The best all-around snowboard boot of 2024? We think so. Photo: Lindsay Gough//The Inertia
When picking out the best all-around snowboard boot, it’s hard to find something that checks all the necessary boxes. This year, when putting together our review of the best snowboard boots, I was lucky enough to try out a whole host of this year’s boots that promise to be the best. But out of everything tested, one boot ranked the highest in comfort, warmth, performance, and responsiveness better than the others: Nitro’s Team TLS.
Coming in at $390, it’s a price that won’t break the bank, but isn’t so low that you’re sacrificing premium features. For what the boot offers, it provides excellent value for the money compared to other boots that cost much more. With that in mind, we thought it would be wise to look further into why this boot is an excellent all-around choice among the crowded field of snowboard boots on the market today. Let’s dive in:
Nitro Team TLS Snowboard Boots: First Impressions
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable | No significant cons! |
| Warm | Toe started showing some scuffs/wear after 10 or so days |
| Laces hold well |
These boots were comfortable from the moment I slipped them on. While that might sound like something we should expect from any snowboard boot, it’s actually quite a rarity, with most snowboard boots having a significant break-in period. Not so with the Nitro Team TLS, which is a definite plus for people who just want to get after the goods and not have those painful first days with boots that have no give. The Cloud 9 liners are heat-moldable, and it’s a great idea to warm them up in the oven and let the liner shape to your foot at home before you hit the hill for an even more dialed fit.
Lacing up provides a nice, comfortable fit thanks to three unique laces on the boot. One goes around the liner that locks in two places, TLS in the boot name stands for Twin Lacing System. The other two are on the outside of the boot, one on the lower portion and one on the upper. Both the outer laces have a speed lock system where you pull it tight and call it a day. It’s pretty easy to get the hang of.
Nitro’s Team TLS boots stayed warm and comfortable on a backcountry splitboarding mission – something many boots can’t claim. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Notable Features
The boot’s signature namesake, the TLS Twin Lacing System sets Nitro apart as far as getting a good, solid lock on the liner where other interior laces fall short. It’s a subtle difference but a big one, where that extra bit of lock helps preserve a tight fit throughout the day. If you are the type of person who really thrashes boots by taking big airs and spills, this will help keep your foot more secure while lowering the need to tighten things up every other run.
These boots offer an air cushion in the heel that made me reminisce of the old Nike sneakers from the 90’s. But it’s not just a gimmick, as the shock absorption felt noticeable on larger jumps and flat landings. After trying it, I’m actually surprised that more boots don’t have something like this to absorb large impacts. The heel cushion also helps with forward lean, something that really becomes an asset as you progress from intermediate to advanced.
I also found the Cloud9 liner to be incredibly warm, holding up well on days that ranged from 0º to 5º Fahrenheit without any noticeable discomfort. I felt comfortable from first wear throughout the testing process, and nothing really felt too out of place after consistent, all-day use. This includes splitboarding, where constant movement usually makes boots loosen up, or produce blisters, but not in this case. That’s a huge win.
Just a little bit of wear on the toe, but thankfully no tear. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Drawbacks
As much as it’s really my job to find some faults to report, there’s honestly not much wrong with this boot as a solid all-around choice. I did find some noticeable wear on the toe after splitboarding, so perhaps that will be more of an issue with further use. But the wear was only cosmetic and didn’t affect the waterproofing or warmth factor on the boots, however it’s important to take note.
The speed lacing system isn’t for everyone, either. That’s not so much of a knock on Nitro but of all speed laces for those who aren’t a fan. it’s a lot to deal with, and if you don’t put your pants fully over the boot to protect them, they can easily get tossed loose and tangled up, which isn’t fun for anyone. With a bit of care, this shouldn’t be a problem, but the lack of the uber-popular BOA lacing system may be a turn-off for some. In comparison, the speed lacing system, while more precise than BOA, also takes a bit more time to adjust and work loose than the BOA system.
Warm, responsive, and comfortable. Everything you need in a good snowboard boot. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The Nitro Team TLS was the top pick in our review of The Best Snowboard Boots for a slew of reasons including: out of the box comfort, great warmth, and excellent heel cushioning. It has the right amount of flex to get you locked and loaded for power turns or big jumps, but has enough give to still feel good while splitboarding. And at $390, you’re not breaking the bank, either.
I hadn’t had experience with Nitro boots until this year, and it’s safe to say that I’m now a fan. As far as a do-all, crush-anything boot, I have found the Nitro Team TLS to check more boxes than most that have come my way to test this year.
Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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