Do you know the difference between NNN and SNS bindings?

You might know the difference between NNN (New Nordic Norm) and SNS (Salomon Nordic Systems), but you’re among the few! Some clarification is needed here, and you’ll get it in this article. This is not a product test of equipment; you’ll get an update on what applies to ski boots and bindings for cross-country skiing, skis, and roller skis.

You should pay extra attention to your equipment before and after training when roller skiing. Critical parameters, such as the ski boots, binding position, and weight, primarily determine the ski’s performance.

It’s a jungle of products for rollerskis.

There’s a jungle of products and many models to choose from. Today’s most used brands are Fischer ski boots and Salomon, which are increasingly seen on the feet of professional and elite skiers with their top-of-the-line S/Lab series. Both of these have high-performance demands. However, FF prefers Salomon, which has bindings and boots for roller skis.

Roller skis are categorized under winter sports!

Roller skiing is a branch of traditional Nordic winter sports categorized as cross-country skiing. However, the International Ski Federation has included roller skiing in its program, and there is, for example, the FIS Roller Skiing World Cup, where skiers from all over the world compete in different categories, such as classic and freestyle, also known as skating.

See our roller skis here.

Ski boots for roller skis from Salomon.

There are two systems for attaching ski boots to skis and roller skis. The most common is NNN, and the other is the SNS binding. Each category has different boot models; most importantly, skate boots have higher shafts and stronger ankle support.

The SNS binding, developed by Salomon, is another ski binding system used in cross-country skiing and roller skiing.

In the SNS system, the boot has a compatible SNS sole with a single metal bar at the toe and a slightly longer one at the back. The two bars ensure that the boot is securely attached to the ski.

Let’s debunk the myth!

There can be confusion about the different binding systems and suppliers. Although Salomon developed SNS, they no longer produce new bindings, so let’s debunk the myth!

All Salomon bindings on FF skis have the regular NNN grip, the same as Rottefella. FF has chosen to use Salomon bindings on their roller skis mainly due to the binding’s properties and excellent quality. Although NNN is similar on both bindings, the Salomon lock holds the boot considerably better in position than, for example, Rottefella. You can use your winter boots for roller skis. It’s the most common thing to do 🙂

All Salomon bindings on FF skis have the regular NNN grip, the same as Rottefella.

NNN (New Nordic Norm)

The NNN system is a popular ski binding system developed for cross-country and roller skiing. It is often used in classic ski and roller ski disciplines.

The NNN system consists of two components: the boot and the binding. The boot has a corresponding NNN sole with a metal bar at the toe and two grooves in the heel, and the binding has a corresponding mechanism that ensures the boot is securely attached to the ski.

The difference between NNN and SNS

While the NNN system has a sole variant with a boot grip designed to provide traction and grip when walking, the SNS system does not have a corresponding boot grip function. However, some SNS boots may have rubberized or grippy materials in some regions of the sole to improve contact with the ski when walking.

There is a tighter grip with SNS for roller skis, but since it will no longer be produced (as of 2023), the NNN system will be the norm.

It is important to note that the NNN and SNS binding systems are not interchangeable. NNN boots are incompatible with SNS bindings and vice versa, as the two systems’ binding mechanisms and sole designs differ.

The term “boot grip” in connection with NNN bindings refers to the specific type of sole on NNN-compatible boots. NNN boots have a boot grip sole designed to provide traction and grip when walking on flat or hilly terrain outside the ski tracks. The boot grip sole often has a rubberized material in the toe and heel areas.

A popular choice for cross-country skiers

The NNN system with boot grip is a popular choice for cross-country skiers. It provides a reliable connection between the boot and the ski and extra traction and stability when walking on varying terrain. You don’t need to avoid Salomon with NNN boots. FF recommends and uses Salomon Pro or Salomon Pro Race on all their Pro models. Pro Race also comes with its junior binding.