Studless

Studless is an adjective used to describe objects that lack studs, the small protruding knobs used for interlocking parts. The term is used in several domains, notably LEGO construction and automotive tires.

In winter tires, studless refers to non-studded tires. These tires use advanced rubber compounds and specially designed tread patterns to provide traction on snow and ice without metal studs. They are common in regions with cold winters; performance varies with temperature. They tend to be quieter and can offer better handling on dry or wet roads than studded tires, but on ice they can be less effective than studded tires, depending on conditions.

In LEGO, studless elements lack the top studs found on traditional bricks. They enable smoother surfaces and are used with newer building techniques, often contrasted with older studded bricks. The term is central to the "studs not on top" (SNOT) approach, which emphasizes constructing with parts oriented away from the standard stud grid.

Other uses of the term exist in manufacturing and design to indicate items with flat, uninterrupted surfaces or to describe components designed to function without studs. As a concept, studless design reflects a shift toward smoother aesthetics and alternative joining methods.