I'm wanting the most durable and lightest boot out there for turkey hunting. I have tried several but have not tried crispie yet... Are they worth the money and why?
Boots are really personal as far as finding one that fits your foot the best. With regards to a good quality leather hiking boot I can recommend Zamberlans from a good bit of personal experience. They are expensive but I've bought all mine when I've found them on sale. I even found someone that bought out a shoe store and I bought two pairs from him for $100 each. Their zbpk last fits my foot so I can order any of their boots with that last in it and it will fit. They also have a couple models with a camo vibrant sole which is great for turkey hunting. I've got a pair on right now actually. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220205/f0768d430bdd63f9d5048cfbc29f7b42.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220205/daff7faf499079a0319d6f6ec1bbf29a.jpg)
I forgot to mention I do have one pair of Crispi's to. I bought them used off a forum and they are nice boots to. My crispis are the Thor GTX I believe. They are lighter than the Zamberlans because they're not leather but I tend to hunt in my Zamberlans and where the crispi's around the shop.
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Quote from: Hogmister13 on February 05, 2022, 11:48:02 AM
I'm wanting the most durable and lightest boot out there for turkey hunting. I have tried several but have not tried crispie yet... Are they worth the money and why?
No experience yet, but I have a pair of Crispi Crossover Pro Lights coming that I will be running this spring and early bow season.
Probably picking up a pair of Nevada's for deer hunting November/December when we usually have snow on the ground.
Hoping they hold up much longer than other popular, but cheaper brands of hikers I've tried
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Before bow season last fall I bought a pair of Crispi Wyomings. I liked the Nevada boot but it didn't fit wide enough. This will be my first turkey season with them and I intend to wear snake chaps with them. I have a snake phobia, just me. I wore them in deer season and found them to be quite comfortable and the support is there. I am thinking about another boot that they call the Guide boot. Call Black Ovis and ask for Weston in the CS department. That guy was very helpful and seems to know their products well
Lightest and durable don't often cross paths. There's tradeoffs.
Crispi's aren't going to be your most durable... read around and you'll see reviews and pictures.
I've had some Scarpa triolet's for 4 years now but I like a stiff boot... These have held up great and really are the best built boot I've owned. BUT, I have by no means tried them all, there's lots of quality boot makers out there, most are european made. The Scarpa's have been a nice balance of light and tough. If you go with Scarpa you need to order a half size up, the italians make a pretty narrow toe box. I have some Lowa's that I really like too but they aren't as light. I have some lathrop and sons boots as well but they sure aren't light.
I've never tried the Crispi boots, I've always been a fan of Danners.
I use Danner pronghorn snake boots most of the season and Danner hiking boots the rest of the year. I work in Danners also.
They fit me well and I get a lot of life out of them.
I liked the snakeboots so well that when I found them on clearance, I bought another pair and put them up, because usually if I find something that I really like, the manufacturer will discontinue the product.
Just like Mossy Oak Trek LIte zip off pants, absolutely loved them and they quit making them, luckily, I found them on clearance and bought about a dozen pairs and they still look and almost fit like new
No such thing as light and durable. I wear Merrell ventilators and buy a pair every other year. Light, comfortable and breathable. Lacrosse alphas if wet or going to be crossing water. I have some very expensive boots. They check every mark but none are light. I walk over 300 miles every year in some of the steepest, rockiest terrain in the country. The difference of 2lbs in footwear is extraordinary.
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All about fit when you get into a high end boot, especially euro built.
I tried Crispi, did not fit me well.
Asolo have been my go to, last long stay dry and fit!
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They have Crispi Summits on sale at Black Ovis right now.
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Dtrkyman, Which of the Asolo boots do you use for turkey hunting?>\
Liquid GV currently...last pair was a Horizon which I think I preferred but they were out is stock last time I got boots.
Sierr@ Trading post has great selection and pricing.
I have a heavier duty mountain boot 520 go I think, ware them occasionally turkey season but more for Elk or packing weight but an amazing durable boot!
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I use rubber boots but if I was going to go with something else I have had good luck with Lowas. I have a pair that made it through a deployment in Iraq and 2 to Syria.
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Before buying anything go and try them on! There has been some good brands mentioned but if they don't fit you correctly that's a waste of money.
