- Price: £260
- Sizes: UK 6-13
- Flex: 8
- Lacing System: Speed
- NITROUSA.COM
Bryan Fox isn’t just a snowboarder – his various side gigs include photographer, theatre director and Drink Water co-founder – but when he does strap in then it’s wise to pay attention. Nitro certainly have, and this year they’ve given him a pro model board and boot. In past years he performed wonders wearing the Team TLS, but this winter he’s graduated to the Nitro Venture Bryan Fox TLS.
This, as you’ll no doubt be shocked to learn, is a reworking of the Nitro Venture boot. Bryan’s version is slightly stiffer, and has a few tech upgrades that make it stand apart (and increase the price, of course). One major change is the Vibram Icetrek outsole; as the name suggests, it’s ideal for dampening vibrations and won’t crap out when it’s freezing. A layer of EVA sits between that and the liner, providing even more shock absorption and comfort.
“For the experienced rider – especially one that enjoys getting off the beaten path – the Nitro Venture TLS Bryan Fox has it where it counts”
TLS stands for ‘Twin Lacing System’ and like most speed-focused setups allows for custom tightness in two different areas of the outer shell. While it might look like a bit of a spiderweb at the front, it’s fairly user-friendly and delivers a terrific fit. Loosening them off again at the end of the day is just as quick; pull the tab at the front and you’re out.
Should you feel the need to tighten the inner liner halfway through the session, it’s as easy as pulling on an exterior handle. The liner itself has also been ‘Foxed up’, with a special Ortholite footbed that’s a step up from the standard version. Comfort is guaranteed throughout, thanks to the flexible toe box and light-yet-plush foam that moulds to your foot.
Like most pro models, it’s not one for the hobbyist. Unless you really like to gun it and get airborne, then there’s a lot of tech that you just won’t need. However, for the experienced rider – especially one that enjoys getting off the beaten path – the Nitro Venture TLS Bryan Fox has it where it counts. And we know it shouldn’t matter, but his signature colourway is pretty swish too.
