I've been reading the various threads regarding felt wading boots. I have a pair of Simms freestone boots about 3 years old but they didn't come with studs.

I know Simms sells carbide-tipped studs as well as non-tipped ones but I've heard many people just use simple sheet-metal screws and do it themselves.

Do most of you recommend this? Should I look for any particular material for the screw? (stainless, aluminum) I'm guessing I need to make sure the screw is shorter than the felt thickness. Do you use any sort of adhesive or just screw them in? Any particular pattern to put them on the sole?

Also, if I do choose to do this and later decide I don't like them will removing the screws ruin the felt or shorten the boot life?