Wellbore isolation devices with degradable slip assemblies with slip inserts

A method comprising:

• introducing a downhole tool into a wellbore, wherein the downhole tool is a wellbore isolation device that provides a plurality of components including a mandrel, and a slip assembly comprising a plurality of slip elements including a slip wedge and a slip,
• wherein an element of the slip assembly is composed of a degradable metal material, and
• wherein the slip comprises a slip insert embedded therein, the slip insert having a compressive strength of greater than about 120,000 psi;
• anchoring the downhole tool within the wellbore at a target location;
• performing at least one downhole operation;
• and
• degrading at least the element of the slip assembly composed of the degradable metal material upon exposure to a wellbore environment.

A system comprising:

• a conveyance connected to a service rig and extending through a surface into a wellbore in a subterranean formation;
• and
• a downhole tool connected to the conveyance and placed in the wellbore, wherein the downhole tool is a wellbore isolation device that provides a plurality of components including a mandrel, and a slip assembly comprising a plurality of slip elements including a slip wedge and a slip,
• wherein an element of the slip assembly is composed of a degradable metal material, and
• wherein the slip comprises a slip insert embedded therein, the slip insert having a compressive strength of greater than about 120,000 psi.