Shoey, the act of drinking alcohol from a shoe, is one of Australia’s most peculiar and iconic celebratory rituals. Recently, it made headlines again when outgoing Western Australian MP Kyle McGinn concluded his farewell speech in parliament by pulling off his shoe, cracking open a beer, and chugging it from the footwear.
Known among his constituents for performing shoeys, McGinn explained the act as a nod to authenticity, proving that “normal people” can exist in politics. His farewell shoey wasn’t just a spectacle; it was a statement of identity, mateship and irreverent Aussie spirit.
Origins of the Shoey tradition
While today it is seen as a humorous and bold act, the shoey has deeper roots. German soldiers in World War I drank from boots for good luck. In early 1900s Chicago, sipping champagne from a woman’s slipper became a decadent trend among elites.
The shoey’s evolution from military hazing and upper-class indulgence to a beer-fuelled celebration reflects its odd journey through cultural history.
Modern rise and global fame
The shoey surged in popularity thanks to Australian athletes like MotoGP’s Jack Miller and Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo, who celebrated podium finishes by swigging champagne from their shoes. These moments went viral, making the shoey a recognised symbol of triumph and Aussie pride across the globe.
Other celebrities, from actors like Patrick Stewart to singers like Post Malone, joined in and further cemented its appeal.
Beyond the track: Shoeys in pop culture and politics
From UFC octagons to music stages and now even legislative chambers, the shoey continues to surprise. MMA fighter Tai Tuivasa has made it a post-fight signature. Harry Styles, Kurtis Conner and Awsten Knight have performed shoeys during concerts. In 2025, Kyle McGinn brought the tradition into Australia’s political arena, marking a new milestone, the shoey as a symbol of public service with a down-to-earth twist.
What the Shoey represents
To outsiders it may seem absurd or even unsanitary. But for many Australians, the shoey is a cheeky, heartfelt celebration. It is about authenticity, not elegance; solidarity, not status. When Kyle McGinn raised his shoe in parliament, he wasn’t just drinking, he was delivering a final message, that being genuine sometimes means raising a toast in the most unconventional way possible.The shoey is more than a party trick, it is a cultural expression unique to Australia. Over time it has crossed boundaries of sport, music and even politics. It speaks to a laid-back spirit, a willingness to not take things too seriously. Whether celebrated on a podium or in parliament, the shoey continues to symbolise unity, humour and bold individuality.