A brief introduction to the current status of research, characteristics and applications of real -time monitoring methods for train wheel tread damage is presented. The train wheel tread defects detection method has two kinds of in-workshop inspection and in-service inspection. Among them, the in-service inspection of good real-time, can provide the technical basis for the realization of real-time monitoring of wheel tread defect. According to the different sensor installation locations，the in-service inspection can be divided into two types of on -board measurement and wayside measurement. The methods of wayside measurement, such as wheel -rail force detection, image detection and acoustic emission detection, as well as axle box vibration and acceleration detection and fiber optic sensing detection are introduced, summarized, and analyzed in terms of their principles, research status and application problems. The results show that the existing monitoring methods still need further improvement, and in future research it is necessary to consider the integration of real-time wheel defect monitoring methods with intelligent diagnosis, big data and Internet of Things technologies, with the function of fault warning and equipment remaining life prediction, to realize the application of intelligent operation and maintenance technology in high-speed railroad construction.