The oldest known shoes, called the 'Areni-1 shoes’, were discovered in Armenia and date back to around 3500 BCE. Made from a single piece of leather, they were surprisingly durable and functional for their time.

High heels were first worn by men in the 10th century, particularly Persian warriors who used them to secure their feet in stirrups while riding horses. Later, European nobility adopted them as a fashion statement.

Until the 19th century, shoes were made straight, with no distinction between the left and right foot. This made them uncomfortable but cost-effective for manufacturers.

In Venice during the 15th and 16th centuries, platform shoes called chopines were worn by women to elevate themselves above the muddy, sewage-filled streets. Some platforms reached up to 20 inches high!

In ancient Egypt, the colour and material of shoes indicated social status. Pharaohs wore pointed shoes made of gold or silver, while commoners walked barefoot or used simple sandals.

The first rubber-soled shoes, known as 'plimsolls', were introduced in the 1830s. The term 'sneaker' emerged in 1917, named for their quiet soles that allowed wearers to 'sneak' around undetected.

In ancient China, women practiced foot binding to achieve smaller feet, which were considered beautiful. Tiny, embroidered 'lotus shoes' were made to fit these bound feet, though the practice caused lifelong health issues.

In medieval Europe, brides often tossed a shoe over their shoulder for good luck before entering the church. This tradition evolved into the custom of tying shoes to a wedding car.

In some indigenous cultures, such as the Sami in Scandinavia, shoes were made from animal feces mixed with grass or moss to create insulation in cold climates.

Roman soldiers wore studded sandals, or caligae, which not only provided traction but also doubled as weapons to stomp on enemies during battles.