Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting In Never Ending Quest For Quality BP/Hunting Boots...

Ordered these... Italian made Crispi's:

http://www.crispiusa.com/hunter-htg-abss.html

I'll report back as to fit, etc... my feet are tough to fit and only one boot in ten usually will work on my feet... we shall see.

They look like the Kentreks? Have you used the Schnees with event? Look forward to your report.

Kenetrek's killed my feet... didn't lock my heel with big time blisters the result. A women's wide sized-up might have worked for my feet but I didn't give it a try. Nicely made boots and I wished they worked for my feet.

Schnee's Primaloft insulation is pretty thin allowing the underside of the eyelets to dig into the tops of my feet. Too bad. Nicely made but painful for my feet.

Lowa's don't work either. Super-stiff and not enough heel lock. Blisters.

Best boot I ever had on my feet were the Cabela's Mountain Hunter which is sadly no longer made. Awesome boot.

Hoping the Crispi's will come close...

I had the Ascent's from Crispi... nice boot, felt like a Kayland.

Narrow heel with a wide forefoot. I get heel blisters with 90% of the boots available on the market today (especially on steep/long ascents), but did not have this problem with Crispi's!

Good luck

You and me both brother!

I have a narrow heel and wide-ish foot. What you describe in the Crispi is just what I need... a heel counter that will lock-in my heel.

Thanks for chiming in.

I've got the same foot problem,please let us know how this works out.So far the only shoe/boot that always works are Keens
Tim

you've tried Danner pronghorns I assume? I adore mine. best thing i've ever had on my feet.

http://www.rei.com/product/667406/asolo-fsn-95-gtx-hiking-boots-mens#pr-header-667406

Slamming some huckelberry pancakes, and then headed to REI to snag up a pair of these for this summer and fall.

Anyone? Might go with a wide as my last Asolo's ran a bit narrow in the toebox. Biggest problem I have with most BP boots is that the soles are so hard even the smallest "wet" branch bushwackin is like someone pulling the carpet out from underneath me. Rains a ALOT amount over here and so lots of wet wood to slip and slide on.. Some boots with really hard rubber soles are flat out dangerous in those situations..

Hope these work out. At least for this summer and early fall..

Might want to look into running some cork boots (or caulks)



MtnHtr

The Pronghorns just don't meet my requirements. I want heavy leather (no Cordura side panels), goretex and 400 gram Thinsulate (or its equivalent). And, about as important as everything else, a full rubber rand.

I have an old pair of Danner Trophy's... still use them, but for me they're best as flatland boots.

Asolo sassalong on sale Sierratrading Post.

I buy the wide fit

Have same type of foot. These boots work for my foot.

+1

I'm picking up a second pair!

MtnHtr

I've never had much luck buying boots that I couldn't try on first. My last pair are some Danner military style desert boots. Very comfortable, but no lateral stabity to speak of. So I just use them for trail use. A limited use boot.
For serious mountain walking or hunting, I've got to try them on and even come back another day after letting their impression sink in.
They need to feel "right" from the get go. Sadly, the size charts really don't tell you just how well they will work.
I'll keep you in my prayers Brad. Good boots area an absolute must for mountain hunting. E

I've worn out either two or three pair of those boots.
My complaint is they have a hard feel to the inside of the boot. Never had any blisters, but my feet ache if I do a long day in them. Their light mountaineering boots, with thicker soles, like their 520's, work better for me.
They use a softer rubber and grip very well even on wet rock. But they will wear out faster due to that. Frankly, I'd much rather have the better traction. BTW, they are very expensive to resole. Really not worth doing as they break down on the mid soles by then as well.
A great deal in a boot. Will go places and handle ground that is way out of that class of boot. E

They're very nicely made boots, no doubt, but I need an insulated boot for my feet here in MT's hunting season. And for general backpacking I don't need a boot that heavily-built.

E, I've got a pair of Meindl Perfekt's right now that are just "ok"... no rubber rand and cheap leather, only so-so comfort. But they do have 400 gram Thinsulate and Goretex. If the Crispi's don't work I'll stick with them as I think I've about exhausted all the other possibilities that interest me, barring the Hanwag's which I've been told won't work for my feet.

