New shoes "wear in" to an exact fit with the drums. When that happens the pedal gets low. That's particularly true if you're dealing with pre-1951 "Huck" brakes. It takes several adjustments to maintain correct pedal height until the shoe contour matches the drums. Bendix brakes aren't as bad about it, but people who have grown up with self-adjusting drum brakes, or discs have forgotten (or never knew) about adjusting brakes.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!