CRISPI Futura CX GTX hunting boots

Established in 1975, CRISPI is a premium Italian boot manufacturing company that has been hand-making footwear for the global hunting market for 50 years. Built around the company’s Instant Fit philosophy, CRISPI boots are designed for all-day comfort and high-level performance. Each model is feature-rich and purpose-built for extended use in outdoor environments, with ongoing innovation underpinning the brand’s strong reputation among serious hunters.

The boot
The Futura CX GTX is a lightweight ankle boot featuring a waxy Nubuck leather upper with a durable Cordura collar and a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort, 100 per cent waterproof membrane. The upper is supported by a high-rise full rubber rand, triple-stitched for long-lasting protection and durability. This boot is handmade in Italy using board-lasted construction for a supportive fit and consistent performance.

A Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole paired with a low-impact midsole provides excellent grip and comfort across varied terrain. The Futura CX GTX is built on a men’s wide last and is available in sizes EU 38-48. It weighs 690g (size EU42).

The experience
My passion for photography and hunting has allowed me to work with some of the best brands in the outdoor industry and I consider myself extremely lucky to be presented with the opportunity to trial new gear in the wilds of Australia. CRISPI Australia supplied a pair of Futura CX GTX prior to their Aussie release to see if they would hold up to the rigours of Australian hunting and suit local conditions.

I decided the best way to test the new Futura CX GTXs was on a public land, high-country hunt in July, where the boots would be subjected to heavy loads, constant river crossings and as many kilometres as possible over a five-day backpack hunt. You can read about the hunt itself on page 6.

Life gets busy, so unfortunately I didn’t have time to wear the boots in prior to the hunt. Silly, I know, but it was a chance to put CRISPI’s Instant Fit philosophy to the test with 40-odd kilograms of gear on my back. No worries, though, as the Futura CX GTX proved comfortable straight out of the box. From the moment I laced them up, there were no pressure points, pinching or rubbing. A few kilometres into the hike, I tightened the laces slightly as everything settled, but for the remainder of the climb in, the boots were never touched.

The performance of the Futura CX GTX was outstanding. The Vibram Megagrip sole provided excellent traction across all terrain encountered. Waterproofing comes courtesy of the Gore-Tex lining – a market leader in breathable waterproof membranes. The only time the inside of the boot became wet was when I fully submerged them during river crossings and on the hike out, where the blow-up boats didn’t quite go to plan. While my socks and boots were wet, they were never uncomfortable – a little heavier, yes, but still perfectly walkable.

Breathability was not an issue. My feet never overheated during extended periods of activity. On one frosty morning, I stalked through sharp, crunchy frost that made my ears sting, yet my toes remained warm and comfortable.

Approximately 60km of pristine sambar habitat was covered over five days, including steep side-hilling, prolonged climbs, river crossings and heavy down hilling work. Mud, rocks, icy logs, deadfall and game trails were all encountered. The Futura CX GTXs handled everything without issue and have continued to perform flawlessly on every hunt since.

Premium products like the CRISPI range do come with a premium price tag but that’s to be expected when you’re chasing this level of quality and performance. At the time of writing, a pair of Futura CX GTX will set you back $699.99 and should be available from April 2026 at your favourite hunting store.

Try a pair on – I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Further information can be found at crispiaustralia.com.au