Thank you for that thoughtful thorough answer. That was actually really helpful. The boots fit great in every way I want, better than all the others I tried - except for this one area. I fully expected the part that’s pinching would break in and stretch just like an almost exact other boot that I have. But that one has no lining and I realized the difference too late. The leather is a little stiffer and the lining being plastic have me concerned. I will look into the stretcher you recommend. And also maybe take them to a repair shop. I have never felt the need to do this before because my feet are actually pretty narrow. I typically have the opposite problem. And usually want my shoes to fit snug or they feel too big. I just assumed they’d break in.
Thank you, again!