I've had both the Mako I and Mako II, I find myself more stable when I skate low with knees more bent.. Due to work I didn't skate for 2 month, then when I got on the ice again I stumbled twice in 5min as I totally lost the forward stance feeling that you need with the Mako. After 10min later you'll be fine as you get use to it and what body position you need to get the most out of these skates.. Great skates and definitely no other skate can match its comfort, but quality was a problem I encountered with both Mako I and II so I'm back to Totalone MX3 now..