General overview
“The Incline backcountry snowboard boot is a versatile and highly functional mountain machine, equipped with our new Vibram® Backcountry Outsole made of Icetrek™ and Arctic Grip Vibram® Compounds, new Cut and Buff Eva Midsole, new Molded Crampon Heel Cup, new Rubber Toe Protection to create the grippiest and most durable snowboard boot in the backcountry.”
Uphill:
The Hike ‘n’ Ride system allows you to unlock the higher part of the lacing system, letting you walk more comfortably, being able to do a longer stride. It has its limitations as it’s not an AT boot of course, but it’s a big improvement from a standard snowboard boot. Besides, having a stiff sole and being stiff laterally helps you be more efficient when skinning.
Riding:
Nitro has achieved a pretty good board feel even though its stiff outsole, and the Flex Link design allows for a natural flex of the boot when riding. Powerful but smooth, great support and very comfortable liner.
Technical terrain:
The compatibility with semi-automatic crampons, and the Vibram Backcountry outsole featuring Arctic Grip and Icetrek technology makes it the ultimate boot for technical alpine terrain. Forget about freaking out when your strap crampons come out when you’re on sketchy terrain.
Comfort:
The high-end Cloud 8 liner feels super comfy right out of the box, and the fact that it’s heat moldable is very appropriate for a splitboarding boot, considering that we spend most of the time skinning. The tongue is always in place thanks to its velcro attachment, and the ankle strap holds your ankle tight without any pressure point. The Ortholite dual density footbed and the EVA midsole will make you think that you’re wearing your favorite pair of sneakers, even when scrambling on rocky terrain.
Adjustability:
As mentioned, having a heat moldable liner is a must when choosing a pair of boots for splitboarding. Besides, the possibility of having two different plastic tongues to choose from different stiffness (7 or 9) makes it a great option to adapt the boot to our needs depending on the terrain we’re riding, snow conditions, or just our own riding style. The TLS 5 lacing system is a well tried lacing system that works in every condition, being really easy to loosen or tighten it.
Weight:
1300g (1050g shell + 250g liner) on a 285 size (single boot)
The Review
Nitro Incline TLS boot
The Nitro Incline TLS boot is the perfect boot for those that want to explore the whole mountain, no matter the steepness or snow conditions. It has a few features that will make your life easier when riding in hard conditions, like the stiff Vibram Backcountry outsole, including Arctic Grip tech, and compatible with semi-automatic crampons. One of the most comfortable boots we’ve ever tried right out of the box, and it just gets better once the liner is molded to the shape of your feet. Check out the video review and the score in different aspects after testing them for some days.
PROS
- Comfort
- Stiff sole
- Hike ‘n’ Ride system
- Board feel
- Lacing system
- Compatible with semi-automatic crampons
CONS
- Warm liner for Spring missions
- Longer outsole due to the welt for semi-automatic crampons
