The work aims to study the influence of original microstructure on rolling wear properties of D2 wheel steel and explore the scientific controlling of wheel wear resistance (polygonization), so as to provide theoretical and experimental basis for the design and the damage control of key materials in rail transit. GPM-30 tester was used to conduct the rolling wear test under dry and air-cooled condition on D2 wheel steel specimens with the original microstructure of lamellar pearlite+ proeutectoid ferrite (P+F) and tempered sorbite (TS), respectively. Wear properties were evaluated by measuring wear amounts, observing macro scale morphologies and measuring Vickers hardness. Wear morphologies and section microstructures were observed and analyzed by SEM and OM. It was easier for TS specimens to form polygonization. The generation of polygonization accelerated the wear of specimens. The amount and rate of wear for TS specimens were higher than those of P+F specimens. After 2×105 revolutions, the surface wear mechanisms of both kinds of specimens were dominated by adhesive wear and oxidation wear. There were more and deeper spalling pits on the surface of TS specimens, with more severe adhesive wear situation and higher roughness. TS specimens had higher original hardness and lower hardening amplitude, about 78%. Although P+F specimens had lower original hardness, its hardening amplitude could reach about 95%. After rolling wear, P+F specimens had higher surface hardness and thicker hardening layer. The hardening effect caused by ferrite deformation refinement is dominant in TS specimens, while the combined hardening effects of ferrite refinement and cementite deformation occur in P+F specimens. Under the condition of dry and air-cooled rolling wear, D2 wheel steel specimens with original microstructure of P+F have better hardening effects, polygonization resistance and wear resistance.