Abstract: In composite slips and downhole tools using composite slips, there are provided one or more slip segments. The slip segments comprise a body and one or more inserts. The body is a composite material having an outer surface. The inserts each have an upper surface and each of the inserts is mechanically affixed into the body such that the upper surface of each of the inserts extends at least partially out from the outer surface. In some embodiments, the inserts are oval or stadium shaped and have a shoulder that locks the insert from moving by interaction with a shoulder in a cavity wall of the body.