Design/methodology/approach To solve this problem, this paper analyzed the wheel-rail contact relationship and established a vehicle dynamic model of high-speed train. The Jendel wheel wear model was used to analyze the evolution of thin flange wheel wear and rail deviation affecting wheel wear under thin flange wheel profiles. Findings Due to the consistency of the tread area, the distribution of wheel-rail contact points for thin flange wheels in the tread area is close. As the wheel flange increases, wheel wear also increases. Thin flange wheel profiles reduce wheel wear to a certain extent. The maximum wheel wear depths with rail deviations of −0.4 mm, 0 mm and 0.4 mm are 0.9844 mm, 1.077 mm and 1.142 mm, respectively. The negative rail deviation suppresses wheel wear, but the positive rail deviation increases wheel wear. Originality/value The evolution of wheel wear for thin flange wheels after reprofiling is not clear. This paper analyzed the wear characteristics of thin flange wheel wear and rail deviation affecting wheel wear under thin flange wheels. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2024-0401/