Drinking from shoes
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/33/Man_drinking_from_shoe_in_pub.jpg/220px-Man_drinking_from_shoe_in_pub.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/Beer_Cantus_-_shoey.jpg/220px-Beer_Cantus_-_shoey.jpg)
Drinking from a shoehas historically been performed as both abringer of good fortune,ahazingpunishment, or aparty piece.Drinkingchampagnefrom a lady'sslipperbecame a symbol of decadence in the early 20th century. The practice remains particularly popular inAustralia,where it is called (doing) ashoey.[1]
AustralianMotoGPriderJack Millercelebrated his first premier class victory by drinking champagne out of his shoe, at theDutch circuit of Assen,on 26 June 2016. Since then,Formula OnedriverDaniel Ricciardo,another Australian, has also performed shoeys on the podium.
Slipper champagne
[edit]In the 20th century, the act of drinking champagne from a lady's slipper became a shorthand for decadence and sophistication.[2]The practice is thought to have originated in 1902 at theEverleigh Club,a high-class brothel in Chicago. When a dancer's slipper fell to the floor, a member ofPrince Henry of Prussia's entourage picked it up and used it to drink champagne.[3]
Military traditions
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7d/BeerCup.jpg/170px-BeerCup.jpg)
Drinking from another soldier's boot was a traditionalhazingritual in the German army, and soldiers would drink from the general's boot after a victory.[4]DuringWorld War I,German soldiers were said to pass around a leather boot filled with beer, to bring good luck before a battle. The drinkers would flick the boot before and after taking a drink from it.[4] The idea that drinking from a shoe or boot can bring good fortune dates back to theMiddle Ages.[5]
The GermanBierstiefelis a boot-shaped beer glass[6]said to have been created by a Prussian general in an unnamed war who promised his troops that if they were victorious in an upcoming battle, he would drink beer from his own boot.[4]After they won the battle the general had second thoughts, and instead ordered a glass imitation to be made.[6]
Shoey
[edit]Theshoeyis particularly popular in, but not limited to, Australia. The drinker either removes their own shoe, or nominates a friend's shoe to be used as the vessel. The shoe is tilted and the entire contents of a can of beer are poured into the shoe's opening. Once the beverage has settled, the beer is drunk by tipping the shoe up to the mouth andchuggingit. The drink most commonly used for a shoey is beer; however, other alcoholic beverages (such as champagne) are also used. AustralianFormula OneracerDaniel Ricciardohas said: "If the sparkling wine is cold, then it tastes good. If it's warm then you might get the sweat through it but the cold taste kills the bad stuff... so it's delicious."[7]
Notable shoeys
[edit]In 2015, afterSupercarsdriverDavid Reynoldswon the first non-endurance race of his career, he proceeded to drink champagne from his shoe while celebrating on the podium.[8]Also in 2015, DJDillon Francisdid a shoey on stage at Sydney'sField Day.More international media attention was received in 2016 after MotoGP riderJack Millercelebrated his first win and drank champagne from his racing boot during the podium presentation.[9][10]Following a podium at the 2016 San Marino MotoGP round, Italian racerValentino Rossiwas the first non-Australian competitor to embrace and perform a shoey.[7]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Patrick_Stewart_does_the_%22shoey%22_%2835541344636%29.jpg/220px-Patrick_Stewart_does_the_%22shoey%22_%2835541344636%29.jpg)
Daniel Ricciardointroduced the trend to Formula One in 2016, when he celebrated a podium finish at theGerman Grand Prixby performing a champagne shoey. Ricciardo repeated the stunt at the followingBelgian Grand Prix,this time sharing it withMark Webber.[11]On the podium of theMalaysian Grand Prix,winner Ricciardo shared his shoey with his second-placed teammateMax Verstappenand third-placedNico Rosbergas well as his team bossChristian Horner.Scottish actorGerard ButlerdrankRed Bullfrom a shoe with Ricciardo at theUS Grand Prixpodium, as didPatrick Stewarton the podium of the2017 Canadian Grand Prix.[12]Ricciardo shared his shoey with Canadian rookie driverLance Strollon the podium of the2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix,which was Stroll's first podium of his F1 career and Ricciardo's fifth win. Ricciardo credits the creation of the shoey to "a few Aussies called the Mad Hueys", saying that they "basically travel the world fishing and surfing and they like to drink a lot of beer – so that's where the shoey began".[7]On the podium of the2017 Austrian Grand Prix,interviewerMartin Brundledrank from third-placed Ricciardo's shoe, but winnerValtteri Bottasand runner-upSebastian Vetteldeclined the offer.[13]The shoey made its return toFormula Oneat the2020 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix,where third-place finisherDaniel Ricciardoand race winnerLewis Hamiltondrank champagne out of both of Ricciardo's race shoes.[14]He then repeated it at the2021 Italian Grand Prix,where Ricciardo led aMcLaren1-2, sharing the shoey with his teammateLando Norrisand McLaren CEOZak Brown.
