Hi Marlo,
Thanks for taking the time to review the product.
These wheels are designed for smooth surfaces only. There are multiple factors that play into wheel damage. The most common are debris, substrate ridden on and riding style. Wheels that are softer or larger are more prone to damage due to their construction and how they react to those factors.
A way to reduce the potential for damage is to wear the wheels in on a smooth concrete surface, this is a common practice in the longboarding community where people intended to slide on their wheels.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to your local Evolve team.
RegardsEvolve HQ
