I installed studs on a new pair of boots in the UK a couple of years ago, and a tube of adhesive was provided with the studs. It seemed to be common practice there to use an adhesive. I'm not sure it is necessary.

 

I was more than dissapointed that the Flyweights did not accommodate Alumibite studs. Simms should state this on their site or packaging... So, I took the time to Dremel the edges off of them to fit, then proceeded to loose 3-4 from each boot on the first outing!
I found an old box of Alcoa aluminum hex screws on eBay, trimmed the points off and loaded each boot up, with a small dab of waterproof glue (of some sort), on the threads before installing. So far so good.

As soon as they wear down I'll simply remove and repeat. The 100 count box of hex screws was less than half the cost of one puck of Simms studs.

 

I too am using Flyweight boots and I had someone tell me they did not have good luck with stud retention with them, I'm hoping it isn't going to be an issue with them. I chose them because of the weight, maneuverability, and the fact that everyone had nothing but good things to say about them. I almost went with the Freestone model however the new line does not feature a Vibram sole, who knows what other corners they cut with them. I intend to try Kold Kutters as they seem to be the most popular fair priced option in my opinion.

 

I use Kold Kutter screws. 500 pack for 20 dollars. I use the same hole over and over,
without glue no problem.

 

This ^^

They do wear quicker than some, but that's why they work so well. Super easy to remove and replace. I too have never lost one using the same hole over and over with no glue.

 

I recently put hex head screws into an old pair of Simm's felt bottomed boots. I pre-drilled each hole first then coated the threads with a heavy duty gutter adhesive then drove them in. I'm not expecting any to pull out. The screws I used also had a slot for a conventional blade screwdriver and using a Dremel I put another slot in at 90 degrees to the original slot. This doubled the number of contact points. I haven't tried them in a stream yet but they are absolutely bullet proof on the glare ice on my hill.

 

Not cheap, but I've heard good things about Rock Treads.

https://rocktreads.com/

https://rocktreads.com/installation/

 

If simple studs don't work out I may go this route, but I'm certainly not paying $60, I'll make my own on the lathe from some round stock aluminum and use some T-bolts. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

Years ago i used 5/16 hex head screws. One might come loose or fall out on a random trip and then be replaced by another 10 cent screw.
I wouldn't buy the expensive screws/studs.

 

I use Kold Kutters, 3/8". Just screw them into the felt. I have lost one screw in the last 6 years or so. I did drill a small pilot hole in order to install them on a set of vibram soled boots I bought for salt water use and places that don't allow felt soled wading boots.

 

Nothing beats felt, but I still have rubber bottom boots from the "rock snot scare" days which I keep in my travel bag. I have switched to removable cleats as I can then use the boots on a float as studs are generally not good for use in fiberglass boats, or rubber rafts.
Below is link to LLBean cleats, but there are other (cheaper?) alternatives.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/911...reamside-cleat-with-boa&bc=29-507923-1109&feat=1109-GN1&csp=f&attrValue_0=Black

 

Nothing beats felt, but I still have rubber bottom boots from the "rock snot scare" days which I keep in my travel bag. I have switched to removable cleats as I can then use the boots on a float as studs are generally not good for use in fiberglass boats, or rubber rafts.
Below is link to LLBean cleats, but there are other (cheaper?) alternatives.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/911...reamside-cleat-with-boa&bc=29-507923-1109&feat=1109-GN1&csp=f&attrValue_0=Black

I strongly considered felt, could have even got the same boot in felt cheaper but to be honest the only times I've ever had any problems, it was from rock snot or from a clay slick over rocks. I also cover a lot of ground stream fishing moving from one pocket to another, wasn't sure about the longevity of felt in the long run.

Oh and also, I fish in the early spring and late fall as well which often means fishing in the snow and I heard snow + felt is a no-go.

 

I used Stainless hex screws on my Simms. Cut the points, pre drilled, dab of construction adhesive, Maybe 40 trips no issues. Make sure the screws have robust threads for more holding power. DYI $5.

#8 x 3/8 in. Stainless Steel Hex Head Gutter Sheet Metal Screw

 

One pair of Simms with felt. One pair of Simms with sheet metal screws.
Got it covered ...no problem.

 

aluminum will definitely give you the best traction in stream....and it's not close. Personally, I hate hiking with aluminum bars on, so I don't go that route anymore. All that said, it's really easy to make your own bars that'll cost you less than $10 (you just have to cut and drill--and countersink--the bars to fit your boots). It'll save you a bundle and give you the same amazing grip that the overpriced Patagucci bars will. Then again, if money is no object, get the pre-made ones.

 

Personally, I hate hiking with aluminum bars on, so I don't go that route anymore.

Over 5 years I wore out two pairs of Korkers' aluminum bar cleats (1st gen - attached to the "Kling-On" soles; fairly lightweight) on many trips hiking-wading up to 7 miles in a day. I now have the much heavier "Triple Threat" Vibram soles with the screw-on bar cleats For any hike-ins over 1/2 mile or so I hike with the much lighter standard "Kling-On" sole and carry the TT soles in my 15 liter Patagonia Atom Sling pack (converting to a Hazard 4 Plan B ambidextrous tactical sling pack this year) to put on where I start wading. I carry the K-Os until I'm ready to start hiking on dry-land back to the car.

 

anybody know a source for cheap aluminum sheet metal screws? I bought some from a "bolt and screw" distributor but they were far from cheap.

 

Made from aluminum or made to secure aluminum? If you're just looking for steel, Kold Kutters are popular and reasonably cheap and can be found all over online. They should also wear slower than common sheet metal screws since they're harder.

 

I am a Kold Kutter man as well. Cheap. Long lasting. They hold great in felt. Start the hole with an awl. Screw in, no adhesives needed. I check them for tightness periodically and they stay snugged up very well. Have never had one fall out.