Bestard Mestral by Sergio Fernández

Adhesion and sensitivity

Texts and photos by Sergio Fernández Tolosa

I’ve been using the Bestard Mestral for two years, an approach shoe with a really special sole, the Vibram Password, ideal for rocky surfaces where extra grip and terrain sensitivity are sought.

We already did a review of my first pair of Bestard Mestral on our website. Although they are still in excellent condition, some parts of the sole have begun to show signs of the logical wear that intensive use implies for such a long time. That is why I have just released the second pair, and from Bestard they have asked me to explain the reasons that push me to use this shoe in a good part of my outdoor activities.

I repeat the model because I think there are very few shoes that combine its qualities. On the one hand, they offer great adherence to the rock; on the other, a high sensitivity of the terrain; and all this in a resistant, durable and waterproof shoe that protects feet and fingers from the inevitable blows and friction with stones, bushes, etc. In addition, it is comfortable and very versatile, so that it can also be used in our day to day.

Adaptability

The Bestard Mestral is a shoe especially suitable for those who enjoy moving through rocky terrain, low difficulty crests, via ferrata, etc. in which all the information that reaches the brain from the soles of the feet is welcome. However, this extra sensitivity may surprise those who prefer greater damping capacity. In this sense, it must be taken into account that the sole of the Bestard Mestral tends towards minimalism. This translates into a more natural footprint that may not suit everyone, but I personally love it.

I value this formula because the front part of the sole of the foot and the toes are always reading the irregularities of the terrain – bumps, ledges, roots, cracks…–. In this way, the proprioceptive response when stepping and progressing is instantaneous, very natural. This translates into agile, stable and precise steps. The work of the foot also has the protection of a solid and robust structure, which only flexes where it should, and which is built to withstand all kinds of injuries.

Unlike the front part of the sole, which is thinner, in the heel area the degree of protection and cushioning is greater, so that you can heel perfectly.

A very special sole

As I said, the great secret of the Mestral is the Vibram Password sole. On the toe there is a smooth strip, on which it says CLIMBING ZONE, which extends a few centimetres along the inner edge of the foot and gives us a clear clue to the purpose for which they have been designed: to hold on to the rock.

The front half of the sole is more malleable than other approach shoes, although it has the necessary rigidity to progress in areas with easy grip.

The studs on the rest of the sole are also very special: smaller, less prominent, rhomboid in shape and somewhat softer than soles designed for mountain use.

Protected Feet

From the upper part, the highlight of the Bestard Mestral is the TPU band –thermoplastic polyurethane– that surrounds the entire shoe, except for the heel area. It is a protection element that also extends the life of the shoe, which is made of waterproof split leather, has a Gore-Tex membrane and weighs around 400 grams per foot.

Regarding the anatomy of the toecap, Bestard has opted for a more closed and symmetrical profile that is slightly reminiscent of climbing shoes. This is an advantage on rocky vertical terrain and approaches to climbing routes. But above all, it makes it very clear what the function for which the Mestral has been conceived is: climbing, down-climbing and moving through more or less technical rocky terrain. On the contrary, the toes do not have as much space to move freely as with other lasts, which can be a small inconvenience if we want to use them as footwear 24/7 or on long walks.

Lastly, I think it should be taken into account that split leather is a material that evolves with use, time and contact with the elements –sun, water, mud…–. At first, it can be a bit difficult to tame, but after a few days of tightening the laces well, it takes the shape of the foot.

Ideal land

Except on the harshest days of winter -the thin sole is not a friend of cold feet-, I usually use the Bestard Mestral in my day-to-day life –also for driving, since they give a very good touch on the car pedals-, in all kinds of outputs for low and medium mountain, and on any kind of firm. However, I believe that the Bestard Mestral have their true raison d’être in excursions that venture through strips, easy ridges, dry canyons, etc. That is, in scenarios where reliability, adherence and sensitivity are appreciated.

Sergio Fernández Tolosa de Conunparderuedas