I don't care about "light and durable" boots. I wear snake boots. I don't want to worry about Mr. No Shoulders crawling around my feet when I'm chasing a long beard.
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX's have worked pretty well for me so far
Esse quam videri
Quote from: West Augusta on February 05, 2022, 10:30:27 PM
I don't care about "light and durable" boots. I wear snake boots. I don't want to worry about Mr. No Shoulders crawling around my feet when I'm chasing a long beard.
Fully agree. All it takes is just once to be bitten and your are in for a messy recovery. I was wearing Danner snake boots and still will in dry situations. They leaked after about one year of use. I also wore Lacrosse burleys but don't really trust the rubber to protect me. That is the reason for the snake gaiters now. I have not seen many snakes but the one I don't see worries me.
I've got about half a year on my crispi summits with no visible signs of wear. I wear them to work and hunt, so they see daily abuse. I will not be able to tell how tough they really are until a year or more after I've bought them. But so far, they are promising.
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I forgot to mention in my previous post if you have an REI store near you go in try own what they have they stand behind what they sell for a year if for whatever reason you can't wear them they will take them back. You will pay regular price but after you figure out what you like then you can look for best price, sometimes you can look on there website and find the same model cheaper than in the store.
I've been wearing a pair of Crispi Summits for about a year now and they are the most perfect boot that I've ever owned. I shed hunt, turkey hunt, deer hunt, scout, and small game hunt in them so they have several hundred miles on them so far and no visible signs of wear except some tread loss. Only gripe I have about them is I was shed hunting last spring and I walked several miles through shin high wet grass during a small rain and the goretex became saturated and started leaking through, but only after about 2 or 3 miles of walking. That's the only time my feet have been wet in these boots. Walking through dew covered grass before the sun burns it off or crossing a small creek has not been an issue.
So far, I'm very happy with my first pair of Crispi boots.
I have a pair of Crispi Thor 2 gtx and they have been great so far. They fit great and are lightweight 1.25 lbs. I will be buying another pair so I have two pairs of boots on hunting trips away from home.
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Quote from: rifleman on February 06, 2022, 08:57:36 AM
Quote from: West Augusta on February 05, 2022, 10:30:27 PM
I don't care about "light and durable" boots. I wear snake boots. I don't want to worry about Mr. No Shoulders crawling around my feet when I'm chasing a long beard
X2
I know this is an older thread but I wanted to update on my Crispi Wyomings. After using them this spring turkey hunting and following Crispi's instruction to wash with warm water, allow to dry, and spray with their waterproofing after use. Yesterday I was in and out of 3-4 inch water in a creek bottom and guess what? They leaked. I sent a message a couple hours ago to Crispi and have gotten no reply yet. Makes me think good old Lacrossee Burleys would be better except most times I am not in or near water bur did not expect wet feet with these boots.
Green Lagrange = a turkey thumper normally !
Out west this year I wore my trail running shoes mostly!
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Quote from: rifleman on May 13, 2022, 04:48:01 PM
I know this is an older thread but I wanted to update on my Crispi Wyomings. After using them this spring turkey hunting and following Crispi's instruction to wash with warm water, allow to dry, and spray with their waterproofing after use. Yesterday I was in and out of 3-4 inch water in a creek bottom and guess what? They leaked. I sent a message a couple hours ago to Crispi and have gotten no reply yet. Makes me think good old Lacrossee Burleys would be better except most times I am not in or near water bur did not expect wet feet with these boots.
My Irish Setter VaporTrek boots were waterproof until the water went over the top. Outside that, I had dry feet all year. Of course this was year one with them, seems they all lose waterproof after a season or three.
LL Bean Maine hunting shoes (8") in the hills and Lacrosse grange in the swamp. Don't waste money on Irish Setter vapertrek. They are worthless crap that won't last one season. Leaked from day one.
love my Crispie, best ive found
Quote from: Cottonmouth on May 13, 2022, 09:55:06 PM
LL Bean Maine hunting shoes (8") in the hills and Lacrosse grange in the swamp. Don't waste money on Irish Setter vapertrek. They are worthless crap that won't last one season. Leaked from day one.