Australian cricketerAndrew Tyehad promised to do the shoey if his teamKings XI Punjabwould have won theIndian Premier Leaguein 2019.[15]
The shoey was popular during theCronulla-Sutherland Sharks2016 season when it became a tradition for fans to perform shoeys at games. This coincided with the club winning their firstNRLpremiership at the end of the season, with numerous players such asJames Maloneydoing shoeys at celebrations.[citation needed]
Commonly,Hash House Harrierswho wear new shoes to an event can be required to drink from that shoe.[citation needed]
After ultramarathonerDes Lindenwon the 2018Boston Marathon,she drank champagne from one of her running shoes.[16]She did the same after setting the women's world record 50k time.
Australian MMA fighterTai Tuivasais known for doing shoeys immediately after his victories.[17]Tai Tuivasa once again celebrated the shoey after his second-round knockout of Derrick Lewis; thus, stapling (as it's called) is his signature win celebration.
In 2018,West Coast EaglesmidfielderLuke Shueylived up to his name and did a shoey to celebrate winning theAFL Grand FinalandNorm Smith Medal.[18]
In 2021, Australian cricketersMatthew WadeandMarcus Stoinisdid a shoey to celebrate after winning theT20 World Cupon 14th November.[19][20]
In February 2022, New Zealand racing driverScott McLaughlincelebrated his first win inIndyCaratSt. Petersburgwith a shoey, using a can of beer in lieu of champagne.[21]
In April 2022, theAFLWcoach forBrisbane,Craig Starcevich,did a shoey after being coaxed into doing one byEmily Batesto celebrate being voted as theleague's best and fairestplayer for 2022.[22][23]
In December 2022,WWESuperstarGrayson Wallercelebrated his win in the Iron Survivor Challenge atNXT Deadlinewith a shoey.[24]
In February 2023, popular singerHarry Stylesdid a shoey during his musical concert at HBF park, Perth, Western Australia.
In April 2023, comedianKurtis Connerdid a shoey during his set.
In October 2023,Waterparks (band)lead singer Awsten Knight did a shoey during the band’s performance at The Gov, Adelaide.
In November 2023, Post Malone set the record for ‘most shoeys’ making it up to seven shoeys, one out of a moonboot, in a live concert in Brisbane, Australia.
In February 2024,WWESuperstarsRhea Ripley&Grayson Wallerdid a shoey at the end of theElimination Chamber 2024press event.[25]
In May 2024, AustraliansoccerplayersJackson IrvineandConnor Metcalfe,who both play for thenational team(nicknamed the "Socceroos" ), both celebrated with shoeys after their club,FC St. Pauli,was promoted to theBundesliga.St. Pauli had previously played in the2. Bundesliga,Germany's second division, since the2011–12 season.[26]
In July 2024 British F1 driverLando Norrisand Australian F1 driverOscar Piastricelebrated with shoeys afterLewis Hamiltonwin2024 British GPat Silverstone.
In August 2024, Australian punk rock singer Declan Mehrtens performed a shoey while performing withAmyl And The Sniffers.
