I had studded tires on my hybrid commuter last year. We rarely get snow that lasts on the ground more than a day, but I've had frost/ice on the pavement in the mornings that is a concern. The tires were Schwalbe Winter Marathon...apparently the studs were high carbon steel less prone to wear out and corrosion than cheaper brands.
Bike was stolen this spring with those tires...so need to sort out what I'll be using on the new bike this season.
Anyone have thoughts on the purpose built Continental Winter tires? These are not studded but have a very small tread block pattern.