There is a lot of speculation as to the purpose of the dory's butt-spike. In addition to providing stability, the butt-spike could serve as a secondary weapon. In combat, not all of the enemy fatalities would be immediate. The butt-spike could have been useful in finishing wounded enemies as the formation advanced over them. Another use of the feature might have been that by lodging the butt-spike into the ground a hoplite may have been able to stand the Dory upright when he was not holding it. A bronze shoe (also known as a butt-spike) that would allow it to be anchored to the ground to stop charges by enemy soldiers. The bronze shoe also served to balance out the spear, making it easier for soldiers to wield.