Stroller Wheels: if you don't want to think about them, then choose 16" air-filled tires with aluminum rims and be done with it!  Go with:

1. SWIVEL FRONT wheels if you don't intend to run at all
2. SWIVEL FRONT wheels WITH LOCK-OUT for multi-use
3. FIXED FRONT wheels if you are a serious runner

If however, you want to know the in's and out's of wheels and tires, then keep on reading! The six main issues to consider with Stroller Wheels are (1) wheel size,  (2) fixed vs. swivel, (3) material and design, (4) shock absorbers, (5) fenders, and (6) quick release.

Wheel Size

Stroller Wheels come in three sizes: 20 inch, 16 inch, and 12 inch. The low-down on wheel size is like everything else in life: there is a trade-off to be made. Large wheels give you a smoother ride, but are bulky and are hard to fit in your car. Smaller wheels are more maneuverable, but provide a bumpier ride.

20" Stroller Wheels: make it easier to go over rough roads curbs, bumps, and cracks, and since they have less rolling resistance, they give a nice glide when you're jogging but they do nothing to improve stability. If you plan alot of running over rough terrain, you'll want to go with the larger stroller wheels. Many people just like the impressive look of the 20" wheels, however they are important for the serious runner.

16" Stroller Wheels: are best for frequent walking or jogging with some off road use and this size is the best bet for most people. The Baby Jogger Q Series stroller is a typical 16" model. This option provides a balance between smooth ride and functionality and can be used to switch between shopping, walking and running.

12" Stroller Wheels: are best for walking, mall shopping, and strolling on pavement or sidewalks. You can use smaller wheel sizes (and save some money) if you are going to be mostly walking, speed walking, and going on relatively smooth surfaces. The Phil and Ted stroller uses this format which allows you to maneuver more easily than the larger wheel jogging strollers.

24” Stroller Wheels: are offered by some manufacturers. (This is clearly not a necessity, but we are letting you know just to round out the discussion.) These wheels are almost the size of bicycle tires and are strictly for running fanatics. Good luck getting a 24" wheel stroller into your car!
 

Swivel Wheel

A swivel wheel is a front wheel that swings freely (see picture). A swivelling wheel improves maneuverability, and allows better negotiation of tight corners. It's more suitable for light joggers, rough terrain, or those who need a multi-use jogging stroller.

Many of the hard-core runners do not consider swivel-wheel models to be true jogging strollers. However, most major brands now essentially produce both a fixed wheel and swivel-wheel version of each model that they manufacture.

Models like the BOB Revolution stroller have a swivel front wheel with a locking mechanism that allows you to switchThe swivel-wheel version is marketed as an every-day use solution and the fixed version as a running or training solution.

Fixed Wheel

A fixed wheel is a front wheel that does not swivel. It is more suitable for fast runners who want to hold a steady line. 

A fixed wheel stroller is the equipment of a choice for a serious runner.  (They are not the best choice for zipping around the mall - but they produce a sure and steady line when racing along straight roads and light bends.) 

Models like the Baby Jogger Performance 20" Single stroller Navy/Yellow are the best in class.

 

Material and Design

You'll get the best performance from air-filled, rubber tires, mounted on alloy/steel rims, that are housed on sealed alloy hubs with ball-bearings. Whoa! Sounds technical – but not really! Let’s break it down:

Wheels attached directly to the axle provide crucial stability and we strongly recommend this. Rubber tires, and sealed hubs will provide a smoother, lower-maintenance performance. If you can manage it, spend a little extra for alloy wheels and hubs.

Alloys (unlike steel) do not rust, and are an absolute necessity in coastal areas, humid or rainy climates, areas that get a lot of snow (salt on the roads will cause steel to rust quickly).

Spending a little more now on alloy wheels means that you don't have to replace rusted wheels later, plus the alloy wheels make the jogging stroller lighter.

Stroller Shocks

Unless you expect to encounter fairly bumpy trails or roads, stroller shocks aren't really necessary for most people. However, if you regularly go off-road, shock absorbers will provide a much more comfortable and safe ride for baby.

For flat sidewalks, and mall shopping, they are not particularly necessary. However, if you need them, models like the BOB SUS stroller have excellent suspension systems that really cushion the ride.

Fenders (Wheel Guards)

Fenders are an important safety feature that is often over-looked . They safe-guard against children pushing their hands and feet into the spokes of a spinning wheel.

For some reason, both our girls love to reach down and grab the front wheel when the stroller is moving. To prevent this, we usually lift the front wheel off the ground. But this is not a problem when fenders are built in.

Kelty is one of the few brands that designs strollers with built-in fenders.

Quick Release

The quick release is a useful feature for those who travel with their jogging stroller. Easy storage in back seats, hatch-backs, and trunks of cars may require you to remove either the front and/or back wheels of the stroller.

A quick release lever attached to the axle allows you to do this rapidly and without tools. Some strollers like the Chariot Cougar feature a quick release button that makes removal even easier. This is something that you should definitely consider if storage and transportation are an issue.