Nitro Vertical TLS Splitboard Boots

$454.00 $568.00
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Description

The Nitro Vertical TLS is a stiff splitboard boot with Hike'N'Ride hike and ride modes, TLS+ dual-zone lacing, a Vibram Litebase outsole, and a molded heel cup for semi-rigid crampons.

Tech Specs
Stiff Splitboard Boot, Hike and Ride Modes

Nitro Vertical TLS Splitboard Boots

The Nitro Vertical TLS is a splitboard boot for riders who skin long approaches and want a stiff, supportive boot for the ride down. Hike'N'Ride construction switches between a softer hike mode for the skin track and a stiffer ride mode for the descent, and a Vibram Litebase outsole with Arctic Grip rubber holds on wet rock and ice. With a molded crampon heel cup for semi-rigid crampons and two-zone TLS+ quick lacing, the Nitro Vertical TLS handles bootpacks, couloir approaches, and fast transitions.

Specs Verified Specifications checked against published manufacturer data.

Is This the Right Boot for You?

Best For
Splitboarders who want a stiff boot for descents, a hike mode for long skins, and crampon compatibility for bootpacks and couloir approaches.
Consider Another Boot If
You need step-in automatic crampons, ride a hardboot setup, or prefer a soft, surfy flex for mellow tours and resort days.

CCBB Boot Ratings

Uphill Efficiency
4/5
Hike'N'Ride hike mode, light Vibram sole
Downhill Performance
4/5
Stiff flex, 2 tongue stiffness options
Walking Comfort
4/5
Molded EVA midsole, Traction Lug outsole
Transition Speed
4/5
2-handle TLS+ lacing, auto power strap

Rating scale: 5 = top of its class, 4 = excellent, 3 = good, 2 = specialized or below average, and 1 = limited.

CCBB Boot Profile

FlexStiff
Tongue StiffenerDual density, 2 options
LacingTLS+ dual-zone plus internal laces
LinerCloud 9 Thermacell
CramponsSemi-rigid, heel cup
OutsoleVibram Litebase
InsulationTherminator Shield
SizesUS 5 to 14

Why We Like It

  • Hike'N'Ride construction, with an automatic power strap and built-in forward lean adjustment, frees the boot for skinning and stiffens it for riding.
  • The Vibram Litebase outsole with XS Trek Evo rubber, Arctic Grip, and Traction Lug grips on snow, ice, and rock on a light sole.
  • A molded crampon heel cup holds semi-rigid crampons securely, and an Endure Gravity foam toe and Armored Spine heel protect the boot when kicking steps.
  • TLS+ quick lacing adjusts the upper and lower zones separately with two pull handles, and Therminator Shield, a reflective layer between sole and liner, keeps cold out.

Best Uses

  • Splitboard touring with long approaches
  • Bootpacks and couloir approaches with crampons
  • Steep, technical descents
  • Cold-weather and overnight trips

Fit and Setup Advice

The Nitro Vertical TLS uses a Cloud 9 Thermacell liner with internal ankle support for heel hold, and an internal lace system snugs the liner before the TLS+ zones close the shell. Set the lower zone first, then the upper, and check heel lift on a few uphill steps before committing to a size.

The Dual Density Power Tongue Stiffener is offered in two stiffness levels; the softer suits touring and the stiffer suits steep riding. The heel cup takes semi-rigid crampons with a toe strap, not step-in automatic crampons.

Final sizing should be confirmed with a try-on whenever possible.

📏 Technical Specifications Manufacturer specs · Click to expand

Construction

FlexStiff
TongueDual Density Power Tongue Stiffener, 2 stiffness levels
LinerCloud 9 Thermacell with internal ankle support
LacingTLS+ dual-zone quick lace with internal lacing system
MidsoleMolded EVA
InsulationTherminator Shield reflective layer

Features and Compatibility

OutsoleVibram Litebase, XS Trek Evo rubber, Arctic Grip, Traction Lug
CramponsMolded heel cup for semi-rigid crampons
Binding CompatibilitySoft splitboard boot with a molded crampon heel cup. Works with splitboard and snowboard strap bindings. Not compatible with hardboot, pin/tech, or ski bindings.
Hike ModeHike'N'Ride with automatic power strap and forward lean adjustment
ProtectionEndure Gravity foam toe, Armored Spine heel, Speed Gaiter
SizesUS 5 to 14 (Mondo 23.0 to 32.0)

Compare the Nitro Vertical TLS

Vertical TLS vs. ThirtyTwo Jones MTB

Both are stiff splitboard boots built for technical approaches with crampon compatibility. The Nitro Vertical TLS stands out with Hike'N'Ride modes and TLS+ two-handle lacing.

Shop ThirtyTwo Jones MTB

Vertical TLS vs. Deeluxe Spark XV

Riders cross-shop these two as dedicated splitboard boots with walk-friendly features. Compare them on fit and lacing preference at a try-on.

Shop Deeluxe Spark XV

Vertical TLS vs. Burton Tourist

The Burton Tourist is a common choice for splitboard touring. The Nitro Vertical TLS adds a crampon heel cup and two tongue stiffness options for steeper objectives.

Shop Burton Tourist

Common Questions

What bindings work with the Nitro Vertical TLS?
The Nitro Vertical TLS is a soft splitboard boot with a molded crampon heel cup. It works with splitboard and snowboard strap bindings. It is not compatible with hardboot, pin/tech, or ski bindings.
Who should buy the Nitro Vertical TLS?
Splitboarders who want a stiff boot for descents, a hike mode for long approaches, and crampon compatibility for bootpacks. The Nitro Vertical TLS suits riders heading into steeper, more technical terrain.
Does the Nitro Vertical TLS take automatic crampons?
No. The Nitro Vertical TLS has a molded crampon heel cup for semi-rigid crampons with a heel lever and a toe strap or cage. There is no toe welt, so step-in automatic crampons that need a toe bail will not fit.
How does Hike'N'Ride work on the Nitro Vertical TLS?
Hike'N'Ride switches the Nitro Vertical TLS between a softer hike mode for skinning and a stiffer ride mode for descents, with an automatic power strap and built-in forward lean adjustment.
Can I change the stiffness of the Nitro Vertical TLS?
Yes. The Dual Density Power Tongue Stiffener is offered in two stiffness levels, softer for touring and stiffer for steep riding.
Is the Nitro Vertical TLS warm?
The Nitro Vertical TLS uses Therminator Shield, a reflective layer between the sole and liner, plus a Cloud 9 Thermacell liner to hold warmth on cold tours and overnights.

Our Verdict

The Nitro Vertical TLS is a stiff, technical splitboard boot for riders who climb as seriously as they ride. Hike'N'Ride modes, a Vibram Litebase outsole, and a crampon heel cup make the approach efficient, and TLS+ lacing with two tongue stiffness options dials in the descent. It takes semi-rigid crampons only, not automatics. For steep splitboard objectives, the Nitro Vertical TLS is a well-equipped choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foot shape works best?

Low- to medium-volume feet with a lower instep and secure heel.

Does it punch well?

Minor boot fitting is possible, but race boots are less forgiving to modify than heavier Grilamid touring boots.