Gri Sport Boots

The South Island Perspective - Scott Kunac

If you had walked into our Dunedin store six months ago and asked for a pair of good quality, waterproof, breathable, all leather boots manufactured by a reputable company in Italy from under $400, the answer would have been, "There is no such thing!" That was until we had the opportunity to stock the new GRI Sport range of boots.

GRI Sport is established worldwide but until recently the NZ importers had only offered the industrial and safety models here, and not the outdoors range. This changed back in August and for Hunting & Fishing New Zealand the new selection includes ankle and calf length options, one of which is exclusive. The addition of GRI Sport has complimented our existing selection of boots as these three Italian made options can each be considered a big step up from entry level, but not such a financial outlay as the high end German boots. Already since their launch back in the Spring edition of this catalogue, GRI Sport boots have been impressing the many Kiwi hunters, farmers and outdoor enthusiasts who have purchased them.

At Hunting & Fishing New Zealand we know our customers are going to spend a lot of time in their back country footwear. They'll cover some pretty gnarly country in whatever boots we recommend, and we understand will hear about it if we get our recommendations wrong. Good boots are an investment and we do not make recommendations until we are happy with the comfort and quality ourselves. Before we agreed to stock GRI Sport we put them to the test. For my part and to get a South Island perspective, I spent a week in the Southern Alps giving the Kaikoura model a taste of snow, rock and riverbed. The wide fit of all the GRI Sport models means that I and most other Kiwis will be comfortable in them. In the past many European boots have been too narrow for our 'jandle-spread' feet. This is definitely not the case with GRI Sport.

They hung on well. I found when rock hopping up and down mountain streambeds, the Vibram sole gave me plenty of grip and I always felt sure footed. The Sympatex waterproof, breathable lining kept my feet warm and dry until I went in over my knees but then they pumped dry as you would expect from this type of breathable boot construction. I would describe all three in the Hunting & Fishing New Zealand range as being ideal all-rounder's. With plenty of flex you can walk quietly through the bush but the design also provides good ankle support.

In conclusion from a South Island perspective, at the end of the weeks trial, apart from the odd rock scar, the Kaikoura boots looked every bit as though they would go on to handle many more enjoyable adventures in the hills. I could not recommend them as a specialist Alpine boot due to the fact that there is not currently a full shank, rigid foot bed model in the range. However as a great value for money all-round track and bush boot they get my thumbs up. The only way you'll get a better boot is to spend considerably more on a German pair.

The North Island Perspective - Mike Stent

Back in the winter I was asked to testfire a pair of Gri Sport Kaweka Boots and give my analysis of them. If you were able to see my garage you would note the large number of pairs of footwear I have tried and tested over the past few years. Some have passed my tough treatment and others have been consigned to the rubbish heap. I am hard on footwear and very critical of boot performance. The Kaweka boot I have worn now regularly for about five months. I have worn them as a hunting boot in the Central North Island and as a work boot. I must say that I have given them a fair thrashing and have found that I like wearing them more and more. The boot has a mid flex sole which suites well as a bush stalking boot in that you are able to quietly move around in the bush with the ability to "feel" anything under your feet reducing the chance of breaking that twig when you least want it to happen. The Kaweka boot has a waterproof and breathable membrane which does as it suggest, keeps your feet dry. I also found that the leather composition of the Kaweka boot was quite soft which did allow the boot to stretch width ways and easily mould to the shape of my foot.

I now find myself looking for my Gri Sport Kaweka's when I head out for the day, such is the level of comfort and enjoyment I get from wearing them. In summary I believe that the Kaweka boot offers awesome value for money at $499. It is well suited as an all round type of boot. It is equally suited as a tramping, hunting or as a general work boot on the farm.