My fav painted leather shoes [from 15+ years ago] have been languishing at bottom of cupboard with others squashing them down flat. It looks as tho one of them has had maybe a splash of water so it will not reform the shape necessary for my toes as it is completely hard and flat.... [the other is fine] I rubbed it with "After sun cream! "and did manage to get it on for party..can I revive completely?
Try saddle soap or other leather softener you should be able to get it from a shoe repair shop.
And pair shoe trees to keep the shape from £10.00 to £30