New boots break in

I’ve recently bought new sports bike boots and wore them out on the bike for the first time but I was really struggling to change gear with the boots as I couldn’t feel the shifter. Is this normal? Is there any way to break them in before I ride again so I don’t have to ride in a low gear because I can’t shift? lol. I’ve gone back to using my old boots for now which are a trainer style shoe which is much more comfortable and I don’t feel safe with the others for now.