During the United Nations General Assembly meeting, tensions were high as representatives debated issues related to colonialism, decolonization, and national sovereignty. Filipino delegate Lorenzo Sumulong criticized the Soviet Union's lack of support for decolonization in Asia. In an unprecedented show of emotion and frustration, Nikita Khrushchev, the Premier of the Soviet Union, interrupted Sumulong's speech. He emphatically pounded his shoe on his desk to express his disagreement and demonstrate his outrage over the comments made by the Philippine representative.

The shoe incident became iconic, capturing the attention of the media and audiences worldwide. It was emblematic of the contentious atmosphere of the Cold War, reflecting the intense rivalry and hostilities between the Eastern and Western blocs. Khrushchev's actions were not only an expression of disagreement but also a strategic maneuver to assert Soviet strength on the international stage. This act of political theater highlighted the often volatile and unpredictable nature of diplomatic relations during this period.

Following the incident, many interpreted Khrushchev's shoe-pounding as a metaphor for the brash and aggressive nature of Soviet politics. The moment has since been examined in numerous cultural and political discussions, shedding light on the complex dynamics of Cold War diplomacy. Despite the uproar it caused at the time, the shoe incident remains a poignant reminder of the dramatic exchanges that characterized diplomatic relations in the mid-20th century.