So I played my first Imperial in ESO today... and it had the same hangup with it as I have with the Wood Elves. What's up with the open-toe'd boots?

I can't help but look at a well armored toon that can take a pounding against their armor... but heaven forbid they stub a toe on a rock or a root! LOL!

Sorry, silly rant... just not a big fan of the open toe look.

Depends on the armour you are wearing, there are heavy armour with open toe and no open toe, same for the otehr styles, just craft it or try to loot it.

It's no secret that Imperials are clearly based on Romans. The open toed sandals and foot wraps were common among the Roman army; http://www.fashion-era.com/images/all_greeks_romans/british-roman-soldiers-men-dress.jpg

As for the Bosmer; they're used to climbing trees and running through the wood bare foot. I can only imagine it would help them stay quiet while hunting. I'm not sure though.

Yeah, I understand the concept. I just find it odd that their toes are exposed in heavy armor of their respective armor styles. Heck, even medium is pushing it, but I can get past it.

It's just odd that full plate armor sets would leave sensitive digits exposed. Elves may go barefoot, but somehow I doubt their heavy armored warriors would rely on bare feet.

In any case, I was just poking fun at a goofy looking decision.

My friend was always bothered by this in past games; why certain parts of the body were left unprotected. Most soldiers would only protect vital areas of their body; the torso, head and neck. I doubt many bent noses, battle scarred warriors would flinch at a stubbed toe to be honest.

For aesthetic reasons though, I feel your pain.

Actually, historically speaking, the nose and toes have always been highly protected in heavy armor. Nose guards on the helmet, and heavily reinforced toes in boots are common staples. An injury to either of these body parts can instantly take a person out of commission very quickly. Perhaps not fatally, but effectively nonetheless.

Not to mention the frostbite and foot rot they'd pick up running around Tamriel like that.