Crispi Hunter GTX

The adage that “an army marches on its stomach” is attributed to Napoleon. But an army also marches upon its feet and the British Army in recent times has adopted a more enlightened stance to boots. It has dismissed the one-size-fits-all position of previous times and prioritised good provision of footwear. In rough, arduous country it has been proved that the correct boots improve performance, aid endurance and prevent injury. 

Those of us in fieldsports face similar challenges, whether we are tackling the heather of the grouse moor or stalking the high hill, the choice of boot is an essential consideration. But with a dizzying array of options on the market, knowing where to make the investment can be a challenge. It was with great interest that I accepted the opportunity to trial and review the Crispi Hunter GTX boots, as they are both a design and manufacturer that was new to me. 

Crispi started as a small company at the foot of the Italian Alps, producing specialist climbing and trekking boots with a vision of twinning the traditional craftsmanship of the region with the most modern innovations in materials, methods and design. The specialist boots produced to this concept soon gained a following of dedicated mountaineers, who sought the toughest and best boot available. 

Expertise 

In the 1980s and 1990s the success of the company led to both expansion and diversification its range, soon becoming a globally recognised brand while maintaining its commitment to quality and durability. The technology and expertise of manufacture accrued in producing mountaineering boots was transferred and utilised in its hunting boot range, now gathering a cult-like following among deer managers, gamekeepers and sportsmen in the UK. 

Straight out of the box, the boots are clearly of high-quality manufacture; they shout craftsmanship, with clean stitch lines and rugged design. Putting them on, I was instantly aware of the comfort they provided. The conforming sole padding is remarkable and augments the support the boots provide. Without breaking them in, there was already minimal foot slippage or lateral movement. For me, this is critical, not only in preventing blisters and hotspots but in providing rotational support on rough ground, crucial in prevention of inversion injuries and giving ankle support. 

The real test of any product is in the field and, fortuitously, I had a trip planned to stalk spring bucks on the high hill in Northumberland, with terrain perhaps as challenging as any in the country. I usually take time to break all my new boots in gradually, so they are better conformed and malleable by the time I venture to rougher, challenging ground. Due to short time frames, this was not going to be possible on this occasion and I was somewhat concerned how my feet might fare. 

Perhaps for the first time in a lifetime of boot-wearing, I need not have worried. From the moment of leaving the truck and making my way up the steep heather-covered hill until my return many hours later, my feet remained cushioned and comfortable inside the boots. This is no accident. 

Crispi’s decades of research and development have pioneered features to make this a reality, such as its patented Ankle Bone Support System (ABSS) and Crispi Crossbow Frame (CCF) that generate both stability and comfort. The advanced padding moulds and conforms to your individual foot shape, complementing the insole, which in turn produces the vital arch support. In short, they are the most comfortable hunting boots I have ever had the pleasure to wear. 

Our pursuit of an early-season buck took us quite a way up the hill, glassing the moorland below, searching for emerging deer from the dead ground formed by the endless ridges and undulations. It is on the descent that the support of boots is truly tested and our clamber proved a good opportunity to put the Crispis through their paces, with a spongy deep heather, slippery rock faces, bog and loose shale marking our route. 

The Vibram soles provided great grip and traction and the high boot gave fantastic ankle support while not being overly restrictive. This is a well-thought-out design and I was impressed by the versatility on varying terrain. The toe was rigid enough to give plenty of leverage on steep shale but not too much to be a hindrance on level ground. While navigating jagged rock, the thick outsole and construction gave hefty protection yet the boots did not feel heavy or cumbersome on the flat. 

Dependable 

I am always nervous to give a review on a product after only a few outings. To get a perspective on durability and dependability, it is important to speak to someone who has used the boots day in, day out. Josh Osborne is such a man. As an ex-Army sniper, he is knows well the need for dependable kit. Since leaving the Army, he splits his time between roles as a professional deer manager in Scotland, a deer guide in Northumberland and a loader during in the season. 

“I have been wearing my Crispi boots for almost a year now,” he says. “I got them in July last year and broke them in walking the dogs round my village in preparation for 12 August and I have been wearing them almost every day after that. They are really well manufactured and comfortable, and do not have that stiffness you would expect.” 

Josh has worn and used the boots in his professional role on some of the most arduous terrain, in perhaps the wettest winter on record and says he has never yet endured wet feet in them. 

“They are a bit taller by a couple of inches than your average hunting boot, but that is what I like about them. They give great support and keep you dry, clear of the water line. There is not always a necessity to wear gaiters and they sit nicely with a set of plus-fours. They are very smart too and do not look out of place with tweeds, nor even with jeans at the clay ground for that matter.” 

“Throughout my season as a Highland stalker I have been impressed with them and I shall certainly be sticking with them. My first week at the stags, I covered 65km in them over arduous terrain and through the wet. Never once did they breach or give me sores,” Josh reports. 

I asked him about their durability and how they have stood the test of time and he states they are still going strong. What about boot care? “Every week while they are in hard use I will remove the laces and recoat with the Crispi wax that is recommended for them. I allow them to dry overnight and for the wax to soak in, then lace up and they are good to go again. 

“Despite the miles I have put into them, the leather has not cracked at all and the rubber oversole that surrounds the boot has remained completely intact, which is more than can be said for other makes.” 

In terms of value for money, it seems that most hunting boots are now within a similar price point but the Crispi do seem to be the best. They have proved to be durable, completely waterproof, and smart enough to wear with formal shooting attire. Retailing from £345, they are not cheap but, with the level of technology, high-quality manufacture and durability, I would argue they are good value for money. 

Josh concurs: “Having had most brands over the years, I decided to try them and I have not been disappointed. I recommended them to another friend, a professional stalker on a neighbouring estate, after he had returned two pairs of another brand in six weeks. So far he has worn the same pair of Crispis all season since October too.” 

Roughest terrain 

The past two months have given me the opportunity for many more trips with the boots. From the wet high hill to the sandy Norfolk Breck, I have been impressed with their versatility. I am yet to find a fault or notable criticism, and if you are looking for boots that can handle the roughest of terrains yet keep you comfortable and dry, they come highly recommended. 

For the final words, I leave it to the pro: “They are the only boot I will now recommend to my clients.” 

Josh Osborne is a professional deer guide in Northumberland. For more details or to arrange stalking opportunities in breath-taking scenery contact josh@northumbria deerservices.co.uk or visit northumbriadeerservices.co.uk