My Cabela's Mountain Hunters were flat awesome... wore them in as cold as -30F and could go all day comfortably up and down the mountains in them. Pulled out an eyelet so sent them back to Cabelas to be replaced... they didn't contact me as to the return, finally called them to inquire and found out they'd quit making the boot and didn't have my old pair anymore... DDAMN. I would have just had them repaired locally had I known that... this was three years ago and still searching for a replacement.

In your shoes, I think I'd pester Cabela's about who made those boots for them and see if that company can get you what works.
Anyway, best of luck in your search. Heck for that kind of money, you might consider a custom made boot. E

+1. I run those exact boots, and they a step up from from the ones you get from Cabelas. Heavy though.

I have a pair of non corked Perfect hunters from Cabelas, that fit me like a glove.. Took me a lot of miles to get them fitting like that though.

I wonder who made the cabelas mountain hunters, I think they are italian? I like mine. Wonder if it is this company? The build does not look that far off.

I also have a narrow heel, when they measure me i'm told its actually a B width.

From what I understand italian boots are often built on narrow lasts? Scarpas fit me well. These boots look great. Meindels did not fit. Fit is everything. Good luck.

You and I are thinking the same... when I saw the Crispi's I thought they could well be the maker of the Cabelas Mountain Hunter.

How much insulation does the Crispi have?

I emailed Crispi that very question... here's the response I got:

"Hunter htg ABSS has been tested for -32� C IN MOVEMENT (not in still standing position).

Insulation is given by Goretex Duratherm Ultimate 3mm (is Goretex Membrane coupled with insulating material)."

Would add, I emailed them several questions and got super-prompt responses. Impressive.

I have the same fit problem. It seems to get worse as I get older. My heels seem to be bonier and more sensitive to slip. Little heels rattling around in too big a heel cup or a fat wide forefoot jammed in too tight.

I'm pretty sure they were made by a company called AKU or AKU-USA. Same ones I've been told who make the LL Bean Cresta (and the Cabela's look-a-like). I'd like a pair myself, but can't find anything close. Their Euro website looks like they've totally moved away from leather/classic designs.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/347,1449W_AKU-USA-Utah-Plus-Gore-Tex-Backpacking-Boots-Waterproof-For-Men.html
http://www.shoebuy.com/aku-utah-plus-gtx/118974

I remember reading about the AKU connection, but when I asked Cabela's about AKU they wouldn't say.

Those Utah Plus AKUs are pretty nice boots. I bought a pair for my dad prior to hunting the goat hunt he drew. Very impressed with the fit and finish of those boots every bit the boot of my Lowa Sheep hunters IMO and my dad liked to fit of them while training in them all summer and using them on the goat hunt.

Brad:

Does Crispi have a US retail operation or do you deal with Italy? Also, how did you determine your appropriate size? Did you do foot impressions like Lathrop's does? As a person with 11B feet, finding good boots that fit has always been tough. The Hanwags work well and I've had decent luck with some of the Danners in narrow widths.

Logger, they have a Bend, Oregon address. As to size, I wear a 9.5D in boots so that's what I ordered.

Brad:

Thanks. I get to Bend several times a year so I can stop and take a look. It always good to have boot options

Logger

Hard to go wrong with these for
$123.

Logger, here's their contact info:

Miles K Munger
Crispi USA

Mailing:
PO Box 1170
Bend, OR 97709-1170

Office Phone 541-389-9032
Fax 541-389-1096
Cell Phone 925-683-1128

Finding AKU's anywhere in the USA is impossible. I emailed them several times and got no response regarding their Grizzly and Jaeger models and purchase options in the USA.

They look well-made but they're just not readily available outside Europe.

yeah they used to carry them on STP but don't anymore....not sure why.

If you remember let us know how the Crispi works out for you.



I have a pair of Meindl Perfekts too. Insulated I think 400 gr

Ok boot and picked up on clearance for $130 from Cabelas. Leather seems a bit soft now after a year of hiking.

Brad, turns out you and I have the same boot size and problem... I'd be real interested in your results with the Crispi's.

Also, one thing that helped me a lot was Superfeet insoles.

