GrisportMen's Crusader Hiking Boot

I'm a very active walker, averaging something like 30-40 miles a week (daily long dog walks) and walking the whole Pennine Way in 2012, so I've got through a good few pairs of walking boots. My preference is for leather boots as they can be cleaned up and reconditioned, whereas the alternative fabric/nubuck/goretex type of boot is never the same after the first time you take them out in the mud. Also a fabric interior tends to absorb sweat and dirt, so smells after a while. That said, fabric boots are generally comfortable out of the box, whereas with leather boots you can have a few weeks of blistering during the breaking in period.My previous favourite leather boots had been Brasher Supalites, bought in 2006, which are made of nice soft leather, and were pretty much comfortable from day one, as well as being very light and waterproof. Unfortunately the second pair of Supalites (for the Pennine Way walk) badly leaked water on both boots, and the third pair quickly developed a split between the upper and the sole. I think Brasher have moved production of their boots to other countries, and it seems that materials and quality control have suffered as a result.So a bit of web searching shows up the fact that Grisport boots are still made in Italy, and also have full leather inners and outers, so I thought I'd give them a go. I have to say that they did need a couple of weeks of breaking in, so not quite as immediately comfortable as the Brasher Supalites, but after that point they've been extremely comfortable, completely waterproof (in the winter of 2013-2014, which is extremely wet), and no sign of any leakages, splitting, or cracking. I've been using Brasher's leather conditioning wax every so often to keep the leather from drying and cracking.The only very small problem I've experienced with them is that the lowest of the metal lace hooks on the right boot bent outwards due to the boots occasionally tapping together on narrow paths. I suppose that if the lowest hook was a closed hoop instead then that wouldn't happen, but it's nothing that a pair of pliers can't fix.

I walk approx 5 miles to work 5-days a week (plus miles & miles of leisure/dog walking on a weekend) and have been buying a new pair of boots every year, always under £50, mainly hi-tech altitudes as they are very comfy from new. But the boots never last a full year and normally leak after around 8 months, I have considered buying expensive boots in the past but the reviews have always been mixed and to be honest I can't afford to spend £150 on a pair of boots that don't last at least 3 years. So the reviews for these Grisport boots got me interested, I was also lucky enough to receive a £25 Amazon gift voucher so bought a pair. Delivery was excellent as usual. Firstly out of the box these boots really do look well made and appear to be great quality, I would say my feet are slightly wider than average and initially I thought they were too narrow for my feet, but after a week or two they really started to feel like 'my' boots. They are much stiffer than the hi-techs I usually buy, as in they don't initially have a lot of give, but they are getting better and better as the weeks go on. Although the weather has been fantastic recently, my route to work is partly through fields of wet dew filled grass and I've had no signs of leaks yet. Every 2-weeks or so I always brush off any dirt and re-dub with Grangers wax. I really don't believe you can keep your feet dry without regularly looking after yer boots! I'm really hoping these boots are still going strong in 12 months +, the soles certainly look like they will survive, I am extremely heavy on heels and normally see wear within weeks but these appear to have barely worn. I do walk up a steep stony path and have to say grip is not brilliant on this surface but I still think these boots are worth the 5 stars for my personal requirement.I will update my review in a few months and hopefully won't regret the 5-star rating!

I bought these to replace a pair of similarly priced Hi-Tec's, which I'd been wearing for about three years for dog walking; but they failed when the sole came away. At the time I bought the Hi-Tec's I did considered the Grisport Crusader, having already had outstanding wear from pair of walking shoes, and a street pair I bought when Adam was a lad (still wearing well, after having the heel resoled). I have previously had a variety of walking boots: Brasher's, Altberg's, plus various Hi Tec - to name a few. My need has always been for a good dog-walking boot, with holiday use as well.I have now found my perfect boot - the Grisport Crusader (shame about the name though). These are beautifully constructed, all leather - and good Italian leather at that, and with a nice high collar to give excellent support. On that, I should add, that for the first few walks the collar may seem uncomfortable; but this is it bedding in, as the boot moulds to your feet; after that they are like wearing gloves. Also, treat them well. I use Leder Griss brown wax oil on all our boots, and apply it regularly to avoid cracking; but (so far) these boots are fine.So what's not to like? Excellent value, the sizing is perfect - mine is an 8, and fits exactly, and built to last. I'm even thinking of buying an extra pair to have - for when we exit the EU, and the price probably goes up.

Having previously owned grisport peaklanders I thought I would try these. They are great boots and you can tell the quality is better very well made. The main problem for me is the peaklanders are so good and for me the price hike for these is not worth it nearly double the price. When these wear out will be getting the peaklanders again can't recoment them enough. The crusaders do seem an incredible boot though and I will be wearing them daily so time will tell. They do need a little wearing in though and the are pretty wide I have put 2 thin insoles in mine. Again premium quality for a good price but do prefer my peaklanders thanks. Update 6 months later Intake back what I said worth every penny and made so much better than peaklanders my next pair of boots will be these again 5 stars but 4 top quality boots 👍👍👍