Finding the Best Studded Winter Tires- Our Comprehensive Winter Tire Test

December 12, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Last Updated on December 15, 2024

8 Best Studded Winter Tires- Our Comprehensive Winter Tire Test

True tire aficionados know that there are two main types of winter rubber – standard winter tires and studded winter tires. Standard tires offer a good amount of grip, steering responsiveness, and braking power, but studded tires excel on hard-packed snow, icy roads, and frozen highways.

However, studded tires are considered more of a specialized piece of equipment and are even prohibited by law in some areas. The reason for that is their construction and the fact that studs (especially metal ones) can severely damage the road surface. Despite these limitations (more on that below), studded tires are an irreplaceable and critical piece of winter equipment, especially in northern parts of the country. Let’s explore your options and discover the best-studded tires on the market right now.

What Are Studded Tires And How Do They Improve Handling?

For those who don’t know, studded winter tires are designed to enhance traction on icy and snowy surfaces by embedding small metal or plastic studs in the tire’s tread. The studs typically protrude a few millimeters from the tire, and their sharp edges help create friction against the slippery surface. By “biting” into the ice, they provide better grip than non-studded winter tires, especially in sub-zero temperatures and on icy roads.

There are several types of studs—metal, plastic, and retractable—but all operate on the same principle. Plastic studs are the most common and widely available since they offer superb usability but don’t damage the road surface. However, metal studs are the best for extreme winter conditions since they can penetrate the ice more efficiently and create the friction the car needs to move.

Studded Tires Legislation And Restrictions

Studded tires are subject to various regulations due to their potentially damaging side effects on road surfaces (particularly metal studs). In many regions, they are only allowed during specific times of the year. For example, states like Washington, Oregon, and Colorado permit studded tires from October or November through April to align with winter conditions. Beyond that time period, they are prohibited in order to avoid damaging dry roads.

Other states like Minnesota, impose stricter rules, only allowing studded tires under specific conditions or for certain vehicle types, like emergency services. Meanwhile, states like Florida and Hawaii ban studded tires altogether, as they are unnecessary in warmer climates. For the most current information on restrictions in your region, confirm with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV). Understanding these regulations is important for drivers who may need to rely on studded tires.

What To Know About Studded Tires

Due to their specific technology, construction, and rubber compound, studded winter tires are more expensive than similar standard winter tires. However, the tradeoff is well worth the investment since the advantages are enormous, and the level of grip exceeds that of the standard winter tire. But don’t worry—we offer some very affordable studded tires, so there is a product for any budget. Also, be advised that studded tires deliver higher noise than the standard and are less capable of working on dry roads.

Choosing The Best Studded Winter Tire In 2025

1) Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

Overview: Renowned for extreme winter performance, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 uses advanced dual-stud technology for superior grip.