Hello Alan
No, not dim, just usefully asking questions that plenty of folk don't know the answer to.

Yes, normally you just need finger pressure (or a very blunt, plastic instrument if your fingers are unusually weak) and deffo no glue or heat. Having said that, please don't try to sue me if you wreck them, just be gentle and persevere and, if all else fails, get help. You must have a local walking club or friend or somebody?
Personally, the first thing I do with any walking boots is remove the pathetic insole that they come with. If like me you don't like throwing things out, simply use them in a pair of bedroom slippers, it's all they're fit for

But please let us know the outcome, we're all now on tenterhooks!
Cheers
Jacquetta