At pistol club where the guys are a collective authority on everything (a bit like here) one of the guys said that he always wears his new hiking boots through a stream or two on the first hike. By the time the hike is over the wet leather has stretched and shrunk to fit his feet perfectly.

update.

i have worn my RedBacks almost exclusively for several months. only time i dont; mtn biking shoes, running shoes, motorcycle boots.

i put in green superfeet and that tightened up the fit beautifully. they are my best shoe purchase in a long long time. kicking them off and pulling them on is pure bliss. easy. i coated them one time with Obernaufs leather treatment paste.