Think high heels are just for women? Think again! These stylish shoes actually started as men's footwear and not just for looks, but for war and power moves.

Back in 10th-century Persia, soldiers rocked heels to help them stay secure in stirrups while shooting arrows. The extra height wasn’t about fashion, it was about battle strategy! As Persian influence spread to Europe, so did high heels, but they took on a new meaning.

By the 17th century, heels became the ultimate flex for European aristocrats. The richer and more powerful you were, the higher your heels. King Louis XIV of France even made red-heeled shoes a royal status symbol. For men, heels were about dominance, luxury, and prestige.

But then, things shifted. The Enlightenment era pushed for practicality, and men ditched heels in favor of more "rational" footwear. Meanwhile, women adopted them, turning heels into a feminine fashion staple.

Fast forward to today, and heels are mostly seen as women's fashion. But their history? Totally unexpected. From battlefields to palace halls, heels were once the ultimate power move and they might just make a comeback for everyone. Fashion is a full-circle game, after all!