Skates for natural ice should ideally be super comfortable, warm, and sturdy. This is even more important because natural ice often contains cracks, and you'll typically be on the ice for longer periods. So-called cross-country skates were specially developed for this years ago. Today, these cross-country skates are known as click noren. They consist of cross-country ski boots (usually from the well-known brand Salomon) mounted on special click noren frames. They feature a clap mechanism also used on cross-country skis. An advantage of this mechanism is that it can be easily unclipped, hence the name click noren.
The cross-country ski boots have a sturdy sole, making them excellent for "kluning" (walking on skates), though it's more like simply walking. If your blade has a dull edge, you can simply swap your blades from your left to your right boot.
One advantage of click noren is that you can easily unclip the frames due to the cross-country binding. The main distinction between different frames lies in the hardness and thickness of the blade. The harder the blade, the longer it stays sharp. The thinner the blade, the less glide resistance you experience. However, there's something to watch out for: if the ice is soft, a thin blade is more likely to sink deeper into the ice, making it harder to move forward.
Salomon is the most renowned brand for click noren, but brands like Viking and Zandstra also offer them. Do ensure that the binding between the blade and the boot is compatible. Salomon holds the patent on its binding, meaning Salomon boots only fit on blades with a Salomon binding.
In addition to having good click noren skates, it's important to have proper skate protection. We offer various protective gear, including arm and leg pads, skate helmets, cut-resistant gloves, and cut-resistant shin and knee protection, to help you stay safe and confident on the ice.
At Top-skate, based in Holland, the heart of ice skating, we leverage 25 years of experience to bring you the finest selection of click noren skates and accessories. We pride ourselves on having the largest stock, ensuring you find the perfect blend of comfort, stability, and natural ice performance. Experience our fast, worldwide shipping and conquer any natural ice challenge with confidence. Choose Top-skate for quality, expertise, and unparalleled service.