Jogging Strollers: Does Wheel Size Make a Difference?

Serious runners and everyday moms who want an all-terrain stroller enjoy jogging strollers. When shopping for a jogging stroller, one of the most important buying decisions to make is which wheel size is best for your needs. Depending on where you will be using the stroller determines how big the wheels should be. There are three sizes of wheels for jogging strollers. There is the 20-inch, 16-inch, and 12-inch wheel size. There are also strollers that can mix and match wheel size to provide the best-customized ride for you and your child.

If you are a serious runner who will be running over rugged terrain, hiking trails, bumpy hills, or through grassy areas, a jogging stroller with 20-inch wheels will give you and your child a smoother ride. Bigger wheels on a jogging stroller mean that your stroller will glide effortlessly across all sorts of terrain. 20-inch wheel jogging strollers are designed with a fixed front wheel to avoid wobbling. 24-inch back wheels can be added to the 20-inch wheel jogging strollers for an even smoother ride across trails and uneven surfaces.

The most popular wheel size for jogging strollers is the 16-inch. Jogging strollers with 16-inch wheels work well for frequent jogging or walking, and are convenient enough to take into stores. They will not provide the same ease of movement as the 20-inch, but they are big enough to take on complicated walking surfaces. The 16-inch wheel jogging strollers are designed to have a fixed front wheel. Fortunately, with jogging strollers being redesigned quite frequently, it is possible to find a jogging stroller with 16-inch back wheels and a 12-inch front swivel wheel. The swivel wheel allows for even greater maneuvering through stores and shopping malls.

For those who want the look of a jogging stroller but the function of a regular stroller, then 12-inch wheels is the way to go. The smallest of the jogging stroller wheels, 12-inch wheels are great for walking around town, shopping, and casual walking in your neighborhood. Many 12-inch wheel models are designed to swivel. This makes them easier to maneuver and turn than the larger wheeled models. They do not glide well over rough terrain and will provide a much bumpier ride for your child. Jogging strollers with 12-inch wheels are best kept on smooth roads or sidewalks. No matter which model of jogging stroller you choose, the wheel size is what makes the difference between a smooth ride or a bumpy ride.