NITRO SNOWBOARD BOOTS F/W 2025/26 PREVIEW

Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboard Boots F/W 2025/26 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Nitro
Interviewee: Tommy Delago, President

How was last season in the snowboard market?
After the rapid post-Covid growth, the European market has experienced a drop which seems to have bottomed out now. There is still a bunch of stock in the market from irresponsible over-production and especially the lower price points are suffering, but we’re confident that this will dry up during 24/25 and fresh products will be in demand again going into 25/26.

With the recent overall price increases, have there been any positive developments in manufacturing, sourcing, or logistics?
For Europe, the US Dollar exchange rate plays a big role as does shipping. Exchange rates have stayed within a reasonable corridor for the past two years, and shipping costs have come down again after Covid. This is why the environment for stable prices is quite good right now. The main challenge is shipping through the Suez Canal, which has caused problems this season and continues to be a challenge that might only be countered with longer shipping routes and the resulting earlier production.

What are the major trends you’re seeing with product pricing in the snowboard market?
Stable, with some more aggressive pricing from brands that need to grow or buy their way into the market.

E-commerce Vs. physical retail, how are you balancing both channels?
We’re not doing our own e-commerce at this point, but we see a trend towards more volume going through online dealers. And brands are gearing their products more towards improved online presentability. Also, it appears that online business is more and more concentrating on fewer and larger shops, with less emotion and more focus on the pure business aspect. This is and will continue to be a loss for the snowboard community.

How are you supporting retailers to sell this category?
Being an authentic, snowboard-only company, we take every aspect of our market very serious and make sure the retailer can work with a thought-out and relevant product line and a brand that gives back to continue building our community. Also, our tight network of highly professional sales reps and distribution centres provide on-point service and after sales support. Our out-of-the-box boot fit works great for online sales, and a variety of lacing options makes it easy for customers to find their personal favourite.

What unique brand messages are you focusing on for the 2025/2026 snowboard boot season?
“Holy Fit – Built from the Inside out”. This best describes our design philosophy of keeping the comfort layers of the boot close to the foot and adding structure and support as you move towards the shell. This approach differs from many other brands that use stiffer liners and somewhat softer shells. The way we make our boots is a bit more difficult, but the riders gains a lot in terms of comfort and fit.

Are you introducing any new or innovative materials (for outer shell, reinforcement, cushioning, support, or grip) in your 2025/2026 boots?

We’re adding our proprietary “Speed Gaiter” zippered gusset to more boot models. The diagonal zipper provides a snugger fit and easier one-handed operation.
We’re also using upgraded toe protection – molded or with Endure® Gravity Foam – on more models to protect against toe strap wear and tear.
New for 25/26 are wide versions of the Team and Venture Pro boots. They use a wider last to provide extra room and comfort.

Are there any updates or significant changes in your liner technology or programs for the 2025/2026 collection?
With the 25/26 collection, we are completing a 2-season project of updating and standardizing the panelling and construction of our entire liner program across all models and factories. We can now offer close to identical and customizable fit with different levels of support and precision throughout the line.

What lacing systems will be your main focus for the 2025/2026 boots?
We are offering an even balance of our own TLS and TLS+ systems as well as BOA on many of our boot models. This provides the best possible selection for our customers, depending on their preferences. A few selected models are also available in standard lacing, catering to the rider looking for a no-frills solution.

What are the dominant visual themes, patterns, and materials you’ll be highlighting in next year’s boot line? Any artist collaborations or notable partnerships?
Nitro has established a unique, clean and sophisticated styling over the year. Overall, we’re striving to offer interesting ‘backup stories’ for colours that go beyond the classic black, white and grey options. Colabs include:

Team Tony: A special colorway of our best-selling Team boot, commemorating our former boot designer Tony Sandoval, who sadly passed away last year. Tony originally designed this model, and parts of the revenues go to support art classes in Utah and Washington schools.
Venture Pro x Byan Fox: Part of the Quiver capsule and Bryan’ own colourway of his favourite boot model.
Venture x Fly Paper: Together with our friends at Madrid Skateboards, we have designed a Fly Paper grip tape collab version of this freshly restyled model
Crown x Hailey: Hailey Langland’s pro colorway of the best-selling Crown Boot
Monarch x Prior: Christy Prior designed a special version and colorway of our Monarch boot to her liking.

Which segment of your boot range (Freestyle, Freeride, All-Mountain, Beginner) are you investing in the most, and why?
Even though we redesign and innovate in all segments, the lower price points always requires special attention: Meeting our high comfort and fit standards on cost-sensitive products can be a challenge, and requires us to cut our margin rather than cutting corners on construction or materials.

Have there been significant changes in how you approach product pricing for the upcoming season?
Boot pricing has seen some significant increase over the past three years, so now we are trying to position each model at a strategic price point, and accept margin hits if we feel the boot cannot be down featured to meet a certain target.

Does your 2025/2026 boot line target any specific price ranges?
As always, we respect every rider and budget and are offering the best product we can make at any level.

Key Products:

Venture TLS / BOA:
For riders looking for an all-mountain boot with a clean, skate-driven style that will fuel their progression with a perfect out-of-the-box fit, these kicks will turn heads in the lift line. The Venture boot offers comfort, performance, and versatility, making it ideal for shredding all over the mountain, from the hidden lines off the summit to the rail lines in the park.

Team Pro MK TLS:
The new and improved Nitro Team Pro MK is a boot designed for riders who want customizable, responsive freestyle performance without being “too” stiff, while providing a confident foothold for pushing your tricks to the limit. Built for and by Marcus Kleveland, it offers all the features he’s looking for during park sessions or backcountry exploration!

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TLS / BOA & Team TLS / BOA Wide:
If you’re searching for a comfortable all-mountain boot with a familiar fit, excellent support, proven durability, and backing from top snowboarders, try on a pair of Team boots. You’ll experience the comfortable fit right out of the box, versatile flex, and proven performance and durability all season long. It’s the most celebrated and award-winning snowboard boot for a reason, and now also available in a wider fitting version.

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Crown TLS / BOA:
The Crown is known as one of the most comfortable and best-fitting boots in the game, designed to help riders push their limits in any terrain while keeping their feet warm and comfortable. Used by top level professional snowboarders like Hailey Langland, the crown is available in two lacing options for everyone to find their perfect pair.

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