COPIED

What is a shiesty mask?

By Michael Simon

April 23, 2025

5 min read

Share this post

What is a shiesty mask?

What is a shiesty mask or sheisty mask? It's a nickname for the full-face ski mask — also known as a balaclava — that typically leaves only the eyes and sometimes the bridge of the nose exposed. However, it can be noted that any ski mask might be referred to as a 'shiesty'.

Football & Cold Weather Sports

A balaclava (sheisty) keeps a person's face warm in cold weather and harsh winds. That's what it's designed to do. Otherwise, athletes may deal with runny noses, catching colds, or worse. For skiing, snowboarding, and winter football, it's a must for handling the harsh weather.

At SHOC, we make football products as safe and effective as possible for the players we serve. And if the players call the ski masks sheistys, then we will too. You can check out our sheisty masks here.

What does 'shiesty' mean?

When associated with the ski mask, the word 'shiesty' comes from the Memphis rapper known as Pooh Shiesty, who wore one in his music videos & on stage.

In America, the word holds negative meanings of; '..fraudulent, dishonest, or deceptive. Of a person: shifty, unscrupulous, untrustworthy.' according to the Oxford Dictionary.

Going back, the word likely has its origins in Germany. A 'shyster' was a vulgar and more offensive word used to describe someone who was incompetent and untrustworthy.

Who is Pooh Shiesty? And what does he rap about?

Born in 1999, Pooh Shiesty is a rapper from Memphis, most well-known for rapping about his harsh Memphis lifestyle. His top song is currently "Back In Blood" which has 407 million views on Youtube, (Apr 2025). In the music video, he dons his famous ski-mask and raps about gun violence and extortion.

A year after that music video was released, Pooh Shiesty was sentenced to Federal Prison for "conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking." (justice.gov)

The music is undeniably popular, and as the rapper was recently released from prison, we may be hearing more from him.

COVID

It's worth nothing that Pooh Shiesty most famous music videos were released in 2021, around the time of the COVID-19 Pandemic—an event which normalized (and mandated) face-coverings in public. Instead of surgical masks, some people wore ski-masks.

Criminality or Street Wear?

As Joel Umanzor, a San Francisco journalist put it, "it’s either an ephemeral street fashion trend or a symbol of urban lawlessness. But these days in San Francisco, it’s everywhere."

While we can't speak for everyone who wears them, let alone Pooh Shiesty, it seems likely that the mask may have symbolic meaning when worn by law-abiding citizens and athletes.

A bold style statement – equal parts edgy and practical. Hip-hop artists and influencers on TikTok and Instagram have show them off, cementing the mask’s status as a legit accessory. Though there is a clear dual identity of the mask. It can mean trouble or style depending on who you ask.

Why Football Players Are Rocking Shiesty Masks

Pro athletes and rap culture have long been intertwined — and the shiesty mask is no exception. It's been embraced it on the field for it's cultural meaning and also for its function. As mentioned, these are balaclavas designed to protect against cold weather.

Football can be a frigid affair in late fall and winter. A shiesty mask works like a built-in neck gaiter and face shield, keeping players’ faces warm against biting wind, rain, or snow.

Focus and Intimidation:
There’s also a notable psychological edge when wearing a full-face mask. Whether that be the player's own psyche or for intimidating the competition, putting the ski mask on can make individuals feel more confident in themselves and their ability.

Wear Responsibly

Off the field, it’s a different story. Walking around in public with a shiesty mask on can definitely turn heads – and not always in a good way. Remember, a full-face covering hides who you are, which is why it can make people uncomfortable or even fearful (sfstandard.com). In fact, law enforcement officers have raised concerns because criminals could use masks to avoid identification on cameras (sportskeeda.com). Some cities have gone as far as banning ski masks (shiesties included) in certain public places – for example, Philadelphia barred them on public transit and in schools and government buildings in late 2023 (sportskeeda.com).

Consider the context in which you wear your shiesty mask. On the football field, at practice, or during a cold-weather workout – it's practical and effective. Off the field, it may make other uncomfortable and result in consequences, so wear responsibly and be careful.