but then I'd have to try shoes on again and I cannot. I just can't.

Shoes were invented by Torquemada, and trying on shoes was invented by Torquemada, and discontinuing shoes that WORK for people was invented by Torquemada.

In conclusion, all my sympathies are with this poor kid who's probably going to need therapy, but I don't think shoes needing breaking in is a sign that the mother bought shoes that aren't meant to be played in.

But yeah, the way to break in shoes is what castiron describes below: you alternate with the old shoes until they're broken in or you determine they are, in fact, the wrong shoes. Been doing it this way my whole life.