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I have (mainly for road riding) these Giro Ranger MTB shoes. They have screw holes for optional studs near the toes, which I've seen on other MTB shoes.

I've just made some studs (3d-printed from 95 hardness TPU, so a bit harder than the sole, not really hard). This makes them nicer to walk in on hard surfaces, by reducing the strange rocking from the sole. Presumably it also improves grip when walking on mud.

The screw insert is clearly a cost to the manufacturer, so there must be a reason they don't just mould a bit more tread there. So why are studs optional?

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Because the screw holes are meant for aggressive metal spikes that would make walking on hard surfaces worse. Cyclocross racers, who have to run up steep slippery hills, use them: Giro Sidi

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    OK, those are much spikier than the ones I'd seen in the wild (rugby boot style, metal and/or plastic, e.g. Lake Mud Studs at most). Commented 2 days ago
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    I also only knew the plastic/rubber kind (they came with my Northwave or Mavic shoes 20 years ago I think). I had always assumed that they’d make walking worse because they stick out (plus of course they add some mass). Commented 2 days ago
  • @Michael if they're far enough forward and the sole is curved up, short studs only touch the ground as you rock onto your toes at the back of a stride. I'd still prefer touring shoes on tarmac, or better still my old Giro Rumble, but as no makes that fit me well are currently making them and shops have little to no stock in my size, I had to order whatever would fit. Commented 13 hours ago
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I've had shoes with removable studs. Indeed, the studs serve very well in some types of mud and other wet/loose soil. In certain cases they can be the only resource left, because all shoe sole's thread would be packed with mud and you'd lose any foot traction. The spikes dig into the mud and also wet, plush grass then can be pretty slippery.

However, the studs would wear out over time, eventually rounding out so much that they do not offer an advantage anymore. At that point, it is an advantage to be able to just replace the studs, specially if the shoe itself is not worn out.

Having said that, those particular conditions are pretty rare and, at least for me as a non competitive rider, do not justify buying another shoes like those. Also, those spikes may make walking more uncomfortable or even dangerous on packed dirt, stone, slick concrete or the like (depending on where on the shoe are they located)

I guess if you practice or compete a lot in those conditions, it would be justified.

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  • Having now seen the range of studs available, it makes me wonder why you can't buy ones like I made. They'll do no harm on soft surfaces, but (now confirmed by a test walk to buy lunch) improve the walking where it's paved. Commented 13 hours ago
  • My guess is there is no market for them. The one time I replaced mine, I bought a pack meant for soccer, those shoes use different length studs on different locations (I think they use six on each shoe) so, for me, it meant I had a couple of options to choose and try. So, there may be a pre made option like what you mention but for some other sport/activity. Commented 5 hours ago
  • Another 3d model I should get round to sharing then Commented 2 hours ago

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