our complete guide Sports & Outdoors — browse all our comparisons and buying guides.
Last update on 2026-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Skateboard Risers
Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Ride
The thickness of your skateboard risers directly impacts your setup's height and clearance, primarily to prevent wheel bite. Typically, risers range from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch. For instance, a 1/8" riser, such as the Independent Genuine Parts 1/8" RISERS, is often sufficient for minor wheel bite issues or for slightly increasing leverage. Conversely, taller risers like the 1/4" options from Independent or even the 1/2-Inch Sector 9 risers (from other products) are necessary when running larger wheels or seeking a significantly higher ride. Riders often report that thicker risers provide a more stable feel at higher speeds, though they also raise the center of gravity, which can affect turn responsiveness.
Material and Shock Absorption Properties
Riser pads are manufactured from various materials, each offering distinct properties for shock absorption and vibration dampening. Solid hard risers, like those from Independent Truck Co., are known for their durability and consistent lift, primarily preventing wheel bite and distributing pressure. However, for significant impact absorption, materials like rubber or polyurethane (PU) are often preferred. Vanpro offers 1/8" rubber risers specifically for absorbing impact shock and reducing vibrations. Similarly, the Outus 3 mm pads are made from quality PU, designed to dampen impacts and extend hardware life, demonstrating that softer materials excel at mitigating the harshness of landings and rough terrain.
Hardware Compatibility and Mounting Patterns
When selecting risers, it is crucial to consider the length of your mounting hardware. Adding risers, especially those 1/4" or thicker, almost always necessitates longer bolts to ensure a secure connection between the trucks, risers, and deck. The INDEPENDENT Skateboard Truck PHILLIPS 1 1/4" Hardware and 1/4" Riser Pad combination is a practical example, providing both components together. Furthermore, while most risers conform to standard truck baseplate patterns, it's worth noting specific measurements. Vanpro's pads, for example, detail screw hole center distances (e.g., 63MM/2.5inch*41MM/1.625inch), ensuring a precise fit. Users typically find that risers with a 6-hole mounting pattern (as seen in CCS options) offer versatility for both old-school and new-school truck hole configurations.
Pros & Cons
Independent Genuine Parts 1/8" RISERS Single Set
Pros
- Tried and approved by the Independent team, indicating reliability.
- Effective 1/8" thickness for preventing common issues like wheel bite and minor board cracks.
- Solid hard construction offers consistent performance and durability.
Cons
- May not provide sufficient lift for exceptionally large wheels.
- Hard material offers less shock absorption compared to rubber or PU alternatives.
vanpro Trucks pad 1/8 Rubber Skateboard Risers for Preventing Wheelbite and Absorbing Impact Shock, Reduces Vibrations to Extend Hardware Life(Snow Black) (4 MM)
Pros
- Made from rubber, excelling at absorbing impact shock and reducing vibrations.
- Specifically designed to prevent wheel bite while extending hardware life.
- Detailed structural design with specific screw hole center distances for precise fit.
Cons
- The 1/8" thickness might still be insufficient for aggressive setups with very large wheels.
- Brand culture description is less focused on technical product benefits.
Outus 10 Pieces 3 mm Skateboard Riser Shock Pads Longboard Rise Mats Skateboard Shock Mat Soft Longboard Shockpads
Pros
- Comes in a pack of 10, offering ample supply for multiple setups or long-term use.
- Made of quality PU, providing good cushioning properties for impact reduction.
- Effectively reduces impact force and extends the life of the board and hardware.
Cons
- The 3mm thickness is relatively thin, potentially limiting its effectiveness for severe wheel bite.
- PU material, while good for shock, may compress more over time compared to solid hard risers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating Riser Thickness Requirements
A frequent error is choosing risers that are too thin for the intended wheel size or truck setup. For instance, relying solely on 1/8" risers like the Independent Genuine Parts 1/8" RISERS when running wheels over 55mm might still result in frustrating wheel bite. Riders often report that a 1/4" riser, such as the Independent Genuine Parts Riser Set Black 1/4 Set, is a more suitable starting point for larger wheel diameters, ensuring adequate clearance during deep carves.
Neglecting Hardware Length Adjustments
Many users overlook the necessity of longer mounting hardware when adding risers. Installing a 1/4" riser without commensurately longer bolts means fewer threads engage the truck baseplate, leading to loose trucks, stripped nuts, or even hardware failure. The INDEPENDENT Skateboard Truck PHILLIPS 1 1/4" Hardware and 1/4" Riser Pad product highlights this by including appropriate 1 1/4" hardware, a crucial consideration often missed when purchasing risers separately.
Ignoring Material's Impact on Ride Feel
Selecting risers based solely on thickness without considering the material properties is another common oversight. Hard plastic risers (like some Independent models) are excellent for preventing wheel bite but offer minimal shock absorption. If the goal is to dampen vibrations and absorb impact from rough terrain or landings, choosing a softer material like the rubber pads from vanpro or the PU shock pads from Outus is more effective. Users find that softer risers significantly improve comfort and reduce fatigue on longer rides.