Oooh they do sound lovely WM
So yes, okay, there are a few occasions where Proper Shoes do have to be worn.
As for your methods, I've no idea, my dad used to spend hours with my Tuf school shoes rubbing/stretching the edges with vaseline = they still rubbed
Nowadays I'd go for the thick socks/wear indoors as much as poss option.
A girl I worked with had a hero for a husband - she'd also rather cleverly married someone with quite small feet - who would wear-in her shoes for her, around the house
There was a hilarious episode she used to recount when he answered the door to the vicar in a pair of bright blue high-heeled courts