Shoe Stud Compatibility
When choosing Studs or SPD cleats (or both), the type of shoe you plan to use will have a major impact on your options. Most, but not all shoes, are able to accept studs. Short studs penetrate about 8mm so you would want at least a 10mm thick sole minimum for those. Long studs penetrate about 11mm so you would want a sole thickness of 13mm minimum for those. Don't include the insole when measuring. Shoe construction should also be a consideration, a thin outer rubber sole with an internal waffled structure could be difficult to stud. Ideally the studs thread best into a consistent solid rubber material. Be aware of your shoes air pockets, or any other structural enhancements that may interfere with studding. Always check with your hand or foot after installing your first stud and insure it is not poking through your sole.
SPD Skate-Shoe Style Riding Shoes for the most part have a structural plate that runs the length of the shoe very close to the sole. This makes having enough rubber to penetrate not always available. If you know the size and where your plate is, you could place studs around the perimeter of the plate.
Skate-Shoe Style or Traditional Flat Riding Shoes are a great choice and offer lots of studding pattern options. Always see how thick your sole is when choosing your studs. . See the size reference above
Chunky Tread MTB Racing Shoes with thick rubber lugs are able to run both the SPD Cleat and Studs simultaneously
Traditional Racing SPD Shoes can only use the SPD cleat. Studs will not screw into hard plastic
Hiking Shoes or Boots are a terrific choice for wet or winter riding, lots of tread thickness, so your studding options are endless.
Flip Flops and Regular Everyday Shoes, Yes you can stud pretty much anything with a solid rubber sole, but keep in mind sole thickness when choosing studs, and be aware of your shoes air pockets and construction
Always check with your hand or foot after installing your first stud and insure it is not poking through your sole.
