Crispi Boots NZ — The Complete Range Guide
Crispi is the lead hiking and hunting boot brand at Dwights — an Italian boot maker with over 70 years of footwear heritage, known for combining traditional full-grain leather construction with modern GORE-TEX waterproofing and Vibram outsoles. The result is a boot designed for out-of-the-box comfort — built to your foot rather than expecting your foot to adapt to it, a meaningful difference for trampers covering serious distances.
At Dwights we stock the full Crispi range for both NZ tramping and hunting use. This guide covers every current model, what differentiates it, and who it suits.
Important Note on Crispi Fit
Crispi boots run on a last designed for European feet — slightly narrower than average NZ width. If you have wider-than-average feet, try Crispi on before buying. The Attiva Mid GTX is the most accommodating on width; the Titan GTX is the most restrictive.
The Crispi Range at Dwights
Attiva Mid GTX — Entry-Level Crispi
Note: Despite the "Mid" in the name, the Attiva Mid GTX is a low-cut boot — it sits below the ankle rather than supporting it. This is a hiking shoe profile rather than a full boot, suited to experienced trampers on well-formed tracks who prefer a lighter, lower-cut option.
GORE-TEX waterproofing, Vibram outsole, full-grain leather. The most accessible Crispi at Dwights.
Best for: Experienced trampers who prefer low-cut footwear, day walkers, lighter pack loads on well-formed tracks.
Valdres EVO GTX — Best Technical Mid-Cut
The Valdres EVO is a mid-cut technical boot — stiffer underfoot, more support, and better suited to more demanding NZ backcountry terrain with heavier packs.
Best for: Regular multi-day trampers, more demanding NZ backcountry terrain, heavier pack loads.
Futura CX Gore-Tex — Best Versatile Mid-Cut
The Futura CX is a mid-cut boot combining leather upper with a composite chassis for excellent torsional rigidity — better suited to demanding terrain while remaining versatile for varied NZ use. This is the primary mid-cut recommendation at Dwights.
Best for: Trampers who cover varied terrain across a season, best all-round mid-cut performance.
Nevada Legend GTX — Best NZ Multi-Day Tramping Boot
The Nevada Legend is Crispi's flagship tramping boot and the most popular model at Dwights. Full-grain leather upper, GORE-TEX waterproof, Vibram Multigrip outsole, and a construction designed specifically for multi-day loaded tramping on demanding NZ terrain.
Mid-cut design — fits at the ankle without the height of a full mountaineering boot, providing ankle support for loaded packs while remaining manageable on longer routes.
This is the boot Dwights recommends as the starting point for anyone doing serious NZ multi-day tramping and wanting to invest in a boot that lasts.
Best for: NZ multi-day tramping, Great Walks with a full pack, trampers investing in a quality long-term boot.
Hunter GTX — Best Hunting Boot
The Hunter GTX is Crispi's dedicated hunting boot — designed for the specific demands of NZ hunting terrain. Quieter materials, hunting-specific construction, and the same Crispi GORE-TEX and Vibram quality in a hunting-optimised package.
Best for: NZ hunters, stalking on technical terrain.
Titan GTX — Best High-Leg Technical Boot
The Titan GTX is a high-leg boot — significantly taller than the mid-cut range, providing maximum ankle support for the most demanding alpine and mountaineering approaches. Stiffer and more protective than any mid-cut option.
Best for: Alpine tramping, mountaineering approaches, routes requiring maximum ankle protection.
Limited Stock — Discontinued Models
The following models are discontinued and available in limited sizes while stock lasts: Summit GTX, Dakota GTX, Granite Plus GTX, Super Granite GTX. These will not be restocked — the Futura CX and Nevada Legend are the current recommended alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Crispi boot is right for NZ tramping?
For most NZ multi-day trampers: the Nevada Legend GTX is the recommendation — the right balance of support, durability, and versatility for NZ backcountry use. For a versatile mid-cut: the Futura CX. For alpine and technical routes: the Titan GTX. For hunting: the Hunter GTX.
Are Crispi boots comfortable straight from the box?
Yes — Crispi boots are specifically designed for out-of-the-box comfort. Unlike many leather boots that require extended break-in periods, Crispi boots are constructed to feel comfortable from the first wear. This is one of the primary reasons they're so highly regarded by NZ trampers and hunters.
Where are Crispi boots made?
Crispi boots are made in Italy — the brand was founded over 70 years ago and continues to manufacture in Italy using traditional boot-making techniques alongside modern materials. Italian manufacturing is central to Crispi's reputation for fit, durability, and comfort.
Are Crispi boots good for NZ hunting?
Yes — Crispi boots are widely used by NZ hunters, particularly for demanding South Island terrain. The Hunter GTX is built specifically for hunting use, while the Nevada Legend's construction also handles steep, rocky terrain and heavy pack loads well.
How do I care for Crispi leather boots?
Clean with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel, condition with Nikwax Conditioner for Leather, and re-proof with Nikwax Waterproof Wax for Leather when water stops beading. Store dry, away from direct heat. With proper care, Crispi boots can last many years and can be resoled when the outsole wears down.
Where can I buy Crispi boots in NZ?
Dwights is an authorised Crispi stockist in NZ. Browse the full range at Crispi Boots NZ.