As a hiking or hunting enthusiast, choosing the right pair of boots can improve your experiences on the field.
Making the wrong choice can have plenty of consequences such as poor performance, discomfort, and even injury when you slip or fall. With so many boot brands out there, it can be difficult to know which brand is ideal for you.
Crispi and Kenetrek are amongst the most popular boot brands on the market whose shoes are known to offer optimum performance on technical terrains.
Both offer high levels of comfort, thus making them ideal for hiking and hunting. The Kenetrek fits narrow whereas the Crispi fits very wide.
Unlike Crispi, Kenetrek offers out of warranty repairs and this is amongst the top reasons why most people prefer this brand.
If you are in a hurry, the above is a quick overview of the two boot brands. You can use that information when deciding which boot to buy.
However, if you are interested in a more detailed review, keep on reading to find out the similarities and differences between these two brands.
Crispi
In a sea full of options, Crispi stands out as a unique piece of footwear for the regular hiker or hunter. This is the kind of shoe that can handle the harshest of treatments and daily abuse.
With this pair of boots on your legs, you can venture into any terrain comfortably knowing that your feet are well-protected.
An invention of Alessandro Marcolin, Crispi boots originated from the Italian mountains in 1975. Ever since this brand came to life, Crispi boots have never compromised on quality and durability.
Marcolin’s boot brand expanded quite fast and by 1984, the shoes were available in Canada, US, Switzerland, France, and other countries.
Alessandro used Italian leather when making these boots. And if you are familiar with leather, then you already know how Italian leather is always in high demand because of its quality.
When you look at Crispi boots, the first impression that you will get is the sturdy design. The Vibram sole beneath the boot is a clear indication that this shoe offers a steady grip.
The cushioning on top of the insole signals comfort and the ability to keep your feet in great shape even after hours of walking.
Crispi boots are made for lovers of nature. This boot can cross rivers, walk through snow, climb mountains and do anything that your mind may think of.
They are designed to be waterproof thanks to the water-repellent Nubuk and Gore-Tex lining. And will keep you warm when it gets cold.
There is also an ankle bone support system that ensures the boot contours gently to the ankle.
Kenetrek
In 2002, the founder of Kenetrek, Jim Winjum went for a hunt in the Mackenzie Mountains and developed blisters. He vowed to make a boot that would be able to offer more comfort and foot protection for hunters.
Three years later, the Kenetrek boot was launched and today it is one of the top picks for high country mountain hunters.
Being 10 inches taller than the Crispi, the Kenetrek is made of premium full-grain leather. It also comes from Italy, but here is the catch – it’s handmade.
Nowadays, we don’t have a lot of handmade shoes, do we? That shows how keen this brand is on offering quality. It features double and triple stitching. The sole is made out of reinforced rubber to offer maximum resistance.
The Kenetrek is also waterproof, it however uses a breathable Windtex membrane. There is a 7mm nylon midsole that offers extra support, stability and it also comes with pack loads.
It weighs 3.9 lbs and the one-piece vamp construction exists to make the shoe last longer and enhance comfort.
Because of Jim’s terrible experience with hunting in 2002, when creating the Kenetrek boots, he ensured that it would fit snugly so that fellow hunters don’t endure what he did.
Kenetrek boots have a one hike break-in period. This is quite a short time to break in a shoe. They are waterproof and insulated. So, even when it gets hot outside, your feet won’t start sweating.
And as I wrap up on Kenetrek boots, you should know that they offer repairs and full rebuilds of their shoes. This means that Kenetrek’s is a lifetime footwear investment.
Differences:
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They Fit differently
When it comes to the fitting of boots, I prefer to listen more to what customers say and not the brand itself. From most Kenetrek reviews, these boots fit narrow.
So, a regular fit would definitely be your ideal choice if you are a narrow size. If your feet are very wide, you should go with the Crispi’s.
