Crispy Alpine Light Hunting Boot Review

I have a confession. For many years, I have avoided lightweight hunting boots. Not because I didn’t enjoy the weight savings or comfort. It was great, and I wish they had worked. It was the lack of support that stopped me. Pain and swelling in legs. Plus, they don’t last long.

Crispy caught my attention with its newness alpine light bootA possible solution to a problem I’ve had for years. Maybe I should actually do away with my heavy, stiff boots, at least for a portion of the hunting season? A test was definitely in order.

In short: Hunters looking for a lightweight hunting shoe that they can take into the mountains should look into this Crispy Alpine Light. Just know that you’ll need something else at the end of the season.

Crispy Alpine Light Hunting Boot Review

overview

It cannot be denied that Crespi has become an authority in the field of hunting shoes as far as shoes are concerned. Love the lineup. With options for both men and women and ranging from light and casual boots to rugged and rugged mountain boots, there is an option for everyone. The Alpine Lite is a solid addition to an already impressive line of hunting boots.

alpine light This is an early/mid season 6-inch synthetic boot that is built to keep the weight down without giving you support when you need it most. You will find a full rubber rand on the outside of this boot for added protection and durability. Below is a Crispy Claw outsole topped with an EVA midsole for both comfort and weight savings. And the top of the boot has an asymmetric lacing system to really dial in your fit.

As far as stiffness goes, Alpine Lite is rated a 2 on the Crispy Flex scale. The lower the number, the more flexible the boot. Of course, this boot is also equipped with a GORE-TEX liner to keep water out. Alpine Lite is also compatible with Crispy Gators. Overall, the Alpine Lite weighs just 1 pound, 4 ounces. This is for a boot in size 9. It makes a lot of boots in a very light package.

features

Crispy Claw Outsole

The first feature I want to point out here is the Crispy Claw outsole. It’s more than just the bottom of a boot. It is a purpose-built system designed to provide you with a ground-breaking experience when chasing game.

For spot-and-stock bowhunters, this is huge. Shoes that have a very hard outsole are difficult to grip as there is no impact when they hit rocks, sticks, etc. They are also not in line with the ground, causing more noise.

lacing system

The Crispy Alpine Light features a Crispy Asymmetrical Lacing System. This basically means that you will have the ability to really dial in the pressure of the laces throughout the upper, giving you the best fit possible.

This isn’t new for Crespi, but what is new is the anatomy of the lacing system on the Alpine Light. Right around the ankle, there is a lace lock with an additional loop on top for an even stronger lock. It has a rock solid lacing system all around.

full rubber rand

I think it’s safe to say that most western hunters are not hiking in “golf course-like” terrain. No, we’re hiking in rough terrain where unprepared shoes can be eaten for breakfast. For this reason, a full rubber rand is a much-appreciated addition. this boot.

This will provide full protection around the lower third of the boot, where most of the abuse occurs. A boot without a full rubber sole is begging to burst at the seams. It will not be Alpine Light.

Crispy Gator-Compatible

One of the most frustrating parts about gaiters is the bottom strap. They seem to always be breaking, and they also get caught on things while hiking. With Crispy Alpine Lite, you don’t have to worry about this, as they are Crispy Gator-compatible.

There is a small connection point on each side of the boot where a crisp gaiter can be attached, giving you a strapless gaiter. It’s also nice that when you take the boots off, the gaiter can stay attached. So, forgetting your gaiters at camp is never a problem. Nice touch, crispy.

my experience

My first impression of Alpine Lights was that they reminded me a lot of Crispy Brixdal, which I love. I also saw some of Laponia and Altitude there. The real kicker was when I picked them up. I couldn’t believe how light they were. Even today, after months of testing, it amazes me how feather-like they feel in my hand.

Before trying the Alpine Light, I was pretty much set on the Laponia III or Pro Being my new hometown hunting boot. On my first hike with the Alpine Light, I started to feel nostalgic about that decision. The Alpine Lite felt more flexible to my foot and more comfortable overall. In the same breath, I didn’t feel a massive lack of support, which is pretty typical from my experience with lightweight hunting boots.

Besides comfort, another thing I really appreciated was how well the lacing system locked into place. Between the metal lace lock and the small loop, from ankle to toes, there’s not even a bit of wiggle room.

You can also leave the laces in the lock, pull the tongue to expose your foot, and then take the boot off. The laces are still closed, so when you put the boot back on, less lacing needs to be done before you really hit the mark.

From numerous training hikes to camping trips and scouting endeavors, I can’t tell you exactly how many miles I’ve hiked with Alpine Lights since they arrived on my doorstep. What I can tell you is that I am still reaching out to them.

What’s wrong

Now, this is a purpose-built boot. It is designed to shine in early/mid season hunting. This is where the decline begins for most people. If you’re in the southwest, it may be obvious that this won’t affect you.

However, I wouldn’t reach for an alpine light as my first choice for a late season hunt on a steep mountainside where falling snow is possible. In those situations, I’d want something heavier with more ankle support. And I definitely won’t wear it these shoes Sitting in a tree in the cold, waiting for a whitetail to stroll by.

With that said, I have to mention the EVA midsole. The EVA midsole offers plenty of lightweight comfort, but that comfort comes at a price when it comes to long runs. Over time, with a lot of abuse, the foam will break down, come to pieces, and you’ll need a new pair of shoes altogether.

For such a light boot, the EVA midsole is a necessary evil, but still worth mentioning. Hopefully, with the development of new materials, this can be improved to create a longer lasting midsole.

closing thoughts

There are some hunting gear items that can ruin or even kill your hunt. Boots is one of them. To skimp on shoes is to ignore your prey before it even begins. They’re our tires for the backcountry, and Crispy Alpine Light Very good candidate for the job.

So, if you’re looking for a pair of shoes that will perform excellent in the early/mid season, I highly recommend checking them out. I know I’m going to be used a lot this season.