What boots is Joel wearing in Last of Us?
In HBO’s The Last of Us, the protagonist, Joel, wears Irish Setter Elk Tracker 10-inch boots. These tall, thick, overbuilt, waterproof, chunky work boots provide him with all the protection he needs from the elements, and from…whatever those things are that are trying to kill him.
If you’re like me, when you see someone wearing something awesome on your TV screen, you want to know what it is.
Or better yet, where to get it.
Pedro Pascal is one of the most well-loved stars in Hollywood these days, bringing a wholesome and personable personality back into the world of television.
So far, his characters on the big screen have been mostly boot-wearing—donning chunky Chelseas as the Mandalorian, lace-ups as Mario on SNL, sleek cowboy boots as Agent Whiskey in The Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and I’m sure the list goes on.
In his most recent boot-wearing role in the HBO hit television show, The Last of Us, Pascal dons yet another pair of boots as his character, Joel Miller. So what boots does Joel wear in The Last of Us? And where can you get yours?
Keep reading to find out.
Joel’s Boots from Last of Us
If the world came crashing down around you because of a mass pandemic…oh wait…
I mean, if it’s the apocalypse, and you’re being chased by fungal-zombies, and everything is falling apart—then you need something you can depend on. Joel’s boots in The Last of Us are one of the most dependable things he’s got left.
And those boots are the Irish Setter Elk Tracker 10-inch boots.
Boasting a 10 inch leather shaft, Goodyear welted construction, thick rubber lug-soles, a steel shank, UltraDry™ waterproofed outers, and ScentBan™ bacteria-control lining, these are a super sturdy boot---so sturdy in fact that they're rocked by Joel in Last of Us for all sorts of post-apocalyptic protection.
Why This Boot?
Offering several end-of-the-world appropriate functions, the Irish Setter Elk Trackers feature a 10 inch leather shaft, Goodyear welted construction, thick rubber lug-soles, a steel shank, UltraDry™ waterproofed outers, and ScentBan™ bacteria-control lining.
Support
The 10 inch shaft offers the wearer extra support throughout the shin and calf, which is much needed when you are trekking through wildernesses or fighting for your life in the apocalypse.
For more about boot shafts, what they are, and how to measure them, check out this guide.
The steel shank offers support to your arches, which you’re gonna need if you’re always on the move or just tend to stand a lot.
If you’re curious about the advantages of a steel shank, we have a guide for that here.
The cork midsole evolves to the shape of your foot as you break the boots in, giving you the unique support and comfort where you need it most.
Durability
The Goodyear welted construction of the boot adds to the boot’s weather-proofness and overall durability. It can be resoled as it wears down from long treks across a zombified America, or just normal everyday life wear-and-tear.
If you want to learn more about the Goodyear welt, and why it might be right for you, check out this article.
Rubber soles offer fantastic traction and they wear out slowly. In a world that’s ending, the last thing you want to worry about is having to find a cobbler to fix your boots. Luckily, these rubber soles are super thick, meaning you will have years of wear before having to visit your cobbler.
Protection
The outers of these boots are a thick full-grain leather with Irish Setter’s UltraDry™waterproof technology. The thick leather protects the foot from nature and the creatures that call it home—zombified or not.
The 10 inch shaft also offers protection, giving a nice advantage against the elements. The tall shaft protects the lower leg from getting torn up while running through the woods, and allows for deeper wading capability.
On the micro-level, the ScentBan™technology in the lining protects your feet from odors and infection by combating bacteria that can build up inside your boots. While this might not be your first concern while running from things that are trying to kill you, it’s an added bonus that I wouldn’t want to pass up.
Boasting a 10 inch leather shaft, Goodyear welted construction, thick rubber lug-soles, a steel shank, UltraDry™ waterproofed outers, and ScentBan™ bacteria-control lining, these are a super sturdy boot---so sturdy in fact that they're rocked by Joel in Last of Us for all sorts of post-apocalyptic protection.
Value
For a boot that will likely outlast you, this boot has a great value. I like to measure value by dividing the price by the amount of times I could wear them, and these boots truly pay for themselves.
So if you’re into looking awesome no matter what comes at you, or if you want to be apocalypse-ready, then go ahead and pick up a pair of these for your bunker (or your feet).
3 Alternatives to Joel’s Boots in Last of Us
If you’re looking to own a pair of Joel-worthy boots you can bet your life on, you have a few options at your finger-tips.
Top Pick: Nicks Hardwear Pro
When it comes to rustic style, heirloom quality, and apocalyptic readiness— Nicks Handmade boots offers some of the best out there. Their Hardwear Pro boot is durable enough to face anything the apocalypse has to offer—and more.
If you want durability that will outlast you, your kids, and maybe your grandkids, then this is the best option out there.
For a premium product, you will be paying a premium price. These boots will run you around $550, but they will pay for themselves across years and years of wear.
When it comes to rustic style and heirloom quality—Nicks Handmade boots offers some of the best out there---and the Hardwear Pro is no different.
Thursday Titan
Stylish, affordable, quality construction—Thursday is known for making a good boot at a good price.
This new boot from Thursday features a 360 degree storm-Goodyear welt, a padded tongue, Thursday’s rubber lug-sole, and is available in 3 colorways. For a more in-depth look at what this boot has to offer, check out this review on our YouTube channel.
If you’re on a budget, but you’re looking for a killer apocalypse/running-for-your-life aesthetic, then Thursday’s got you covered.
The Thursday Hero is the brand's most winter-ready boot. But despite being such a hefty boot, it's still got plenty of the slim, sleek style Thursday is so well known for.
Grant Stone Field Boot
The only moc-toe option on this list, Grant Stone offers a fantastic product with comfort in mind. Being on your feet all day while running from creatures and people who want you dead can be detrimental on the back! The Grant Stone Field Boot uses a wedge sole to combat the lumbar discomfort, while still protecting the feet at Armageddon-proof levels.
Price-wise, these boots come in at the middle of the road. A solid option at a reasonable price.
The Field Boot pattern is dedicated to the long weekends spent outdoors. It has the feel of a vintage leather hunting boot, utilizing stout leathers and the time-tested Goodyear-welt construction.
Face the End of the World in Style
Pedro Pascal wears a mean boot, and the same is true for his character, Joel in The Last of Us. Joel’s got a lot on the line, but he doesn’t have to worry about bad footwear.
If you’re looking to get yourself a pair of Joel-worthy boots, then you can pick up the Irish Setter Elk Tracker 10-inch boots.
Boasting a 10 inch leather shaft, Goodyear welted construction, thick rubber lug-soles, a steel shank, UltraDry™ waterproofed outers, and ScentBan™ bacteria-control lining, these are a super sturdy boot---so sturdy in fact that they're rocked by Joel in Last of Us for all sorts of post-apocalyptic protection.
If the Elk Trackers are a bit too use-specific for your taste, check out our options from Nick’s, Thursday, and Grant Stone.
For more great boot recommendations, subscribe to the YouTube channel for plenty more boot stuff.
Joel from the Last of Us chose a great apocalypse-ready boot in the Irish Setter Elk Trackers: they protect, support, and won’t wear out when he needs them most.
And they won’t fail you either—should the need arise.
