What is the most logical next event?

How to scuff up new shoes
Take the laces off.
This way you won't damage the laces and you'll get better access to some of the shoe's hidden surfaces. Specifically, you'll get better access to the tongue if you're wanting to scuff it.

Choices:
[+] Scuff up your footwear with sandpaper. Sandpaper will grind into the leather, scratching the surface without causing any real damage.;
[+] Fold one-third of the lace in half and pinch one-fourth from the end. Repeat this process with both ends of the lace, about one-third from the end, folding them together.;
[+] If you don't already have a tongue scraper tool, use it in this step. Dig around in the shoe for a shoe godder.;
[+] Turn the shoe right-side-up, keeping the toe facing up. Then, place the laces over the tongue's blunt edge.;
Scuff up your footwear with sandpaper. Sandpaper will grind into the leather, scratching the surface without causing any real damage.