I received the Crispi Schimek GTX boots in July 2023 and was eager to get them on the trail. They are an insulated boot with 400 grams of Gore Insulation, making them a great colder weather boot. They come complete with a Vibram Megagrip outsole, EVA Midsole, Gore-Tex lining, and a greased Nubuck Leather upper. These boots are a #2 flex on Crispi’s 1-5 stiffness scale (5 being the stiffest). The Crispi Shimek GTX boots are designed for colder weather, but getting them in July, I didn’t want to wait for the temperatures to drop before I started wearing them.
Sizing – Crispi Schimek Review
I normally wear a size 10 in Crispi boots, but I had an issue with a previous pair of insulated Crispi boots. I had purchased a pair of Crispi Briksdal boots (original ones) with 200 grams of insulation back in 2020. Those boots never quite fit right and were about half a size too small.
When I was contemplating what size to get in the Crispi Shimek boot, I was worried I would have to go a half size up or more. After speaking with the folks at Crispi, they assured me that the Crispi Shimek GTX boots ran true to size. After getting these in a size10 and wearing them, I realized they were spot on and that these boots do run true to size.
The Testing: Crispi Schimek GTX Boot Review
I started wearing these Crispi Shimek GTX boots in July and August. I initially used them on a local 3D archery course along with trips to the rifle range. Even being insulated, I didn’t feel that these boots were too hot. The 3D course is rugged and mimics hunting situations well, and with that type of physical output, I did feel my feet getting hot towards the end of the course, however, this was in 95 plus degree heat. During my more stagnant trips to the range, I never felt that my feet were too hot, even when temperatures were much higher than the designed purpose of this boot.
My feet and hands typically run cold when the temperatures drop and I usually need a little extra insulation than the next guy to keep from being uncomfortable. I wore these boots interchangeably with my Crispi Lapponia II’s in September on my bear and elk hunts. The Crispi Shimek GTX’s performed very well on the steep terrain I tackled on those trips. I had a lot of side hilling and some straight up and down travel, and the boot performed as I hoped and expected.
Crispi Schimek GTX Specs
| Crispi Schimek GTX Boots | |
|---|---|
| HEIGHT | 8″ |
| WEIGHT (SIZE 9) | 1 lb 10 oz |
| UPPER MATERIAL | Nubuc Leather |
| GORE TEX/WATERPROOF | YES (Waterproof) |
| INSULATION | 400g Gore Insulation |
| MIDSOLE | EVA |
| OUTSOLE | Crispi® Vibram® Megagrip |
| FLEX | 2 |
Flex Rating: Crispi Schimek GTX Review
Crispi’s Flex rating was designed to help make the buying decision easier by assigning a number that is associated with how flexible the boot is. This scale is set from 1-5, with 5 being the stiffest. These Crispi Schimek GTX boots were assigned a 2 Flex rating, and I did not feel that the 2 flex of the Crispi Schimek boots held me back at all, and my feet were comfortable.
It should be noted that I also run a 1/2 inch wedge in my right boot under the insoles which usually leads to a need for a different lacing pattern than my left boot. This sometimes creates a hot spot on my right heel if I don’t lace it up tight enough. It took some trial and error, but once I found the perfect lacing tightness and pattern, I did not have any problem with hot spots.
Warmth/durability/Waterproof: Crispi Schimek GTX Review
Throughout September these Crispi Schimek GTX boots did very well, but they really shined once the temperatures dropped in October. I usually need to wear toe warmers in my boots to keep my toes from getting cold to the point where it’s painful. The 400 grams of Gore Insulation performed nicely and kept my feet warm enough to not be uncomfortable.
The Gore-Tex lining kept my feet dry throughout my testing. This was especially welcomed given that this year October was exceptionally wet, and I was walking daily in wet, rainy, and snowy conditions. The properly conditioned NuBuck Leather on the Crispi Schimek boots kept my feet dry and at the end of the day, the boots dried quickly.
The rubber rand around the bottom of the boot protected the leather from nicks and tears when going over dead fall and jagged rocks. The rand did take a beating to the point where it did start to separate from the leather at the top of the rand.
I continued to wear the Crispi Schimek GTX boots throughout the winter for October and November deer hunts in snowy and cold conditions, as well as on trips to the range where the temperatures got down into the single digits (you’ll even see white spots on the boots in some pictures from painting targets at the range). I even used these boots for everyday wear and as a winter boot around the house. Throughout my testing, these boots kept my feet warm and dry.
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I wore the Crispi Shimek GTX’s on a frigid bear hunt for the opener of the 2024 season. My buddy killed a great bear deep in the backcountry, and packing the bear out plus all our gear was the heaviest pack out I’ve had to date. The side hilling, steep climbs up with long downhill descents made for a very technical pack out. Even though these Crispi Schimek boots are a more flexible boot, I did not find myself wishing I had a stiffer boot. My feet tend to like a softer flex no matter the terrain.
I used Crispi’s warranty process to send the one boot (right boot) in for repair. That process was painless, and once I sent the boot in, I had it back within two weeks. There was one weird issue for the return that I had, however. I don’t know for sure if it was an error on the cobbler’s part or from USPS. Basically, USPS held my boot until I paid the shipping amount for the return.
What I liked: Crispi Schimek GTX Review
- Warmer compared to my Crispi Lapponia II’s (400g of Gore insulation)
- Flexible for diverse terrain (2 Flex)
- Waterproof (Gore-Tex)
- Breathable (Gore-Tex)
- Durable (NuBuck Leather construction)
- Flexibility with lacing options
- Lightweight (1lb 10oz per boot)
What I Disliked: Crispi Schimek GTX Review
- Might be too warm for some hunts if your feet run warm
- Could be too soft for some that require a stiffer boot
Conclusion: Crispi Schimek GTX Review
I got the Crispi Shimek GTX to fill a void I had in my boot lineup. I was tired of cold feet and dealing with that instead of hunting. The Shimek GTX is a lightweight insulated boot to take you well into November with warm feet. The softer flex gave me a great feel for the ground while not leaving me wanting a stiffer boot in technical terrain.
Being close to my Crispi Lapponia II’s in weight, fit, and stiffness, I can go back and forth between the two no matter what the weather throws at me. If you are like me and have similar needs for a boot, feel comfortable in your decision to purchase these boots. I’m very confident that you will not regret it.
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