A vehicle brake shoe assembly (10) having a rigid backing plate (12) incorporating a plurality of extensions (100) which project through the brake friction material matrix (22) to the outer friction surface (24) of the brake shoe assembly (10). Each extension (100) is configured to cooperate with the brake friction material matrix (22) to engage a surface of an opposing friction element (28) simultaneously with the friction material (22), increasing the static and dynamic friction performance of the assembly (10) during initial use beyond that achieved from the application of either the brake friction material (22) or the projections (100) alone.