The advice about standing in hot water and then wearing shoes until dry to mold the shoes to your feet is somewhat similar to the way Jock breaks in a new bonnet. As I recall, put it in a creek (or whatever stream, burn or brook that is handy) overnight with a rock on top to prevent escape. Rescue the bonnet the following day, wring it out, beat it up, position it properly on your head, then wear until dry. Works like a charm!

Apologies for straying from the brogues topic, but the hot water break-in for shoes brought the "Jocking a bonnet" technique to mind, so I thought to share.