A "shoey" is Australian slang for a celebratory act of drinking an alcoholic beverage, usually beer or champagne, out of a shoe. This tradition is often performed after a victory or as part of a spirited celebration, symbolizing overcoming adversity by literally drinking from the vessel (the shoe) that got you through the challenge. The shoey has become popular in sports and music festival cultures, with famous supporters like Australian racing driver Daniel Ricciardo and other athletes and celebrities. Historically, drinking from footwear also has roots in military rituals and European traditions, where it was sometimes associated with good luck or decadence.
Among athletes like runners, the shoey serves as a post-race celebration, even though from a hygiene perspective it is considered quite gross and potentially unsafe due to bacteria and dirt in shoes.
