fair dos
maybe before you start again have a new pair of these ready to fit
>> link << (or the right one for your year tbc)
and when you do, just make sure the cable end is butted right up to the crimped part circled in yellow
I'm just wondering if your old shoes are fitting because they're worn down obviously
if the cable isn't properly in, you might find you pull the handbrake lever up at some point and suddenly it moves a little more than before, at which point maybe it will be seated