I got about five seasons out of my last pair. Finishing up season one with my second pair. What kind of terrain are you hunting that eats them? I could see they wouldn't be great in rocky terrain. Waterproof? One or two seasons at bets, no doubt. But then, so are most.
Quote from: Tail Feathers on May 13, 2022, 10:37:41 PM
Quote from: Cottonmouth on May 13, 2022, 09:55:06 PM
LL Bean Maine hunting shoes (8") in the hills and Lacrosse grange in the swamp. Don't waste money on Irish Setter vapertrek. They are worthless crap that won't last one season. Leaked from day one.
I got about five seasons out of my last pair. Finishing up season one with my second pair. What kind of terrain are you hunting that eats them? I could see they wouldn't be great in rocky terrain. Waterproof? One or two seasons at bets, no doubt. But then, so are most.
Nothing rugged, they leaked in wet grass right out of the box and the sides split where the toe bends after 1 season. Maybe I got a bad pair but I'll never know. Done with Irish setter. Worst boots I've ever owned.
Hunting in the east, I always wore cheap rubber boots. Been living in Wyoming for a few years now and I've tried a few options. I'd recommend you try a few pairs and see what works best for you. Lowa, Kenetrek and Crispi work for many, but didn't for me. I also found Lowa boots were falling apart within a week and the company would not get back to me when I attempted to reach out to them.
I've had great luck with Hanwag boots!
Here in the East I wear LaCrosse Windrose at 3.5 lbs per pair which work for me. My son likes his Crispi Guide GTX, but it comes down to fit, comfort, weight, terrain you are hunting in and cost each person has to consider.
If you're not comfortable you are not going to stay out in the woods long. Maximize your hunting time and experience and buy quality gear that you can afford.
Finally taled with Crispi yesterday after BlackOvis said they can't really help. Crispi wanted proof/date of purchase and to know my routine for cleaning them. I ordered them on 19 May 2021 and didn't use them until deer season a couple times but didn't keep my feet warm. Cleaning and waterproofing has been by the book as Crispi video says to do. This is really the first time they have been exposed to any real water usage. If Crispi doesn't not make it right, have you guys found ways to make them waterproof again?
Quote from: Dtrkyman on May 13, 2022, 07:41:57 PM
Out west this year I wore my trail running shoes mostly!
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Yep. I bought the new keen nxis speed mid and they're my favorite now. Comfy, only 11oz per shoe and great tread. If it's wet I wear lacrosse alpha agility. I've got some stupid expensive custom made leather boots that don't leak but it's amazing how much shaving a few pounds off your feet will make you feel at the end of the day
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My Asolo boots are 10 years old now and are still absolutely perfect. They are by far the best boot I ever owned. Not light but they are extremely durable and are waterproof. I'd buy another pair in a second.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52064630854_25691d9284_c.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/gp/152976138@N06/45rcmm)
They aren't "high end" boots, but I've been wearing a pair of Irish Setter Wingshooters the past 3 years and they are great. Very comfortable with no break in period. Lightweight, at least light enough to suit me. Keep my feet dry with no failures. Highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a boot in the $200 price range.
I got a discontinued pair of Crispi Summits from black ovis back in the winter. I think I payed 205 to the door. I got them because they are a hiker type, 8", light weight boot. I like them a lot, the are not hot and are light weight. The 10" boots Crispi and Meindel's are a lot heavier, at least 20# heavier after a 6-8 hike in warm weather. Well, maybe not that much. But I did wear either of them this year because I enjoyed those Summits so much.
Went fishing the other day and walked around trees and rocks a good bit in the water. I have walked a bunch of heavy dewed grass this spring as well, they haven't leaked yet. I probably have a little over a 100 miles on them now, I will say Meindel's are more comfortable depending on the surface your walking.
When I buy again it will be a 6-8" non insulated hiker type like the Summits.
Quote from: lunghit on May 15, 2022, 06:11:19 AM
My Asolo boots are 10 years old now and are still absolutely perfect. They are by far the best boot I ever owned. Not light but they are extremely durable and are waterproof. I'd buy another pair in a second.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52064630854_25691d9284_c.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/gp/152976138@N06/45rcmm)
I've got a pair of Asolos I bought in 2013 that are still going strong after a ton of miles chasing turkeys and western big game. I can't speak for the current versions, but I have over and above gotten my money's worth out of these.