Ancient traditions
[edit]Several ancient Islamichadithsdepict people offering water to animals in their shoes.[27]One medieval Ethiopian story depicts theVirgin Marykindly offering water to a thirsty dog in her shoe.[28]
References
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- ^Rychter, Tacey (21 May 2019)."Behold Australia's Grossest Drinking Tradition: The Shoey".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.Retrieved12 August2020.
- ^Schmidt, John R. (2014).On this day in Chicago history.History Press.ISBN978-1626192539.
- ^Encyclopedia of Alcohol: Social, Cultural, and Historical Perspectives.SAGE Publications. 2014. p. 368.ISBN978-1483374383.
- ^abcHines, Nick (26 October 2016)."The Surprisingly English History Of Das Boot".VinePair.Retrieved2 November2016.
- ^Friesen, Ilse E. (2001).The female crucifix images of St. Wilgefortis since the Middle Ages.Waterloo, Ont.: Wilfrid Laurier University Press. p. 37.ISBN9780889209398.
- ^ab"A Brief History of German Beer Boots, and Where You Can Find Them".The Huffington Post. 29 September 2014.Retrieved2 November2016.
- ^abc"Daniel Ricciardo explains his 'shoey' podium celebration... And the taste!".
- ^Mark Fogharty (7 October 2017)."Reynolds Not Planning Another Shoey Anytime Soon".The Sydney Morning Herald.Fairfax Media.Retrieved26 June2017.
- ^"Jack Miller celebrates maiden MotoGP win".Retrieved24 October2016.
- ^Jack Miller drinks champagne from his boot
- ^"Daniel Ricciardo asks Mark Webber to drink champagne from his boot on Belgian Grand Prix podium".Fox Sports.29 August 2016.
- ^"Daniel Ricciardo and Gerard Butler's 'shoey' at US GP".BBC News.24 October 2016.
- ^Schrader, Stef (9 July 2017)."Watch Valtteri Bottas Nope Right Out Of Drinking From A Shoe".Jalopnik.Retrieved29 April2018.
- ^"Ricciardo surprised Hamilton took part in shoey celebration".2 November 2020.
- ^"Driven by F1, Andrew Tye promises 'shoey' if KXIP bag IPL".KXIP.28 March 2019.Retrieved9 February2020.
- ^"Boston Marathon champion des Linden chugs champagne out of a shoe".18 April 2018.
- ^"UFC 264: Tai Tuivasa celebrated KO of Greg Hardy by drinking a beer out of a shoe and fans loved it".For The Win.11 July 2021.Retrieved6 November2021.
- ^"Luke Shuey Does A Shoey".Triple M.Retrieved10 July2023.
- ^"Matthew wade and Marcus stoinis drank beer from shoe 😂😜".YouTube.
- ^"Watch: Matthew Wade, Marcus Stoinis Drink from a Shoe After T20 World Cup Triumph | Cricket News".
- ^"Ryan: The shoey fits for Scott McLaughlin as IndyCar gains appealing new star in St. Pete".NBCSports.27 February 2022.Retrieved1 March2022.
- ^@FOXFOOTY (5 April 2022)."Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich does a shoey to celebrate Emily Bates winning Best and Fairest! 😂👞🍻"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
- ^"Starcevich Shoey".
- ^"Full NXT Deadline results, Dec. 10, 2022".
- ^Rhea Ripley and Grayson Waller toast a Shoey to the Perth crowd: Elimination Chamber Press EventonYouTube
- ^"Those boots ain't made for skolling".14 May 2024.
- ^an-Nawawi, Muhyi ad-Din Abu Zakariyya' Yahya b. Sharaf 1975. Gardens of the Righteous (Riyadh as-Salihin of Imam Nawawi). Translated by Muhammad Zafrulla Khan. Edited by Muhammad Zafrulla Khan. London UK: Curzon Pres, Islam International Publications.
- ^Budge, E. A. Wallis, ed. 1933. One Hundred and Ten Miracles of Our Lady Mary. London: Oxford University Press, H. Milford.