In a post displaying a large assortment of armor, I found this picture of armored shoes. I don't understand why the long pointed toes were used. The #4 shoe/boot I can see as useful in helping you put your foot into a stirrup for riding a horse. But #6-9 seem to be much too long to be practical for any purpose. What were they used for?
EDIT, I have corrected the link for the picture(slide 9). Many thanks to Searocksandtrees.
They weren't used for anything. They just mimic a type of shoe called "crakows" that reached its zenith of popularity in the late 15th century. The long pointed beak is usually referred to as "poulaine". They weren't practical, they were removable must the knight fight dismounted. Also those things in your picture aren't shoes per se, they're sabatons that cover your shoes.
Just for clarity, the link goes to an album; the slide in question is #9 of 53 Gauntlets and Armor footwear, 13-15 century
