Nova Lady By Amelia Herrero Becker

Bestard Nova Lady By Amelia Herrero Becker, from Con un par de ruedas

Text and photos: Sergio Fernández Tolosa

Amelia Herrero Becker has a degree in Art History, works in a rural library, and has been collaborating with the Bestard Test Team for 15 years. Together with journalist Sergio Fernández Tolosa, she writes and publishes hiking and cycling route articles on the website www.conunparderuedas.com. She sees the mountains as something beyond sports, and especially enjoys what she calls “slow mountain”, that is, “exploring little-traveled valleys without rushing, carrying everything necessary to be self-sufficient and stay in contact with nature as long as possible.”

What would you highlight about the Bestard Nova Lady?

I think the Bestard Nova Lady boots combine the reliability and sturdiness you expect from a mountain boot, with a lower cuff and a more flexible, lightweight, and well-padded upper. Not to mention the Gore-Tex®, Vibram® sole, and Quick Lock System, this may seem like a small detail but are key for having secure, easy, and precise lacing.

I’d also highlight the rubber protection band that wraps around the boot from toe to heel. It is very useful in rocky terrain, as it prevents impacts on the toe and sides of the foot, which can easily happen with softer footwear.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that they’re made in Mallorca, which I also find very important.

And finally, I think they’re really beautiful. They have a very striking cherry-red color.

What kind of use would you recommend them for?

I use them for mountain crossings, ascents of 3,000-meter peaks, lake hikes, and similar adventures. This year, I’ve worn them on our “slow mountain” getaways, which are my favorite. We go up with everything needed to enjoy the mountains for 2 or 3 days, fully autonomous and unhurried. That means carrying larger, heavier backpacks, though we carefully choose our gear to avoid unnecessary weight.

What qualities would you highlight compared to other boots you’ve tried?

When you hold the Nova Lady in your hands, you immediately notice that the boot clearly has two distinct parts. The lower section is designed to be solid and well-protected, with a firm sole and midsole that provide security and confidence on rough terrain. Above the rubber band, however, the Nova Lady takes on another personality: softer and more adaptable. When walking in them, you feel a solid and stable base combined with a comfortable upper. In key moments, such as tricky steps or rocky sections that require balance, the boot’s qualities really shine, giving you that extra support needed for greater stability, even when carrying a load.

What are your thoughts on their weight?

It’s true that we’d all like to hike in lightweight footwear because it requires less effort. But we also want other benefits like for example, crossing streams or wet areas without getting our feet soaked. When I go to the mountains, I want comfort and reliability, even if that means going a little slower.

So, the weight of the footwear doesn’t particularly concern me as long as it stays within reasonable limits.

Who would you recommend the Bestard Nova Lady to?

Beyond the type of activity you plan to do, I think it’s very important to consider the shape of your foot when choosing a specific model, and to pay attention to the different fits that Bestard offers.

In this case, the Nova Lady uses the FF Tech last, which is the same as my old Bestard Trek Lady FF boots that served me wonderfully for 10 years. This time, I ordered half a size larger because my feet have grown slightly over the last decade.

And what about durability?

That’s another key factor for me. The quality of the materials is essential for good performance, but it’s also important that the boots are built to last. I’ve only been using the Nova Lady for a few months, but based on my experience with other Bestard mountain boots, I’m confident these will last for years. I also think that’s a more responsible and ecological approach.

You can read the full review of the Bestard Nova Lady at www.conunparderuedas.com