tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005965666877496170.post-42896976256874023882008-05-17T10:26:00.000-05:002008-05-17T10:26:00.000-05:00I have used Patagonia sticky rubber soles from the beginning and participated in the early testing. In my experience, these are the best all-around soles on the market. Are they perfect for all bottom conditions?, no, but neither is felt or any other sole. I do think you get the most bang for the buck with sticky rubber. <BR/> <BR/>Other than slimy, snot-covered rock, they work well on pretty much everything else. Here in the Midwest we have clay, sand, silt, gravel, flat rock, round rock and everything in between to deal with. Add walking through snow into the mix and the sticky rubber shoe is the hands down winner. It is lightweight, comfortable, has excellent support, picks up very water weight, and snow does not stick to it. <BR/> <BR/>For studs I have been using 3/8" aluminum sheet metal screws and have a couple of the originals still holding after two seasons of use. I use a regular screwdriver to insert them into one of the "star" patterns on the sole. Three or four put in around the ball of the foot and a couple on the heel and you are good to go. If they happen to fall out or you take them out, the rubber is self-sealing and the hole closes, so no harm done.<BR/> <BR/>FishdogAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com