Luis Miguel Soriano tells us his impressions with Bestard footwear

10 November 2021

Luis Miguel Soriano, height cameraman

Text and photos by Luis Miguel Soriano

My name is Luis Miguel Soriano, I dedicate myself to the production of audiovisuals and photography. I have the privilege of being able to carry out my professional activity, one of my great passions, in one of the most wonderful environments on the planet and, without a doubt, where I want to spend as much time as possible: the mountains.

Career in recent years

For ten years I have accompanied, with my camera, the 82-year-old mountaineer Carlos Soria, in his project of reaching the top of the fourteen eight thousand, the highest mountains on Earth. We have shared more than fifteen expeditions in the Himalayas, reaching together the summits of Kanchenjunga (8,685m), Annapurna (8,091m) and the beautiful Ama Dablam (6,812m).

My work and my great passion for the mountains leads me to spend a long time in this environment. Either during the expeditions to the Himalayas, with Carlos Soria, or in other projects developed in mountain ranges such as: Karakorum, Patagonia, Iran … When I am in Spain I often visit closer places such as: Pyrenees, Picos de Europa or Gredos…

Each of these places offer their own characteristics. From the high altitude peaks of the Himalayas and Karakorum to less elevated but more technical terrain, both in winter and summer. As well as the long approach and trekking marches.

: Base camp Dhaulagiri

: Dhaulagiri

My experience with Bestard footwear

In order to properly carry out my work with the camera and to be able to concentrate on collecting the beautiful lights of the mountain with the greatest sensitivity and passion possible, it is essential to have and trust the appropriate material. Not only in terms of cameras and lenses, but also the mountain equipment itself.

Of all the garments that I wear, while doing my activity in the mountains, one of those that I consider most important is, without a doubt, footwear

In this regard, I am lucky to have the support of Bestard Mountain Boots for a long time, having the most appropriate footwear in each of the various scenarios in which I move. For me it is of vital importance to be able to use the most technically appropriate boots in each situation, comfortable and capable of “surviving” the intense activity that I put them under throughout the year.

In recent seasons I have been able to enjoy some Bestard models, among which I would highlight the following:

Bestard Mestral

For sure, it is the footwear that I have used the most lately. A light boot, with a sneaker design but with great resistance and a very high level of adaptation to different terrains. A very versatile design that has allowed me to use it as footwear in my different and frequent trips as a comfortable and light sneaker. I have also been able to use it during trekking and approaches, as well as in activities carried out in high mountain terrain normally free of snow, ridges and rock climbs. I have also used it in my training sessions, as a running shoe in winter terrain.

After more than a year subjecting them to intense work, they continue to resist and offer an impeccable appearance, maintaining their attractive design.

Bestard Mestral

Bestard Trek Alpine FF

The design and characteristics of this boot have allowed me to use it very satisfactorily both in winter conditions, without an excessive accumulation of snow, but with the possibility of cramping, as well as using it on complex high mountain terrain, during intense activities.
In recent seasons, I have worn it in destinations as varied as Spanish high mountain massifs: Pyrenees (summer, spring, autumn), mountains of Iran (spring / summer), trekking and approaches in the Himalayas.

Bestard Trek Alpine

High mountain boot, Bestard Elbrus

A very resistant and warm footwear at the same time as comfortable in severe winter conditions, being able to use it for technical ascents and approaches in high mountain ranges in the coldest conditions. I have been using these boots throughout my winter activity in Spanish massifs: trekking, ascents, runners and ice climbing, as well as in higher places. Last winter I took them during the filming of a documentary in the Karakorum, in the month of December, at an altitude close to six thousand meters. I have also used them in other mountain ranges, in winter, such as the Alborz Mountains (Iran), the Kaçkar Mountains and Ararat (Turkey).