The aircraft's main gear consisted of three wheels on each side, any one of which could support the SR-71 at normal landing weights and were rated for a maximum speed of 239 knots. Each main gear was equipped with anti-skid protection for slippery runway conditions. The front cockpit had an emergency gear release T-handle, permitting the gear to be released and free fall by gravity to the down and locked position when pulled out by the pilot.

The nose gear consisted of two smaller tires used to steer the aircraft . By pressing the "Nose Wheel Steering" button on the stick grip, the pilot engaged a holding relay that allowed hands free steering of the aircraft through his rudder pedals. Nose wheel steering was limited to 45 degrees left and right.

The 32-ply tires were silver coated to reflect heat and filled with high-pressure nitrogen for inerting. Depending on how well pilots landed, each tire was good for about 15-20 landings (full stop or touch-and-go).