Before women began a love-hate relationship with high-heeled shoes, they were exclusively worn by men and were a sign of virility and high social status. CNN values your feedback 1.

Heels were originally designed as riding shoes, worn by men in the near east for centuries. And women only started wearing them to look more androgynous.

The most obvious example of this is high heels, which generally make it harder, not easier, to walk. Heels were first invented in Persia in the 10th century, and they were originally designed for men.

Charles II of England wore bejeweled heels, Spanish nobles wore those fancy, thigh-high heeled boots. Even overt here in the colonies the founding fathers were forging our nation in heels and hose.

Healthy feet and high-heeled shoes. When we wear high heels, our body weight is shifted forward causing our toes to squish and the balls of our feet to absorb all the pressure when we walk or stand. .

Healthy feet and high-heeled shoes. When we wear high heels, our body weight is shifted forward causing our toes to squish and the balls of our feet to absorb all the pressure when we walk or stand.

Boots featuring a low block heel were worn by both men and women in the early 20th century. Here, a young Albert Einstein is seen wearing a pair. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ...