Half a century ago..okay, let's just say a lot of years ago I lived on a cattle ranch. The cowboys would buy a new pair of boots, pour hot water in them, dump it out and when cool enough wear the boots till they were dry. They fit nicely after that.
In fact, I'd forgotten that and still have a pair of ultra expensive boots that I've been trying to get up enough nerve to give to Sally Ann. I'll try the hot water. Guess my forgetter's working nicely and my rememberer is off kilter lately.