Nitro Team TLS 2020 Review by The Good Ride

• User Reviews
• Product Specs
• Product Images
• Questions?

The Nitro Team TLS Boot does a lot of great things and if you can get past the messy lacing system the rest is a very well thought out, very comfortable, warm and very adjustable boot with a lot of long term reliability.

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

How This Review Happened:  We borrowed this for an extended demo and then returned it.

Days: 4
Size Tried: 9
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-195lbs)
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gameghangers Low Profile, Sandsole Custom Insoles and the factory insole…it’s actually pretty good.
Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Strata, Nitro Team Pro
Boards: Gentemstick Mantaray 156, Never Summer Proto Type Two, Yes Greats, Nitro Quiver Fury 157, Nitro Team Camber

James’ Foot Specs
Foot Size: 9 US
Foot Width: E
Arch Length: Right 9.5 and Left 9
Instep: (left and Right) 10.5”
Calf Circumference: Top of boot 17” & Bottom of boot 12”

Sizing/Fit/Heel Hold: The nitro Team TLS fits perfectly with my size 9’s. The boot fit’s true to size lengthwise and it felt medium to medium-wide on the sides with my D bordering on E width. It feels pretty normal and should fit most foot widths except for the very wide feet.

Lacing/Adjustability: Let’s get our only real gripe about the Nitro Team TLS out of the way right now. The lacing system was messy and a little frustrating. It all sits in the middle on top of one another and it got a bit frustrating putting them on. They were prone to tangling. All that being said I’d personally rather have this system than 2 easy BOA’s that overlap on the ankle and limit my adjustability. There was great upper and lower separation and better lacing than you normally get with most other liners out there. So Adjustability is top-notch but the usability is a bit of a mixed bag.

Comfort:  Very comfortable out on day one and all it took the Nitro Team TLS was a few runs to feel comfortable inside.

Flex & Flex Retention: The overall flex is medium to medium-stiff and there is a lot of really good tech built into the boot to retain the flex. First off, the quality of construction is good. Secondly, there is a very rigid and very large backstay that looks like it will last a long time and it also protects your boot a bit from high back calf bite. Thirdly, there is a plastic insert that you can put into the toungue to preserve and or stiffen up the flex. Lastly, there is a lot of articulation in the ankle that keeps forward flexing from breaking down the material and really allows the top of the boot to wrap well around you.

Footprint: The Nitro Team TLS didn’t have much of a reduced footprint compared to my 8.5 Adidas that fits me exactly the same lengthwise. When lining them both up on the wall this was about 1 inch longer.   This isn’t a real dealbreaker unless you are on the narrow side of the board you currently own or are at the bigger side of your recommended sizing in your binding. The good side is it’s very warm and very comfortable. Those that tend to crank down their ankle straps hard will find more comfort with this boot. Don’t crank down your ankle straps though.

Response/Turn Initiation: Very good response with the Nitro Team TLS and it turns most boards very well.

Shock Absorption:  The shock absorption is more focused on going big like the Team riders do but it doesn’t completely neglect those who go medium to small like us. It doesn’t give as much as I’d like for slower speed but it’s very damp and reduces chatter.

Traction:  Very good traction and it’s a thick layer of Vibram rubber on the bottom which holds better in different weather.

On & Off Ease: Difficult on but pretty easy off.

So, all in all, I was pretty impressed with the Nitro Team TLS. It’s been years since I’ve ridden these but they are still focusing on solid construction and making a good boot. I really liked this boot but what it did was really peak my interest in the Team Traditional Lace. Hoping to try that.