Crispi Boots | Italian Made Leather Hiking Boots
Crispi boots are made in Italy — in the Veneto region of the Dolomites, where serious alpine footwear has been engineered for generations. Still family-owned, still Italian-made, and still using full-grain leather construction with Vibram outsoles and GORE-TEX waterproofing. For NZ tramping on technical terrain, Crispi is the brand our staff wear personally.
Dwights is one of the only dedicated Crispi stockists in NZ. If you want to try them on and be properly fitted, come in-store.
Understanding the Crispi Range
Crispi offers distinct boot cuts suited to different terrain and load types — knowing the difference matters before buying:
- Low-cut: The Attiva Mid GTX is technically a low-cut boot despite its name. Lighter, faster, suited to experienced trampers on well-formed tracks with lighter loads.
- Mid-cut: The sweet spot for most NZ tramping. The Futura CX, Valdres EVO, and Nevada Legend GTX all sit here — enough ankle support for loaded packs and uneven backcountry terrain without the weight and stiffness of a high boot. The Nevada Legend is our most popular model.
- High-leg: The Titan GTX is a serious high-leg boot — heavy, stiff, and built for maximum ankle support in technical terrain and heavy loads. Not a general tramping boot.
What Makes Crispi Different
- Full-grain leather upper: More durable and weather-resistant than synthetic alternatives. Moulds to your foot over time.
- GORE-TEX lining: Genuine waterproofing with breathability — the standard for serious NZ tramping.
- Vibram outsole: The benchmark for trail grip on wet rock, mud, roots, and technical terrain.
- ABSS (Ankle Bone Support System): Crispi's proprietary ankle support system — reduces sprain risk on uneven terrain and lateral loading under heavy packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Crispi boots worth it for NZ tramping?
Yes — Crispi boots cost more than most competitors, but full-grain leather construction and Italian craftsmanship justify the price for serious trampers. On technical NZ terrain — wet roots, rocky backcountry, steep descents under load — the Vibram outsole and ankle support system make a genuine performance difference.
What's the difference between the Crispi Nevada Legend and the Valdres EVO?
Both are mid-cut, GORE-TEX waterproof, full-grain leather boots — the core of the Crispi tramping range. The Nevada Legend is our most popular model and the more structured of the two — it has a stiffer construction suited to heavy loads and multi-day backcountry tramping. The Valdres EVO is slightly lighter and more flexible — better suited to experienced trampers who want more ground feel and move at a faster pace. For first-time Crispi buyers, the Nevada Legend is the safer choice.
Is the Crispi Attiva Mid GTX actually a mid-cut boot?
No — despite the name, the Attiva Mid GTX is a low-cut boot. The "Mid" in the name refers to the midsole construction, not the cut height. This is a common point of confusion. If you're looking for ankle support from a Crispi boot, the Nevada Legend, Valdres EVO, or Futura CX are the correct mid-cut options.
How do I care for Crispi leather boots?
Brush off mud after each trip and dry at room temperature — never use direct heat, which dries out and cracks the leather. Once dry, condition with Nikwax Leather Conditioner or a quality boot wax. Reproof the GORE-TEX outer with Nikwax Footwear Proof when water stops beading on the surface. Remove insoles to dry separately. Store in a cool, dry location — avoid storing in plastic bags which trap moisture.
Why Buy Crispi from Dwights?
Dwights is an authorised Crispi dealer in New Zealand — genuine Italian-made boots backed by the full manufacturer warranty. Crispi boots are designed for out-of-the-box comfort without the long break-in period required by many other premium hiking boots. We carry NZ-stocked Crispi boots with fast delivery and can help you find the right fit for your foot shape and terrain.