A skate wheel including a tire support structure adapted to reduce roll resistance generally encountered from a tire comprising a 60 A to 75 A Shore hardness material. The tire support structure comprises a flexible torus portion proximal to an inner core, and a substantially rigid radially extending portion extending radially outward from the flexible torus portion. The flexible torus portion cooperates with the inner core to form a cavity. The radially extending portion extends to approximately eighty to ninety five percent of the total wheel diameter. When a load is placed on the wheel, the radially extending portion is pressed against the flexible torus portion, and the flexible torus portion deforms into the cavity. The combination of the radially extending portion and the flexible torus portion moderates distortion of the soft tire, thereby reducing roll resistance. The resulting combination of a relatively hard radially extending portion and a relatively soft tire, allows for a more optimal balance of low rolling resistance and high traction.