And.... If you need a boot that isn't insulated and will fit correctly, try on a pair of Wesco's logger boots. Or have White's of Nicks custom fit you a pair (cheaper than you'd think) I wear boots like that daily at work and into late September. They aren't waterproof for [bleep], but the massive Vibram soles work great for stomping on hippies and kittens.

Incredible deal on a Euro uninsulated boot for early to mid seasons, I picked up a second pair in wide for less than $125 shipped (even less than 3yrs ago):


Asolo Sasslong Thread

Asolo Sasslong Website

MtnHtr

Good purchase MTNHTR. I may have to pick up a pair to back up my TPS 520's, my favorite boots.

Brad, if and when you find some boots that fit well: buy at least two pair of them, maybe more!

The axiom is: if it fits and you like it, they will change it.

Years ago before Merrill went yuppie, (and greater profitability) they made a boot that I loved. I did one hike in my first pair and went back and bought a second pair. Long before I wore out both pairs, they had dropped that line of boots, natch.

I should have bought another pair or two of One Sport Moraines as soon I as I realized how well they fit my feet and usage, while they still made them.

FWIW I bought a pair of Asolo Sassalong GVs last month to replace a pair of Scarpas that have never fit me ideally and gradually got worse the past two seasons as I aged and my feet change (I think that is what's going on). Got these Asolos at Second Ascent in Seattle, cheap enough to use them as town boots if they don't work out for bush hikes. On a two day ramble to hunt bear and fish backcountry steelhead, so far they have exceeded my expectations for fit, comfort and stable platfom in rough terrain.

My long time hunting partner had narrow heels and wide front and his only solution eventually was to go to Danner in person and have them make him a custom last and boots fitted to his feet. Before the custom boots, I remember timberline bivvies with him when his feet were bloody.

I also have narrow heals, my favorite boots are my danner 400 gram frontiers, second are my uninsulated new style pronghorns. the difference between 400 gram and uninsulated to me is about like going from a medium sock to a heavy sock, thats it.

I know you said you want full leather, but hey the pronghorns are cheap enough you just buy more. I also like my meindl grand junction lightweight hiking tennny runner style shoes. however meindls other boots are way too big in the heel for me.

So what is the verdict? I just grabbed a pair of Crispi Summit GTX for $129.00. They have the cordura and sued, but for the price could not resist.

Brad - look forward to your report.

I feel like I've found my long lost family - narrow heal, D width front. Most boots eat my heals from sliding around. Cabelas Elk Hunters with the heel lock plastic cup have worked well. My only issue is that after a week of hard hunting, my big toe starts going numb, result of a tight boot, cold weather, and alot of miles. It always re-gains full sensation about February or so

Another idear - after you wear the boots for a while, you could send them on tour for the rest of us to try......... <G>

Crispi boots arrived this week. Took a month, but so far seem worth the wait.

Right now walking the house with them. Seem VERY similar to my much loved old Cabela's Mountain Hunters, which is a good thing. An absolutely beautifully made boot.

Will put some miles on them soon and report back...

I thought I was the only one with that kind of funky foot but it looks like others have the same problem.

In one of the prior posts someone mentioned Kayland - I've been using a pair of Kayland Vertigo Highs now for the past 3 years and they have performed perfect for me, I have never gotten a blister in them, the event seems to breathe great and they are pretty lightweight with great ankle support.

I did see the ads recently for the Crispi boots so thats good to know they might be an option, looking forward to how they work.

Put in Superfeet and wore them all morning. So far so good!

Which Superfeet?? Green or Orange?

And how stiff are the footbeds in the Crispi's?

Dan, my "Superfeet" are actual Superfeet, but were made for Chaco and are purple so I don't know what "volume" they are. The Crispi's, like all boots these days, come with 50 cent insoles.

The Footbed is not quite as stiff as the Lowa Sheephunter, Schnee Granite or Kennetrek Mtn Extereme... feel like the Cabela's Mountain Hunters I mentioned earlier. For me that's a GOOD thing.

My skinny heels are locking well in the boot in spite of the fact there's enough volume in the forward area to accommodate my D width feet very comfortably. The aftermarket insole really works well to help my smaller right foot locked-up in the boot. Am not getting any bending or pain across the tops of my toes where some stiff hunting boots seem bound and determined to flex.

