Nitro

Team TLS Snowboard Boot - 2022

One of the most comfortable boots!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

9.5

Height:

5' 7"

I want to preface this review stating that everyone's feet are different and what works for my foot, may not work for you. I suggest that you try on multiple brands and styles (and do it strapped in your bindings for actual context and feel) to see what fits your feet the best. Nitro boots weren't even on my radar for this season, nor have I tried them before. Then I tried a pair of Nitro Skylabs on at a local shop and I was pleasantly surprised! They had awesome comfort, fit and the TLS lacing system was impressive. The Nitro Skylab didn't meet all of my criteria yet got my attention and lead me to the Team TLS. The Team's are some of the most comfortable boots I have ever owned, and you get that comfort right out of the box. You don?t need to wait to break them in, and no need to custom mold the liners or anything. They just feel great immediately, and they only get better over time. Again, I was surprised by the comfort, quality, design, performance, engineering, and did not expect this from Nitro boots. Liner & Fit: The Team features the Cloud9 liner, which is extremely comfortable and has been warm even in single digits with high wind conditions in CO. The Re/lace lacing system with the liner allows you to get the inner lace tight, as opposed to having to pull laces and slide down a plastic toggle (which usually doesn?t get to the bottom or very tight). You can pull upwards to get them tighter even after locked, so they don?t end up loosening for adjustments. You can even do this later in the day without unlacing the exterior shell. The footbed seems good & comfortable so far. I added my custom arch supports underneath and the fit is still great! Lacing: The TLS system is one of the best lacing systems I have used. I have had single Boa, Dual Boa, Salomon & Burton speed lacing systems, and this is by far one of the best. It?s even faster than Boas if that is concern. I have not had any issues after 8+ days (be sure to tuck the lace handles in the side pockets). They are also easy to get out of w the Bailout lace pulls. Flex: The flex on the Team is awesome for my style of riding (It is an 8/10 on the Nitro scale) I prefer a stiffer flex for quick response with turns on groomers, with landings if you need a quick correction, or even in soft pow when there isn?t much resistance. They have enough flexibility for my freestyle needs on jumps or in the park. Compared to my previous Thirty-two Lashed dual Boa - I feel these are a little stiffer flex, but similar to my older Flow Hylite boots. Sole: The Vibram inlays and the air bubble heel appear to help provide some nice dampening on some harder impact landings along w cushioned bases of my bindings. The tread has been sufficient on various snow & even some ice around the resorts, parking lots & steps. Haven?t hiked w them yet. Sizing: I always go for the smallest size possible & expect boot pack out over time. I did have to upsize to a 9.5 from my 8.5 foot size. Although many sites & sales reps stated these run ?true to size,? I didn?t find that to be the case - this applied to the Skylab, Select & Team. I don?t expect much pack out w the low profile material in the toe & heel of the liner (3-4mm). Just try them on yourself. Profile: The footprint is fairly small overall, comparable to my older Flow Hylite?s w very minimal excess width, toe and heal. Fit in a M/L Rome binding with no issues. The profile is a little large around the ankle, as I had to increase my binding strap length from my previous boots. Nitro appears to really put in their work with their boot line to make one of the best I have ever owned. Nitro boots will be a prime candidate for any of my future needs. I have snowboarded for over 20 years, worked at a shop and attended many clinics. I have owned many boots with various styles (soft to stiff) among multiple brands in that time period (Burton, Northwave, Ride, DC, Salomon, Thirty-Two, Vans, Flow, etc.)