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Kenetrek Offers Lifetime Repairs and Rebuilds
At their headquarters in Bozeman, Montana, you can take your Kenetrek boots for repair or rebuilds as needed. Therefore a pair of Kenetrek’s are likely to last longer than Crispi boots.
The brand is very open about what these repairs may cost you and this makes the entire process stress-free. Crispi boots on the other hand don’t offer repairs.
You will have to look for a skilled cobbler who offers this service. That may take a lot of time and resources.
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Crispi Boots are More Affordable
According to Outdoors and Ammunition, Kenetrek boots cost way higher than other boots in its price range, Crispi included.
Depending on your budget, you may go with the expensive or relatively affordable option. Not forgetting that Kenetrek have a favorable repair policy.
Other differences include;
- The Kenetrek is 10” tall and the Crispi is 9”
- Kenetrek is handmade and Crispi isn’t
- Crispi is made from Italian leather and Kenetrek from premium full-grain leather
Similarities:
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Exceptional Comfort
Both the Kenetrek and Crispi offer exceptional comfort. If you are going for long hikes or hunting escapades, wearing either of these shoes guarantees total comfort and you won’t have to worry about getting blisters.
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12 Month Warranty
According to Kenetrek and Crispi’s warranty policy, both shoes have a 12-month warranty duration.
A year is a considerable amount of time for you to be assured that your shoes can be replaced or repaired in case they get damaged when hunting or hiking.
Kindly note that for you to qualify for such services, the boot must be bought from the brand directly or a certified retailer.
Other similarities include;
- Both shoes are waterproof
- The rubber sole found in the two offers a steady grip
- The two boots can be relied on to perform well in rugged condition
- They are all comfortable
What’s Better about Crispi?
There are plenty of things to love about Crispi boots. For instance, these boots feature an impressive design that delicately holds your ankle offering adequate support when climbing up and downhill.
The rubber found on the sole exists not only for durability purposes but also to offer protection against thorns and sharp rocks.
Just because it’s wet outside, that doesn’t mean you can’t go hunting. Crispi is there to ensure that you survive wet conditions with its Gore-Tex waterproof membrane and insulation to prevent your feet from getting cold.
Also, these boots are going to serve you for a long time. You have the triple stitching to thank for that.
What’s Better about Kenetrek?
Kenetrek boots are not only durable but they look really nice. That’s the first impression you get when you remove them out of the box.
Beauty aside, the use of full-grain leather and triple hand stitching guarantees the boot’s durability. The hardware forged in these boots is resistant to corrosion and won’t snap easily.
Built by a hunter who faced it rough in the mountains, Kenetrek’s incorporate all essential features to ensure a comfortable, safe and fun hunt or hike.
You can walk with this shoe all day long and not experience any form of discomfort or inconvenience. Provided you get the right size, these shoes ought to fit you perfectly.
The Kenetrek’s are waterproof and breathable. For those who get sweaty feet when it’s hot, you should get the non-insulated versions.
And despite having so many numerous advantages, these boots come with a lifetime repair policy. So whenever they run out of shape, you can take them to Kenetrek’s headquarters for professional repairs and rebuilds.
Who Should Get Crispi Boots?
If you have been on the hunt for perfect hiking boots, then your search should come at a stop when you find Crispi boots.
Built to offer comfort, protection, and enhanced performance, Crispi boots are packed with lots of great features that will benefit the regular or seasoned hunter.
With Crispi boots on your feet, you can climb steep and rocky mountains with a lot of ease. Do you often come across streams when hiking?
Crispi’s are waterproof and you, therefore, don’t have to look for alternative routes in fear of getting your feet wet.
As strong as these boots are, don’t forget to take proper care of them. This will guarantee that your investment serves you for longer.
Who Should Get Kenetrek Boots?
This is the perfect boot for those who love hiking in extreme and rough conditions. Categorized as an ultra-premium hiking boot, the Kenetrek is durable, comfortable, waterproof, and stable.
This is the kind of boot that will serve you for years, especially if you take advantage of the companies repair and rebuild services.