Iphicrates\' Reforms illustration

[hoplite14gr]

Sean I feel that the archers of medieval times used step type shield after 1250 AD in my opinion but I did not tried personally and I will try to persuade them to examine the posibilities as you mention in your post.

JP please look at this link to see step archers with small leather shields.
http://www.wolfgaardarmoury.com/horsebows.htm
I doubt though that Cretans used the shields depicted here.

We used a 50 cm 18 gouge bronze metal shield. Just metal not leather inside.
Pushing the shields almost to the shoulder to expose the palm and hold the bow.
One archer complained that the weight of the shield was too much while taking aim and the other that the rim of the shield was irksome to his wrist.

I still believe Cretan used the shield when engaged hand to hand.

Kind regards