Best Beer Drinking Boots: Where To Buy Them?

Beer drinking boots are a German invention, known as a Bierstiefel, and are usually made of glass. They are either mouth-blown or machine-pressed, with the former being more delicate and the latter being more durable. You can buy beer drinking boots from Amazon, OktoberfestHaus, and Germansteins.com.

Online retailers like Amazon and Oktoberfesthaus

Amazon

Amazon offers a diverse selection of beer drinking boots, ranging from traditional glass boots to novelty options. You can find various sizes, from shot glass-sized boots to large 2-liter boots. Some boots even come with handles, making it easier to hold and drink from them. Amazon also offers free delivery on orders over $35, making it a convenient option.

Oktoberfesthaus

Oktoberfesthaus prides itself on having the largest selection of glass and plastic beer drinking boots worldwide. They offer both mouth-blown and machine-pressed glass boots, each with distinct characteristics. Mouth-blown boots are handcrafted by skilled artisans, making each one unique, while machine-pressed boots are more durable. Oktoberfesthaus also provides free shipping on orders over $49 and a 30-day return policy, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Both Amazon and Oktoberfesthaus provide a variety of options to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect beer drinking boot for your next party or as a gift for a beer enthusiast. With their unique designs and cultural significance, these boots are sure to be a conversation starter at any gathering.

Mouth-blown vs machine-pressed

Beer boots are a German invention, called "Bierstiefel" in their country of origin. They are usually made of glass and can be either mouth-blown or machine-pressed. The main difference between the two types is where the seam of the boot ends up. If the seam runs right down the middle of the boot, splitting it in two, then it is a machine-pressed boot. This means that two half-boot moulds were formed and pressed together by a machine. On the other hand, the seam on a mouth-blown boot goes down the sides of the length of the boot. The toe doesn't have any seams because that is the only part of the boot that is mouth-blown, with the glassmaker blowing air directly into the molten glass, usually after it has been placed in a mould.

Mouth-blown beer boots are individually handcrafted by skilled artisan glassmakers in the finest German, Austrian and Polish glass factories. They are of heirloom quality, but as with any handmade glass, it is normal to find slight abnormalities such as air bubbles and ridges in the glass. They are also very delicate, so the utmost care should be taken during their use.

Machine-pressed beer boots can withstand more abuse than mouth-blown boots. They are more durable and uniform, whereas mouth-blown boots are more fragile and prone to flaws. This is because machine-pressed boots can withstand being dropped or kicked while still retaining their structural integrity.

When selecting a beer boot, you should consider the size, whether you want it to be mouth-blown or machine-pressed, the country of origin, whether it is made of glass or plastic, and whether you want it to be blank or stylized.

Glass, ceramic, or plastic

Glass

Glass beer boots are the most common type of drinking boot. They are often designed to hold a large volume of beer, with many holding over 1 litre. Glass boots are often used for celebrations such as Oktoberfest, St. Patrick's Day, and bachelor or bachelorette festivities. They are also sometimes designed to look like cowboy boots.

Ceramic

Ceramic beer boots are described as being more authentic and traditional. They often feature traditional German scenes. Like glass boots, they are available in 2-litre, 1-litre, and 0.5-litre sizes.

Plastic

Plastic beer boots are a great alternative to glass boots as they are tough, strong, and shatter-resistant. This makes them perfect for outdoor parties or for use by the pool. They are available in the same sizes as glass and ceramic boots.

Size options: 0.25L, 0.5L, 1L, 2L, 3L

Beer-drinking boots, also known as "Das Boot" or "Bierstiefel", are a German invention and tradition. They are usually made of glass, either mouth-blown or machine-pressed. The key difference between these two types is that machine-pressed boots have a seam running down the middle, while mouth-blown boots have a seam on the sides and require a glassblower to blow air into the molten glass. Mouth-blown boots are more delicate and prone to flaws, whereas machine-pressed boots are more durable and uniform.

Beer-drinking boots come in various sizes, including 0.25L, 0.5L, 1L, 2L, and 3L. These boots offer a unique and fun drinking experience and are perfect for parties, Oktoberfest celebrations, or as gifts for beer lovers. They can be found on websites such as Germansteins.com, Oktoberfesthaus.com, and Amazon.com, with some shops offering customisable and engraved options.

When drinking from a beer boot, it is important to remember to hold the boot with the toe facing left or right to avoid beer spilling everywhere. This is because an air pocket forms in the toe as the beer is consumed, and turning the toe outward prevents the formation of this air bubble.

So, whether you are looking for a 0.25L boot for a small, delicate drink or a 3L boot for a challenging and memorable drinking experience, you can find a variety of options available online.

Country of origin: Germany or China

Beer drinking boots, or "das boots", have become a staple of American party culture since the early 2000s, but their history in Germany goes back much further. The tradition of drinking from a boot-shaped vessel is believed to have originated in Prussia, now part of Germany, several hundred years ago. According to legend, a Prussian general promised his troops that he would drink beer from his own leather boot if they won a battle. When they emerged victorious, the general commissioned a glass boot to spare himself the unpleasantness of drinking from his actual boot.

Over time, the glass boot became a part of Bavarian beer culture and was incorporated into Oktoberfest traditions. The tradition eventually spread to North America, thanks to returning World War II soldiers who had witnessed it while serving in Germany. The release of the 2006 film "Beerfest", which featured prominent scenes of characters drinking from beer boots, further contributed to its popularity in the United States.

Today, beer boots are commonly made from mouth-blown or machine-pressed glass and typically hold two litres of beer, although they can range in size from 0.5 litres to five litres. They are often consumed communally and are popular among younger people for drinking games. The unique shape of the boot creates a drinking challenge, as a large air bubble forms as the beer is consumed, causing a sudden surge of beer towards the end. However, with the right technique, this challenge can be overcome, earning the drinker a place in the prestigious league of beer champions.

While the tradition of drinking from boot-shaped vessels may have originated in Germany, similar practices have been found in other parts of the world, including Asia Minor, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Urartu sites near Lake Van, dating back to the early 1st millennium BCE. Additionally, archaeological evidence suggests that shoe-shaped drinking containers were used in ancient times, with examples found at Urnfield culture sites in Austria and Germany.

Frequently asked questions