Not every hunting boot is built for steep mountains.
Some are designed for comfort on moderate trails. Others are designed to carry you—and a heavy pack—through loose shale, deadfall, and thousands of vertical feet without compromising stability.
That's exactly where the Crispi Colorado II GTX excels.
Designed for hunters who spend their seasons in rugged western terrain, the Colorado II combines a lightweight synthetic-and-suede upper with a stiff Flex 4 platform, premium Vibram outsole, and Gore-Tex waterproof protection. At roughly 1.6 pounds per boot (size 10), it delivers mountain-level support without the weight of many traditional all-leather boots.
So, is it the right boot for your next hunt?
Let's find out.
Quick Verdict
Overall Rating: 9.7/10
Best For
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Elk hunting
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High-country mule deer
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Sheep hunting
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Mountain goat hunting
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Backpack hunting
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Heavy pack-outs
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Technical alpine terrain
Pros
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Outstanding ankle support
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Lightweight for a stiff mountain boot
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Excellent traction
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Gore-Tex waterproof protection
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Minimal break-in
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Highly durable construction
Cons
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Stiffer than many hunters need
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Overkill for flat-country hunting
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Less forgiving than all-around boots like the Nevada GTX
What Makes the Colorado II Different?
The Colorado II fills an important role in Crispi's lineup.
It bridges the gap between versatile hunting boots like the Nevada GTX and Crispi's most technical mountain models.
With a Flex Rating of 4, the Colorado II is built specifically for hunters who spend time on steep side hills, rocky ridges, loose scree, and demanding backpack hunts. The updated design incorporates PUtek® fabric to improve durability while reducing overall weight.
Simply put, it's designed for hunters who need more support without stepping into an ultra-rigid mountaineering boot.
Build Quality
The Colorado II is packed with premium features:
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Water-repellent suede upper
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High-strength PUtek® fabric
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Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining
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Kevlar triple stitching
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Polyurethane-coated leather rand
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Vibram® outsole
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Dual-density polyurethane midsole
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Crispi Ankle Bone Support System (ABSS)
Every component is designed to withstand years of abuse in rugged mountain country.
Comfort & Break-In
One of the biggest surprises about the Colorado II is how comfortable it feels for such a supportive boot.
Historically, stiff mountain boots required weeks of painful break-in.
The Colorado II doesn't.
Many hunters report hiking several miles almost immediately without developing blisters or hot spots. Even after more than 100 miles of use, reviewers continue to praise its balance of support and comfort.
That doesn't mean you should skip break-in entirely.
Before your hunt, we recommend:
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Hiking 15–20 miles
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Training with your hunting pack
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Spending time on uneven terrain
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Practicing long downhill descents
Doing so allows both your feet and the boot to adapt before opening day.
Support
Support is where the Colorado II separates itself.
Its combination of:
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Flex 4 platform
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Board-lasting construction
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ABSS ankle support system
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Vibram outsole
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Dual-density midsole
Creates exceptional stability under load.
Whether you're carrying:
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Camp
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Spotting scope
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Several days of food
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Boned-out elk quarters
The Colorado II provides confidence where softer boots begin to flex too much.
Performance on Steep Terrain
If your hunts involve:
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Side-hilling
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Loose shale
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Scree fields
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Rocky ridges
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Technical descents
This is exactly what the Colorado II was designed for.
Its stiffer sole reduces foot fatigue while helping maintain stability on uneven terrain.
Unlike some extremely stiff alpine boots, the Colorado II still walks naturally thanks to its excellent rocker design, making long trail approaches far more comfortable.
Waterproof Performance
The Gore-Tex Performance Comfort liner performs exactly as you'd expect from a premium mountain boot.
It handles:
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Creek crossings
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Rain
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Snow
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Wet grass
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Mud
Without issue.
Routine leather care and occasional waterproof treatment will help maximize long-term performance.
Traction
The Vibram outsole provides excellent grip across:
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Loose dirt
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Rock
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Mud
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Timber
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Snow
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Steep mountain trails
Its aggressive tread pattern was specifically chosen for technical hunting terrain where footing matters most.
Fit & Sizing
The Colorado II generally fits true to size.
Most hunters report:
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Secure heel lock
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Comfortable toe box
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Excellent ankle wrap
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Minimal foot movement inside the boot
Compared to boots like the Nevada GTX, the Colorado II feels more structured, but not necessarily narrower.
As always, we recommend:
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Trying them on with your hunting socks
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Walking up and down an incline
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Ensuring your toes don't contact the front of the boot during descents
Durability
Durability is one of the Colorado II's biggest strengths.
The combination of:
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Kevlar stitching
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PUtek fabric
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Reinforced rand
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Premium suede
allows the boot to stand up to sharp rocks, deadfall, and years of mountain hunting.
Hunters with hundreds of miles on the Colorado II continue to report excellent waterproofing, traction, and structural integrity.
Who Should Buy the Colorado II?
The Colorado II is an excellent choice if you:
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Hunt elk every year
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Chase high-country mule deer
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Hunt sheep or goats
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Backpack hunt
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Regularly carry heavy packs
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Spend most of your season in steep terrain
Who Should Consider Another Crispi Boot?
The Colorado II may not be your best choice if:
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Most of your hunting is on flat ground.
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You primarily day hunt with light gear.
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Comfort is your only priority.
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You want one boot for every possible hunt.
If that's the case, the Nevada GTX is likely a better fit.
Hunters looking for maximum lightweight performance may also prefer the Idaho GTX or Lapponia II GTX.
Colorado II vs Nevada GTX
This is one of the most common comparisons.
Choose the Colorado II if:
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You routinely hunt steep country.
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You backpack hunt.
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You carry heavy loads.
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You want maximum support.
Choose the Nevada GTX if:
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You want one versatile hunting boot.
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Comfort is your highest priority.
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You hunt a wide variety of terrain.
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You spend as much time scouting as hunting.
For many hunters, the Nevada is the better all-around boot.
For mountain specialists, the Colorado II shines.
Is the Crispi Colorado II Worth It?
Absolutely.
If your hunting style revolves around rugged mountain terrain, the Colorado II is one of the best boots Crispi has ever produced.
It combines:
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Outstanding support
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Premium construction
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Lightweight design
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Excellent traction
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Minimal break-in
Into a package capable of handling the toughest western hunts.
It's not the right boot for everyone.
But if you're chasing elk, sheep, goats, or high-country mule deer where every step matters, it's one of the best investments you can make.
Final Rating
|
Category |
Rating |
|
Comfort |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Support |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Durability |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Waterproofing |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Traction |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Weight |
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
|
Overall |
9.7/10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Crispi Colorado II good for elk hunting?
Yes. The Colorado II was designed specifically for demanding mountain hunts involving steep terrain and heavy pack-outs, making it one of Crispi's best elk hunting boots.
Does the Colorado II require a long break-in?
No. Despite its Flex 4 rating, many hunters report very little break-in compared to similarly supportive mountain boots.
Is the Colorado II waterproof?
Yes. It features a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining that provides reliable waterproof and breathable performance in wet hunting conditions.
Who should buy the Colorado II instead of the Nevada GTX?
Hunters who spend most of their time in steep, technical terrain, backpack hunt regularly, or carry heavy loads will benefit from the Colorado II's additional support. Hunters wanting a more versatile all-around boot will likely prefer the Nevada GTX.
