Crispi Lapponia Pro Boot Review

The number of miles I’ve put in the mountains with Crispi boots on my feet is incalculable at this point. They’ve been a permanent resident in my gear loadout for quite some time now. From the most lightweight versions to the most burly and stiff, they are boots I continue to reach for. One of their new additions to the lineup is the Crispi Lapponia Pro. Being a big fan of the Crispi Lapponia III, I couldn’t wait to get my hands, or feet, I should say, on these new boots.

Crispi Lapponia Pro Overview

The Crispi Lapponia Pro is a lightweight men’s non-insulated boot with a full rubber rand and a water-repellent Nubuck Leather upper. The scale reads 1 lb 6 oz(1 boot size 9). On the Flex Scale, they come in at a 2.5, which translates to a nice and flexible boot, but not quite as flexible as the Lapponia III. That boot comes in at a 2 on the Flex Scale. The Pro is going to give a bit more lateral stability, especially for side-hilling in steep country. Of course, the Lapponia Pro is lined with Gore-Tex too for waterproofing.

crispi lapponia pro hunting boots on a turkey hunt in arizona

For ultimate support and stability, the Lapponia Pro comes equipped with the Crispi ABSS(ankle bone support system). And below that you’ve got the Crispi x Vibram Full Control Sole as well as an EVA midsole for added comfort and shock absorption. They come in sizes from 8 all the way to 14, with half sizes in between and in both regular and wide models. All boots are made in one color, being grey.

The goal here was to create a lightweight hunting boot that didn’t sacrifice durability or support.

Features

Full Rubber Rand

Having a full rubber rand on a Lapponia boot was something that really struck me in a positive way. One of the costs for a lightweight boot is sacrificing durability. It’s a give and take. The take is you get a lightweight, comfortable boot. The give is sometimes you blow out a stitch on the side of your boot. With the full rubber rand, that simply isn’t going to happen.

Lacing System

josh kirchner of dialed in hunter lacing up his crispi lapponia pro hunting boots

Something I found interesting about the Lapponia Pro was the lacing system layout. Traditionally, most boots have a dedicated ankle lock right where the ankle sits in the boot. The Lapponia Pro does not, though. On the surface, this seemed odd to me, but after wearing the boot for quite some time now, it seems to add to comfort. It’s easy to strangle your ankle with these lace ankle locks. I’m not sure if Crispi did this intentionally for added comfort, or if it’s just a byproduct of boot lore outside of my pay grade. Either way, nice touch.

Crispi Strapless Gaiter Compatible

the strapless gaiter attachment on the crispi lapponia pro hunting boots

A unique feature of all newer Crispi boot models is the ability to integrate their strapless gaiters. There are attachments on each side of the boot near the ankle, where the gaiters attach. This all happens via a few small Velcro straps on the gaiter being slipped into the loops on the boot. It’s a slick system and one that doesn’t leave you with a pesky strap on the bottom of your boot. I’ve had many occasions of hiking and almost falling due to branches and whatnot getting caught in traditional gaiter straps. Plus, most straps inevitably break after hard use.

crispi strapless gaiters on crispi hunting boots

Vibram and EVA Midsole

vibram sole on the crispi lapponia pro hunting boot

Vibram has become somewhat of a standard these days in boots. It’s durable, sticky, and lasts. Lightweight boots usually aren’t leaning this way, and they suffer because of it on all of the fronts mentioned. EVA is known for being lightweight and adding comfort. To pair these two together creates a platform that is both durable and comfortable. Best of both worlds until something new comes out.

My Experience with the Lapponia Pro

The Lapponia Pro was a boot I was extremely eager to get my paws on. Being a big fan of the Lapponia III, the thought of a similar boot with a bit more durability and support was all too alluring.

josh kirchner of dialed in hunter flexing the crispi lapponia pro hunting boots while in turkey camp

My first interaction with the Lapponia Pro was the first look out of the box. I loved the construction and could tell this was going to be a much more durable platform. All that to say, the boot was also incredibly lightweight, which was honestly a bit concerning. How could a boot so lightweight excel on the durability front? I don’t know, but I’d dang sure find out.

The initial testing grounds for this boot, before hunting season, of course, was a local trail I hit here in Arizona. It’s incredibly rocky desert terrain and a perfect place to find out if a boot is going to work or not for me. I will admit, I was a bit skeptical, but after several loops on this trail over the course of a few months, I had no reservations bringing the boot into hunting season. I actually remember saying to myself, “this might be the perfect boot for Arizona hunting.” It was comfortable, and the additional support in comparison to the Lapponia III was noticeable.

josh kirchner wearing the crispi lapponia pro hunting boots on an archery turkey hunt in arizona

I spent a majority of my spring in the Lapponia Pro for both bear and turkey hunts as well as simply camping with the fam. To cut to the chase, the boot was a pleasure to wear. I took them through thick brush, steep/rocky terrain, and am honestly not sure how many miles I’ve put on them. The Lapponia Pro gets two thumbs up from where I’m standing.

Downside of the Lapponia Pro

Yes, this boot is a winner in my book, but it wouldn’t be right of me to not point out a potential flaw. The EVA midsole is something I have a love/hate relationship with. It’s comfortable, yes. It’s lightweight, yes. However, over time I know this will end up breaking down, and even chunking out. I’m hoping that, with time, new materials will be found to replace EVA for something that is just as lightweight and comfortable, but with the added durability we need as mountain hunters.

Who is the Lapponia Pro Hunting Boot For?

hiking with the crispi lapponia pro hunting boots in arizona

All of these scribblings raise the question of who the Lapponia Pro is actually for? From where I’m sitting, this is an incredibly versatile boot that will excel anywhere from the prairie to the high country. The cutoff for some folks might be once entering very steep terrain. If you are someone who might have weaker ankles, I’d suggest something else like the Briksdal EFX for the added support in more vertical-like country. And then of course if you’re hunting in extremely cold weather, this might not be the right boot, as it’s non-insulated. Aside from that, I think the Lapponia Pro will appease the needs and likes of most hunters across the country.

Final Thoughts on One Heck of a Boot

Crispi lapponia pro hunting boots all laced up and ready to go hunting

As it stands, I’m a fan of the Lapponia Pro. They’re lightweight, more durable than the previous version, and super comfortable. It’s a step in the right direction and a prime example that Crispi listens to their customers. This is a boot that will for sure be getting more field time from me, especially in my home state of Arizona. If you’re looking for something to go light and fast without compromising durability, the Lapponia Pro deserves your attention. You can learn more at crispius.com.

Specs