But Styles is undoubtedly the highest-profile celebrity to do a shoey. Because everything he does is endlessly dissected on the internet,a whole new audience is currently being introduced to this uniquely Australian tradition.

On Tuesday morning,the words “HE DID A SHOEY” were trending on Twitter,with fans either celebrating Styles’ willingness to play along or bemoaning that he’d stooped to this level.

Now that the shoey has officially set foot on the global stage,it’s time to examine whether we’re happy with how it makes us look.

In some ways,it does paint a worrying picture of the Australian cultural conversation. Styles is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet,performing songs from his Grammy Award-winning albumHarry’s House,yet it seems all anyone wants to discuss is the fact he slurped beer from his shoe.

Sculling drinks has long been seen as a shortcut to “icon status” in this country,with everyone from prime ministers to sports stars taking part in the tradition.

The jury is out on whether this is a reflection of our problematic drinking culture or proof that we don’t take ourselves too seriously as a country. But the issue with the shoey specifically is that it’s just a bit gross.

“This is one of the most disgusting traditions ever,” said Styles before downing his shoe beer.

Interestingly,his decision to drink up comes four years after he refused to sip from his shoe while touring Australia for his 2019 albumFine Line.

Given the viral nature of Styles’ first shoey,fans can probably expect more of the same at his remaining five shows. The bar has been set,and even the great Harry Styles can’t risk getting Australian audiences offside by refusing to play along.

A pop star begrudgingly drinking beer from his own shoe to keep his fans happy?

It’s a sign of the times.

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