Breaking in new cycling shoes?

[Jimbo.]

Put simply, do you have to?

I've recently purchased some Specialized Pro Road shoes, and they're tip-top. Or at least, they've the potential to be. Trying them on in the shop, and for the first few rides, they felt great (the whole wedge/foot/insole system really does work). However, recently one shoe has been giving me hell: after 2 hrs the tongue/upper strap starts digging into the front of my upper foot. They weren't over-tightened, and no amount of faffing with the strap (other than releasing it completely) stopped it. Even after a couple of days it still hurt.

Is it just a case of MTFU'/Rule 5 and waiting for them to break in, or in this day and age of synthetic this and thermobonded that, do they not loosen up?

[Gizmoish]

I've got some basic Specialized shoes and yes, the tongue softens a bit after the first couple of rides. I wear thick sports socks though.

[rory]

My Bontrager RL's have been comfortable from the first wear - which was a 58 mile sportive!

Cheers
Rory