It seems the most important thing in the film was making sure we heard every boot and shoe clicking as the characters walked about. Almost an obsession and very distracting. Even when the King was walking to his seat in the trial scene, though he was walking on a carpet, we heard the clicking on stone...
shareI don't know about Cromwells time, but I do know that at various times in history it's been commonplace to have metalwork on the bottom of shoes. Horseshoe heels, hobnails, etc. This was to protect the leather soles and heels (galvanised rubber being a fairly modern invention).
Admittedly, none of this footwear would make a noise on carpet, so you do have a point.
Not only metal, but even hard leather or wooden heels make quite a bit of noise compared to modern rubber heels.
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