Crispi Nevada GTX vs Colorado II GTX
If you've narrowed your boot search down to the Crispi Nevada GTX and the Crispi Colorado II GTX, you're already looking at two of the best hunting boots on the market.
Both are handcrafted in Italy, built with premium Nubuck leather, feature Gore-Tex waterproof protection, and have earned a loyal following among western hunters. But despite their similarities, these boots are designed with different hunters—and different terrain—in mind.
So which one should you choose?
The answer depends on where you hunt, how much weight you carry, and how demanding your terrain is.
Let's break it down.
Quick Comparison
|
Feature |
||
|
Best For |
All-around western hunting |
Steeper mountain terrain |
|
Flex Rating |
Medium |
Medium-Stiff |
|
Weight |
Slightly lighter |
Slightly heavier |
|
Support |
Excellent |
Outstanding |
|
Pack Weight |
Up to moderate-heavy |
Heavy loads |
|
Break-In |
Minimal |
Short |
|
Comfort |
Excellent |
Excellent |
|
Ideal Hunter |
One-boot-does-it-all |
Dedicated mountain hunter |
The Biggest Difference
The biggest difference isn't quality.
It's support.
The Nevada GTX is built to handle nearly every western hunting situation while remaining comfortable enough for long miles day after day.
The Colorado II GTX increases stiffness and support for hunters spending more time on steep slopes, loose rock, side hills, and under heavier pack loads.
Think of it this way:
Nevada GTX = Everyday mountain hunting boot.
Colorado II GTX = Mountain-focused hunting boot.
Comfort
Nevada GTX
If comfort is your highest priority, the Nevada GTX is hard to beat.
It's one of Crispi's most popular boots because it offers enough support for western hunting while remaining comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Many hunters find they can wear the Nevada from early archery season through late rifle hunts without feeling overbuilt.
Advantages:
-
Extremely comfortable
-
Minimal break-in
-
Great for long mileage
-
Excellent for mixed terrain
Colorado II GTX
The Colorado II remains comfortable, but you'll immediately notice the additional support.
It feels more substantial underfoot.
While not excessively stiff, it inspires more confidence when climbing steep ridges or descending with a loaded pack.
Advantages:
-
Better edge control
-
More confidence on side hills
-
Better under heavy weight
Winner:
Nevada GTX if comfort is your priority.
Support
Support is where the Colorado II separates itself.
Hunters carrying camp several miles into the backcountry quickly appreciate the additional stability.
When you're packing out an elk quarter on uneven terrain, every bit of ankle support matters.
Nevada GTX
Perfect for:
-
Day hunts
-
Spot-and-stalk hunts
-
Moderate pack weights
-
Mixed terrain
Colorado II GTX
Perfect for:
-
Backpack elk hunts
-
Sheep hunting
-
Goat hunting
-
Long climbs
-
Heavy pack-outs
Winner:
Terrain
Ask yourself one question:
How steep is the country you hunt?
Nevada GTX
Excellent for:
-
Colorado elk
-
Wyoming mule deer
-
Montana whitetails
-
Idaho elk
-
General western hunting
It performs well almost everywhere.
Colorado II GTX
Designed for:
-
Steep mountain hunting
-
Loose shale
-
Scree fields
-
Technical terrain
-
Side-hilling
-
Multi-day backpack hunts
If your hunts consistently involve serious elevation gain, the Colorado II starts making more sense.
Winner:
Weight
Neither boot is considered ultralight.
Both prioritize durability over shaving every ounce.
The Nevada GTX is slightly lighter and feels more agile during long hikes, while the Colorado II trades a little weight for additional structure and stability.
For most hunters, the difference isn't enough to drive the buying decision.
Winner:
Break-In
One reason Crispi has become so popular is its relatively forgiving break-in compared to many traditional mountain boots.
Both boots require some hiking before hunting season.
The Nevada typically feels comfortable a little sooner.
The Colorado II benefits from additional miles before carrying heavy loads.
Winner:
Durability
This category is essentially a draw.
Both boots feature:
-
Premium Nubuck leather
-
Gore-Tex waterproof lining
-
Vibram outsole
-
Full rubber rand
-
Italian craftsmanship
With regular cleaning and conditioning, both are capable of lasting multiple hunting seasons.
Winner:
Tie
Waterproof Performance
Both boots use a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane that performs exceptionally well during:
-
Creek crossings
-
Snow
-
Wet grass
-
Early season rain
-
Late-season moisture
As always, leather maintenance is key to preserving waterproof performance over time.
Winner:
Tie
Which Boot Should You Buy?
Buy the Nevada GTX if...
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You want one boot that does almost everything.
-
You hunt several western states.
-
You prioritize comfort.
-
You mostly hunt from August through November.
-
You don't regularly carry extremely heavy packs.
-
You spend as much time hiking as hunting.
For many hunters, the Nevada GTX is the ideal "one-boot quiver."
Buy the Colorado II GTX if...
-
Most of your hunts are in steep mountains.
-
You backpack hunt every season.
-
You routinely carry heavy meat loads.
-
You want additional ankle support.
-
You prioritize stability over flexibility.
The Colorado II rewards hunters who consistently push deeper into rough country.
Our Recommendation
Here's how we typically recommend these boots.
Choose the Nevada GTX if...
You hunt a variety of western terrain and want one incredibly comfortable boot capable of handling almost every hunt you'll ever do.
For the majority of hunters, this is the safest recommendation.
Choose the Colorado II GTX if...
Your hunting revolves around steep country, long climbs, and heavy pack-outs where extra support becomes more important than shaving a few ounces or maximizing flexibility.
Final Verdict
Neither boot is better.
They're simply built for different hunters.
If you asked us which boot fits the broadest range of western hunters, we'd recommend the Crispi Nevada GTX. It strikes an exceptional balance between comfort, support, and versatility that makes it difficult to beat.
But if your calendar is filled with backpack elk hunts, sheep hunts, or rugged mountain adventures where every step counts, the Colorado II GTX offers the additional support and confidence that demanding terrain requires.
Whichever you choose, you're investing in a premium hunting boot built to carry you through years of hard-earned miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Crispi Colorado II stiffer than the Nevada?
Yes. The Colorado II has a stiffer platform designed for steeper terrain and heavier loads, while the Nevada offers more flexibility for everyday western hunting.
Which boot is better for elk hunting?
Both excel for elk hunting. The Nevada is ideal for most hunters, while the Colorado II is the better choice for backpack-style hunts and consistently rugged terrain.
Which boot is more comfortable?
The Nevada GTX generally feels more comfortable right out of the box thanks to its slightly more forgiving flex.
Which Crispi boot should I buy?
If you want one versatile boot for nearly every western hunt, choose the Nevada GTX. If your focus is steep mountains, long climbs, and heavy pack-outs, the Colorado II GTX is likely the better fit.
