Zandstra NIS nordic skates are high-quality Dutch-made skates for natural ice, designed to be used with cross-country ski boots in sizes 32–50. The strong, streamlined triangular aluminum profile and tall blade provide excellent control and stability, even on snowy or uneven ice. With the right length choice, they are both sporty and confidence-inspiring.
The blade is made from stainless tool steel, offering durability and easy sharpening. Thanks to the quality materials and construction, these touring blades can be practically lifetime equipment if you look after them properly. The total height of 47 mm gives secure edging and predictable handling in a wide range of conditions.
For sporty skating on smooth ice, you can safely choose a blade 3–5 cm shorter than the manufacturer’s recommendation. Shorter blades weigh less and make crossover steps in corners easier. Lighter skaters can also opt for shorter blades, while riders over 90 kg are better off with a longer blade for improved weight distribution and edge grip, especially on rough ice. On poorer, choppy ice and with a more upright skating position, a longer blade and mounting the binding slightly further back can help the front end ride over irregularities more easily.
In addition to the NIS platform, the blades feature the unique patented Delta Fit All system, allowing you to install bolt-on SNS and NNN/PROLINK bindings. For this, you need the separate screw kit “Suusasidemete kinnituspoldid Zandstra Delta Fit All XC/BC”. This gives you maximum flexibility to use different binding types and boots on the same blades.
Suitable boots: we recommend skating, combi or touring cross-country boots with good ankle support and a stiff sole, to give enough lateral control over the long blade on natural, uneven ice.
Care: avoid walking on rocky surfaces with the blades to prevent damage to the edges. Use the included plastic blade guards or separate blade holders for transport and storage. To prevent rust, always dry the blades thoroughly after use and before fitting the guards. Do not store the skates for long periods in damp environments, including inside a car. For summer storage, you can lightly oil the blades. Plan to have the edges sharpened after a few hundred kilometres, or whenever you feel glide and edge hold deteriorating.
Safety: safe ice thickness starts at around 10 cm. On deep natural waters, go with companions, especially at the beginning and end of the season when conditions are less predictable. Neck-worn ice picks are highly recommended for climbing out of a hole in the ice. A whistle makes it easier to signal for help, and a throw line allows safer rescue. Pack warm, dry spare clothes in a waterproof bag in your backpack – especially wool base layers and socks – so you can change quickly if you get wet.
| Blade | Stainless Toolsteel 1.25 mm | ||
| Hardness | 60 Rc | ||
| Radius | 35 m | ||
| Runner height | 27 mm | ||
| Steel height | 20 mm | ||
| Total height | 47 mm | ||
| Available blade lengths | |||
| Length | Weight (pair, no bindings) | Recommended boot size | Min/max capacity |
| 40 cm | 614 g | 35–39 | 32/47 |
| 43 cm | 664 g | 38–40 | 32/47 |
| 45 cm | 712 g | 41–43 | 32/47 |
| 48 cm | 748 g | 44–47 | 32/50 |
*Always dry the blades before fitting guards and check ice safety before heading out.
