I thought I saw somewhere that the hooked end was supposed to dig into the other shoe. I guess this isn't going to damage the shoe. My spring tool also has an odd-shaped cylinder on the end of one of the handles. It's function is not obvious either but I'm thinking it might have something to do with removing/installing brake shoe retainer springs. Mine isn't the best quality in the world so maybe I'll keep an eye out for a better one.