So they're quite a bit stiffer than say, a Lowa Sportsman, Danner stitchdowns, or most Zamberlains??

I'm suprised that you're even using a Superfeet insole in a boot that already runs skinny in the heel. Those move the heel up at least 1/4" and cup it quite a bit (at least the current production orange and green ones)

I've got a really narrow heel also, and the Cabela's elk hunters have been working well for me. They're not the design boot I'd like, but they fit so well they make do.

On top of the weird heel, I figured out the other day my left foots a full half inch longer than my right, thinking I'd be best to just get a custom pair made and be done with it.

No experience with any of the boots you mention... Zamberlan's are uninsulated so are out for me. They would have been a contender if they made a 400 gram Thinsulate equivalent.

Heel locks great side to side, but these boots have a bit of volume up and down. The insoles locked everything up just right, especially for my smaller volume right foot.

It's a "better felt than telt" sort of thing

I've got an old pair of Danner "Trophy" boots... similar build to the Cabela's Elk Hunter. They have always fit me well, but I find them too soft for steep stuff and side-hilling. They really bother my ankles and insoles after an all day of up and down chasing elk. They also leak pretty badly without a rubber rand. Use them for work now.

Dang, 1/2" difference!?

I like Irish Setter boots.They are comfortable,long lasting and they don't leak.
http://www.irishsetterboots.com/iri.../882-irish-setter-mens-elk-tracker-brown

That point, how do your feet feel after a full day going up and down as well as off trail is another excellent point Brad.
I'm doing longer "workout" hikes now over two different courses in my local canyons. Been using my elk hunting boots. The "light mountaineering/heavy back packing" models I use are a much different and more comfortable boots than the cheaper military style desert boots I've been using during the off season.
Excellent post as always. E

Really close to it. Somehow never noticed until just the other day either. I guess a company might let me order a mismatch pair, I'll have to call around and see.

The elk hunters are awesome antelope and good trail boots, just no ankle support for side hilling.

I also find the superfeet do not work at all either (for my narrow heels), but green downunder cork footbeds do lock the heel in tight. I threw my spencos away and have the green downunders on all my boots now.

There are more than one type of superfeet (different volumes)... which did you use?

+1 on the Irish Sitter brand. I like the light-weight cordura nylon style with Gore Tex and 800 gr. Thinsulate Ultra. http://www.irishsetterboots.com/iri.../3859-irish-setter-mens-shadow-trek-mobu

They take no time to break-in and wear like iron. I'm on my second pair but my first pair is still going strong. I use them for early season hunts since they have less insulation. A couple of years ago, I got a white tail in SD that decided to expire on a sandbar in the middle of the Little White River. With the help of our guide, I waded out in the shallows to retrieve it so, I know they are waterproof. My guide's boots were not.

I'm in love with my Zamberlan Vioz. I beat the [bleep] out of boots and these have held up well. Fit for me is very good, no blisters, good arch support etc. Packed two bulls out last season in ROUGH terrain and have just bushwacked the [bleep] out of them for about 6 months now and they are ready for more. Will buy again when needed.
Actually just realized its been almost a year I've been beating these things. Man, you blink and an extra 6 months just went by...

It's a shame Zamberlan doesn't make an insulated model... they've talked about it but it's never appeared to my knowledge. They're excellent boots.

I had a pair of Zamberlan's. They worked great for a while, but when they puked they puked. The blister pic was a result from a day hike once they had puked. They hadn't given me a moments problem until that day. FWIW...

green

Look at the Lowa's that have the Climashield in them. I never did try them with insoles, it may very well be what I'm rocking by this fall.

I agree, the 400 gram level of insulation is about right in a boot for Montana. I usually run that in a Danner from September bow season all the way through the finisher.

I had Lowa's... they KILLED my feet.

Brad:
I'm curious as to the "type" of foot you have where Lowas kill your feet.
Does this have to do with "high volume vs low volume", wide or narrow heel ?

I realize everyone's feet are different and I'm fortunate that Lowas fit me like a custom boot so I frequently recommend them. The glove leather lining in some models is especially nice.

