Crispi Briksdal EFX Review: A FULL Season of Hard Use

When it comes to mountain hunting boots, first impressions only tell part of the story. The real test comes after months of hiking, sidehilling, packing weight, and putting in long days where every step counts.

After several months of use, the Crispi Briksdal EFX has become Joe's go-to boot for steep country hunts, and it's easy to see why.

Built for Steep Country

The Briksdal EFX isn't designed to be an everyday hiking boot. It's built for hunters chasing elk, mule deer, sheep, or any adventure that involves steep terrain and heavy packs.

With a Flex Rating of 4, Crispi's ABSS (Ankle Bone Support System), and a full rubber rand, the Briksdal EFX provides the support needed for long climbs, technical sidehills, and loaded pack-outs.

For Joe, that stiffness makes a noticeable difference.

When climbing steep hills, a supportive boot allows you to drive your toe into the hillside without your heel collapsing under load. On long descents, the added rigidity also helps reduce fatigue in your feet, ankles, and Achilles tendon.

Surprisingly Comfortable Break-In

One of the biggest surprises during testing was just how comfortable the Briksdal EFX was right out of the box.

After only a handful of shorter hikes, Joe took them on a 12-mile shed hunt with virtually no break-in completed. Later that spring, they handled multiple 13- to 15-mile bear hunting days without hot spots or foot pain.

For a full leather mountain boot, that's impressive.

The sole's natural rocker helps create a smooth walking motion, meaning the leather doesn't have to flex excessively with every step. That makes covering trail miles much easier than many hunters expect from a stiffer boot.

Don't Size Down

If there's one recommendation Joe makes, it's to buy the correct size.

He experimented with sizing down half a size and found himself needing to continually re-lace and reset his heel before long descents to keep his toes from contacting the front of the boot.

On extended hunts, your feet naturally swell and flatten throughout the day. Having a little extra room is often more comfortable than trying to force a tighter fit.

Built to Last

As a self-described "super user" of hunting boots, durability matters.

After burning through softer boots like the Lapponia over heavy seasons of hunting and pack-outs, Joe wanted something that would hold up better under demanding conditions.

While the Briksdal EFX weighs slightly more than lighter synthetic options, that extra weight brings durability, protection, and long-term support. The full leather construction and heavy-duty rubber rand are designed for hunters who expect multiple hard seasons from one pair of boots.

Leather Takes More Time—But It's Worth It

Joe has long recommended wet-forming full leather boots during the break-in process.

After soaking the boots and wearing them on shorter hikes, the leather begins to mold naturally around your foot as it dries. This creates a more customized fit while reducing unnecessary pressure points and folds.

It's an old-school technique that continues to pay off for quality leather boots.

Waterproof Confidence

Throughout months of hiking, scouting, bear hunting, and shed hunting, the Briksdal EFX remained completely waterproof with no issues.

While leather isn't quite as breathable as synthetic materials, Joe considers that a worthwhile tradeoff for the added support and durability.

His routine is simple: whenever he stops to glass or take a break, he pulls the insoles out and lets his feet air out before continuing.

Briksdal EFX vs. Colorado II

Joe also spent the same period testing the Crispi Colorado II alongside the Briksdal EFX.

His goal was to find a lighter synthetic boot with similar stiffness for warm-weather scouting and early-season hunting.

While the Colorado II certainly has its place, it never became as comfortable on his feet.

Even after months of use, the break-in remained noticeably longer, and when it came time for long spring bear hunts, Joe consistently reached for the Briksdal EFX instead.

The Colorado II may be an excellent fit for other hunters, but for Joe, the Briksdal EFX simply provided less foot fatigue and more all-day comfort despite weighing roughly five ounces more per boot.

Final Thoughts

After several months of real-world use, the Crispi Briksdal EFX has exceeded expectations.

It's supportive without feeling punishing, breaks in easier than most full leather mountain boots, and provides the stability needed when hunting steep country with heavy loads.

If your season involves backpack elk hunts, high-country mule deer, or any terrain where support matters more than shaving a few ounces, the Briksdal EFX deserves a serious look.

For Joe, it'll be the boot heading into September elk season—and likely for many seasons after that.