  We show how to calculate semi-analytically the dense vortex state in strong
type-II superconducting nanostructures. For the specific case of a strip, we
find vortex lattice solutions which also incorporate surface superconductivity.
We calculate the energy cost to displace individual vortex rows parallel to the
surfaces and find that this energy oscillates with the magnetic field.
Remarkably, we also find that, at a critical field $H^*$ below $H_{c2}$, this
''shear'' energy becomes strictly zero for the surface rows due to an
unexpected mismatch with the bulk lattice.