Brad,

Any more use out of the Crispi boots? I too have a narrow heel with a D width and am having a difficult time finding a boot that doesn't give me blisters on steep ascents. I'm currently using the Hanwag Alaska GTX, and while they are beautifully made, I can't seem to lock the heel in place no matter how I tie the laces. How many miles do you give a pair of boots for break-in before saying they're a no-go?

Thanks,

Jason

I just happened across this thread and gave my Cabelas Mountain Hunters and they are made in Romania, any idea what boots come out of that country. I too would like to find another pair before mine shoot craps.

Thanks,
Nick

I have had a very hard time trying to find boots that fit my narrow heel and wideish foot and are able to lock my heel in place. Tried the Lowa Sheep Hunters, Kentrek Mountain Extreme, and Cabelas Meindel Perfekts. None would lock my heel in place. I also tried the Asalo Sassalongs which locked my heel in place but were a bit narrow and short (may have to try a 1/2 longer and the wide version of those). After reading this forum I bought a pair of the Crispi Hunters. The Crispi's seem to be the boot for my foot! I tried them around the house and couldn't detect any noticeable heel lift. Then finally decided to try them outside and took them out deer hunting for a day and the heel stayed locked in place as well. Glad I found this forum as I was beginning to worry that I'd never find a boot that fit and not to mention shipping boots back and forth to/from AK is expensive. Thanks!

Regarding the Event lining, I have a pair of Schnee's Hyalites with the Event lining and my feet sweat like none other in those boots. They pinch my ankles at the base as well.

I tried a pair of Pronghorns once and they pinched me in the same place. They were my brothers and I borrowed them for a day to go on an impromptu elk hunt with a friend. Same size feet, he loves them, and I don't like the feel of them.

Hanwag Alaska GTX boot system.


http://www.lathropandsons.com/

i love my pronghorns. i've always been a die hard danner fan. i wear the new danner hikers for hiking. i saw somewhere that it's the boot the 10th mtn. division has issued to it's troops. love danners.

EXACTLY!!!!
Got mine last summer. Put 'em on right out of the box & took a 1 1/2 mile hike on a ski trail with my packboard & a bag of water softener salt. Wore 'em up north on our sheep/caribou hunter with nary a problem. Best boot I ever used.
Bear in Fairbanks

I thought it was Miendel, I could be wrong but I could swear that the mountain hunter by cabbalas was the same boot as the Miendel Canada boot. The big difference between the boots were the cheaper leather on the cabela boot but there was insulation in it which was not offered in the Miendel line up. I have been using a pair of miendel Tiagas for 6 years and can't seem to kill them and am also running a pair of the Lowa GtX extremes. Both are really comfy boots but lack the insulation that your looking for Brad.

Nope, not Miendel... they were initially made in Italy, then production went to Romania (the lower-labor-cost Italian equivalent). The Mountain Hunters came with 400 Gram Thinsulate... damn I miss those boots!

Update: spent the hunting season with my Crispi's. Nice. FAR more comfortable than the Kenetreks.

Got a small hot-spot/blister on my smaller right foot heel, left foot perfect (as usual)... going to do some research to "shrink" the right boot. A thicker orthotic on that side may help.

Regardless, they'll stay with me for now.

Brad, ditto for results on the Mountain Hunters--would you say the Crispi outperformed the Hanwags for you in the heel?

I have a pair of Danner Combat Hikers and with superfeet's copper insole they are damn comfortable. I have the same insole in my super rainforests and will probably get another set to go in my Raptors, Grouse, and Frontiers. I am a Danner man I just didn't like the old Pronghorns and I haven't tried the new ones. I recommend everyone else take a look at the new Copper Superfeets though, damn comfy.

The Hanwag is about the only 400-ish gram "Mountain Hunting Boot" I haven't tried... friends say they're stiff and built a bit big... sounds like the Lowa to me, which didn't work... but who knows?

have not tried the insulated model, only the un-insulated--had good luck with them but boots seem to be a bit like barrels...

i'll have to try the insoles. my feet are pretty dang caloused. i go barefoot alot of the time so i don't usually have trouble with the soles of my feet.