historic plate, chain and other armors (including helmets) had significant padding, layers of it, underneath.  This both stops arrows, spikes from reaching the skin and cushions spreads impact out.<p>Impact weapons were rare when hvy armors were in use. OTOH, heavy chopping polearms&#x2F;swords (to get through joints in armor), and anything to knock plate wearer on ground (to then poke them in between armored bits) were developed and become more popular as heavier armors came about.