Early-Season Comfort With Mountain Support: Crispi Alpine Lite 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. That was great, and I wish they had worked out. It was the lack of support that halted me. The pain and swollen feet. Also, they didn’t last long.

Crispi caught my attention with its new Alpine Lite boot, a potential solution to a problem I’ve had for many years. Maybe I’d actually get away from my heavier, stiffer boots finally, at least for a portion of the hunting season? A test was in order for sure.

In short: Hunters looking for a lightweight hunting boot that they can take into the mountains need to look at the Crispi Alpine Lite. Just know you’ll likely need something else come late season.

Crispi Alpine Lite Hunting Boot Review

Overview

There is no denying that Crispi has become an authority in the hunting space as far as boots go. The lineup is choice. From both men’s and women’s options to lightweight and casual footwear to burly and stiff mountain boots, there is an option for everyone. The Alpine Lite is a solid addition to an already impressive lineup of hunting boots.

The Alpine Lite is an early/mid-season 6-inch synthetic boot made to keep the weight down without giving up support when you need it most. You’ll find a full rubber rand around the outside of this boot for added protection and durability. On the bottom is the Crispi Claw Outsole topped with an EVA midsole for both comfort and weight savings. And along the topside of the boot is an asymmetrical lacing system to really dial in your fit.

As for stiffness, the Alpine Lite is rated at a 2 on the Crispi Flex Scale. The lower the number, the more flexible the boot. Of course, this boot is equipped with a GORE-TEX liner to keep the water out, too. The Alpine Lite is also compatible with the Crispi Gaiters. All in all, the Alpine Lite weighs in at just 1 pound, 4 ounces. That is for one boot in a size 9. It makes for a whole lot of boot in a very lightweight package.

Features

Crispi CLAW Outsole

The first feature I want to point out here is the Crispi CLAW Outsole. It’s far more than just the bottom of a boot. This is a purpose-built system made to help with ground feel as you’re stalking game.

For spot-and-stalk bowhunters, this is huge. Boots that have too hard an outsole are difficult to stalk in, because there isn’t any give when they meet rocks, sticks, etc. They don’t conform to the ground as well, which leads to a noisier approach.

Lacing System

The Crispi Alpine Lite features the Crispi Asymmetrical Lacing System. This basically means that you’ll have the ability to really dial in the lacing pressure throughout the entire upper, giving you the best fit possible.

This isn’t new to Crispi, but what is new is the anatomy of the lacing system on the Alpine Lite. Right around the ankle, there is a lace lock with an additional loop above that for an even sturdier lock. This is a rock-solid lacing system all the way around.

Full Rubber Rand

I think it’s safe to say that most western hunters aren’t hiking in what could be called “golf course-like” terrain. No, we’re hiking through rugged terrain that can eat an ill-prepared boot for breakfast. For that reason, a full rubber rand is a much-appreciated addition to this boot.

This is going to give the boot full protection around the entirety of the bottom third, where a good majority of abuse happens. A boot without a full rubber rand is begging for a stitch to blow out. It’s not going to be the Alpine Lite.

Crispi Gaiter–Compatible

One of the most frustrating parts about gaiters is the strap on the bottom. They seem to always break, and they also get caught on things while hiking. With the Crispi Alpine Lite, you don’t have to worry about that, because they are Crispi Gaiter–compatible.

There is a small connection point on each side of the boot where a Crispi Gaiter can attach, giving you a strapless gaiter. What’s also nice is when you take the boot off, the gaiter can stay attached. So, there’s no forgetting your gaiters back at camp. Nice touch, Crispi.

My Experience

My first impression of the Alpine Lites was that they reminded me heavily of the Crispi Briksdal, which I love. I also saw a bit of the Lapponia and Altitude in there as well. The real kicker was when I picked them up. I couldn’t believe how lightweight they were. Still to this day, after months of testing, it blows my mind how feather-like they feel in my hand.

Before trying out the Alpine Lite, I was pretty set on the Lapponia III or Pro being my new hometown hunting boot. On my very first hike with the Alpine Lite, I started getting cold feet about that decision. The Alpine Lite felt more flexible and overall more comfortable for my foot. In the same breath, I didn’t feel a huge lack of support, which is quite common from my experience with lightweight hunting boots.

Comfort aside, something else that I really appreciated was how well the lacing system locked in. Between the metal lace lock and the small loop, from the ankle down to the toes, does not move a bit.

You can even leave the lace in the locks, pull on the tongue to let your foot out, and then take the boot off. The laces are still locked, so when you put the boot back on, there’s actually less lacing that needs to take place before hitting the trail.

From quite a few training hikes to camping trips and scouting endeavors, I can’t accurately tell you how many miles I’ve hiked with the Alpine Lites since they arrived at my door. What I can tell you is that I’m still reaching for them.

What’s Wrong

Now, this is a purpose-built boot. It’s made to shine in early/mid-season hunts. This is where a downfall sets in for most people. If you’re in the Southwest, this might not affect you, to be clear.

However, I wouldn’t reach for the Alpine Lite as my first choice for a late-season steep mountain hunt where snow is possible. In those conditions, I am going to want something a bit more burly with more ankle support. And I for sure wouldn’t be wearing these boots sitting in a tree, in the cold, waiting for a whitetail to stroll by.

With that, I’ve gotta mention the EVA midsole. An EVA midsole offers a lot of lightweight comfort, but that comfort is going to come at a cost in terms of longevity. Over time, with a lot of abuse, the foam will break down, chunk out, and leave you overall needing a new pair of boots.

For a boot this lightweight, an EVA midsole is a necessary evil, but still worth mentioning. Hopefully, with the development of newer materials, this can be rectified to make a longer-lasting midsole.

Closing Thoughts

There are a few hunting gear items that can ruin or even end your hunt. Boots is one of them. To skimp on boots is to neglect your hunt before it even starts. They are our tires for the backcountry, and the Alpine Lite from Crispi is a damn good candidate for the job.

So, if you’re looking for a pair of boots that will excel in the early/mid-season, I highly recommend checking them out. I know mine are going to get a heck of a lot of use this season.