Nitro Boots
Ultimate Fit
You have heard this before – everyone claims to have the best-fitting boots on the market. But in fact, boots are the only hardgoods snowboard product you can actually try and compare right at your favorite store and we’re proud to consistently be top rated for fit on the sales floor and on the mountain.
All Nitro boots are constructed using the same principle: from the inside out. We’re wrapping your foot in comfortable first layers and build up structure and support exactly where needed, step by step towards the outside and the shell. The result is a boot that is comfortable, but provides foothold, support and flex in exactly the right spots.
So here’s a breakdown of how every aspect from general construction philosophy, materials and techniques, down to the last detail on our boots serves only one purpose: to make your Nitro boots fit like a second skin and help your riding to progress with a maximum of comfort, performance and a minimum of foot fatigue.
Let’s take our most iconic and best-selling boot model - the Team - as an example here. Of course, higher end models boast even more features and others are a bit more streamlined, but the general concept and fit is the same throughout the entire Nitro line of boots.
Liner
– Comfort Zone
The liner is the part of the boot you feel the closest, so the focus here is on comfort, thermal insulation, and heel fit.
THERMACELL MATERIAL
We use Thermacell, a relatively soft, special thermoformable foam that is already precision lasted at the factory using our proprietary lasts but can be fine-tuned by your shop or even yourself. Every foot shape is different, and we know that even your body heat will be enough to help shape the liners to your foot just by riding them for a few days.
LATEX L-PADS
Heel hold-down is key to snowboarding, and we are using custom-molded, natural Latex L-pads that will keep your heel in place without pressure points for season after season without packing out.
LINING
Our lining materials are moisture-wicking, breathable and are specifically paneled for maximum heel grip with easy entry and exit.
FLEX TOE
We have introduced the Flex Toe over 20 years ago and have seen many other brands trying to copy this innovation since then: using a slightly thinner and more flexible neoprene material, we are creating more toe space, allowing you to move your toes for more comfort and warmth.
FOOTBEDS
We have teamed up with Ortholite® to custom build the 2D footbed used in the Team: two different densities of foam wrap the bottom of your foot to provide support, comfort, and thermal regulation (Other Nitro boot models feature other versions of anatomical footbeds).
TONGUE
Our one-piece tongue construction avoids pressure points with an additional instep pad for extra comfort. Velcro tabs on top prevent the tongue from moving, however hard you tweak!
LINER REINFORCEMENT
Strategic reinforcements in the heel/calf area provide the first level of support and create an extra heel fit pocket
RE/LACE
One of our latest innovations and one of the most exciting ones, the Re/Lace locker (Pate Pend.) has revolutionized liner lacing and does away with non-functional sliding stoppers. You know the problem: In the morning, your boot fits nice and snug, but after a few runs, you might want to re-tighten a bit. The Re/lace system allows you to do just that, but without unlacing your shell and hunting for the little locker tab. One quick pull from the outside and you’re ready to ride on!
Shell
– Structure, Flex and Transmission
This is the part of the boot providing structure and giving the boot its performance characteristic: Supportive in certain areas, but conformable in others to make lacing and flexing easier and more natural.
MATERIAL AND PANELS
We use only high-quality, toxic-free materials for our boot shells and carefully assemble them using well-engineered patterns to avoid unnecessary pressure points.
REINFORCEMENTS
Most of our reinforcements are invisibly mounted onto the inside of the shell material. We are using a variety of high-density foams, laminated textiles, and even molded panels to achieve the intended flex pattern for each boot model.
ARMORED SPINE
A 3D molded heel reinforcement on the Team provides support and protection from binding abrasion and will not break down even after many seasons of riding. It also provides a solid frame around the heel for even better hold down.
3D MOLDED TONGUE
The Team boot features a 3D molded tongue for powerful toe side turns and maximum ankle protection. Other boot models are using a constructed tongue for a softer, more organic feel. On the other end of the spectrum, some of our boots offer the Power Shell Tongue for additional adjustability and response. Just try them all out and pick your preference!
FLEX PANELS
Flexibility and effective lacing are provided by Lycra panels built into the ankle and forefoot areas of the shell. They conform to the lacing and movement of the boots, keeping a snug fit without bulging.
TLS 5
Easy lace engagement and release combined with the low abrasion of our Dyneema® laces are the key factors of this exceptionally reliable zonal lacing system. More importantly, the TLS 5 features the precision of zonal lacing to ensure the best possible fit and performance for your boot.
45° LACEGLIDER
This precision-molded low-friction plastic insert is positioned at the crucial 45° lacing position in the ankle area. It drastically reduces lace friction and makes tying up your TLS system even easier.
LACE LOOPS
They may look quite simple, but a tremendous amount of effort goes into developing and testing the webbing loops of our boots: Low abrasion is crucial, while abrasion resistance is equally important to make sure you can ride day after day without worrying about breaking loops.
BAIL-OUT SYSTEM
A small little detail, but very handy for easier entry and exit.
TLS HANDLE GARAGES
We even spend a good amount of time designing the shape and position of out TLS handle garages, so they are easy to reach, but don’t inhibit the boot flex and feel. It’s all about attention to detail here!
VIBRAM® OUTSOLE MADE OF VIBRAM® ECOSTEP™ RUBBER
Our soles are not only a fashion item, but functional, integral part of the boot shell. On the Team boot, you find a sole using Vibram Ecostep rubber, a special eco-friendly compound using up to 50% of recycled rubber.
EVA MIDSOLE
The EVA midsole gives you cushioning and thermal insolation for a comfortable ride.
AIRBAG
Just like on our bindings, the proven airbag system provides lightweight and functional shock-absorbing technology.
THERMINATOR SHIELD
One more level of thermal insulation for those extra cold days on the mountain.
Shell / Liner Integration –
Keeping it all together
The way liner and shell connect is the third key element to a great boot. The more precise these two components interact, the better the Boot will fit and perform.
PRECISION LASTING
We have designed our own shell lasts for minimal outside length, while providing a perfect liner-to shell match.
ILS SYSTEM
The lacing harness integrated in the boot shell keeps the liner firmly in place, while allowing quick adjustments in combination with the Re/Lace system (Other boot models feature extra support and fit via the molded Spine Protection and adjustable Power Straps or more streamlined lacing and integration with the DLS or our Interlock System).
LACES
All our laces have been developed in an elaborate cooperation with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of technical ropes: Dyneema® cores provide tensile strength, while specifically woven shells guarantee abrasion resistance and durability. We constantly run tests on these lases with our in-house lab equipment and well as on the suppliers’ side to ensure extremely high quality and consistency.