I was looking for a taller boot to compliment them and picked up a pair of Lowa Tibet GTX High's before this season. I put over 100 miles on them this spring and am equally pleased so far.
Boots are a subjective subject as everyone's feet are different. If you have a place to try them on first definitely do so, but outside of that I'd highly recommend researching how to properly lace whatever you buy and investing in a quality set of insoles. Those two things alone can be game changers.
Quote from: J-Shaped on May 15, 2022, 03:47:19 PM
Quote from: lunghit on May 15, 2022, 06:11:19 AM
My Asolo boots are 10 years old now and are still absolutely perfect. They are by far the best boot I ever owned. Not light but they are extremely durable and are waterproof. I'd buy another pair in a second.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52064630854_25691d9284_c.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/gp/152976138@N06/45rcmm)
I've got a pair of Asolos I bought in 2013 that are still going strong after a ton of miles chasing turkeys and western big game. I can't speak for the current versions, but I have over and above gotten my money's worth out of these.
I was looking for a taller boot to compliment them and picked up a pair of Lowa Tibet GTX High's before this season. I put over 100 miles on them this spring and am equally pleased so far.
Boots are a subjective subject as everyone's feet are different. If you have a place to try them on first definitely do so, but outside of that I'd highly recommend researching how to properly lace whatever you buy and investing in a quality set of insoles. Those two things alone can be game changers.
Thats the year I bought mine. I did lots of research on boots before my trip to Alaska and these were highly recommended. Looks like I can easily get another 10 years out of them.
if it's wet terrain, i'm a Muck boot fan...
for more of a tie up-the irish setter vaprtrek snake boots feel like athletic shoes.. very comfy.....
Quote from: rifleman on February 06, 2022, 08:57:36 AM
Quote from: West Augusta on February 05, 2022, 10:30:27 PM
I don't care about "light and durable" boots. I wear snake boots. I don't want to worry about Mr. No Shoulders crawling around my feet when I'm chasing a long beard.
Fully agree. All it takes is just once to be bitten and your are in for a messy recovery. I was wearing Danner snake boots and still will in dry situations. They leaked after about one year of use. I also wore Lacrosse burleys but don't really trust the rubber to protect me. That is the reason for the snake gaiters now. I have not seen many snakes but the one I don't see worries me.
Depends on where you are at. When hunting in Dixie, I'm with you guys 100%. But I just got back from the Black Hills where I walked 30+ miles in 4 days up some rugged and steep terrain. I started out with my snake boots and nearly wore blisters in my feet. So I switched to my hiking boots and they worked great. Very small chance of encountering Mr. No Shoulders at that elevation and temperatures.
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Hoka Anacapa mid level hiking boats. Super light, super comfortable, and waterproof. I would have never considered these as turkey hunting boots, but an injury requiring surgery led me to these shoes.
I've put somewhere around 80 miles on them this spring and they show no signs of breakdown. Very pleasant surprise. They were pricey but worth it.
Thanks for the replies. I've had gore-tex in other boots but they usually leak after a year or so. Danner and Lacross snake boots leak begining the second year of wear. Only wear those in the spring. Seems gore-tex never does what it is supposed to do. Crispi wants me to send the boots back for them to look at. I put them in water last night for about 15 minutes and the left boot leaked. The other boot was dry but that was with no pressure of walking, etc. Most any rubber boot over gore-tex from now on especially if I know that I'll be in wet conditions..
I just can not imagine hunting big country all day in rubber boots! I just ain't sure I could make one whole day of 10 miles in Muck boots. The lacrosse boots I have would wear me down after 200 hundred yards!
WVFlopper, You are right about the Lacrosse wearing you out. Most of my of hunting is done on a farm near Martinsburg, WV and on the Blue Ridge Mt. East of Charles Town, WV. At 75 I don't do much walking anymore, most of my walking is done to reach areas that I like on the mt. The farm is easy and I can walk to it out my backdoor. My prob. is my feet are a mess from being flat, bunionectomy left foot and a ruptured Achilles on my right leg. I thought the Crispis and snake gaiters would help. Not really true.