KOR Shift 1 and 2

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

Sabuonez, typically I wear a size 12 shoe. There's about a quarter to three eights of an inch space between the end of my big toe and the front of most of my shoes. I can definately fit an eleven shoe if I have to but it isn't comfortable to do a lot of walking with your toes constantly banging against the front.

The pair Shift 2 I have is a size 11. My toes touch the toe cap on skates and I wear pretty thick wicking socks designed to give you some cushioning while running. If I were to go bearfoot my toes would just feather the cap. But even if you like a really tight fitting skate the neoprene or whatever Kor lines the toe cap with makes it quite comfortable. When I first tried on the Shift 2 I was a little worried an 11 might be too small but as someone in the this thread wrote your heel sits really far back when your done with your heat fitting.

Like the "Fresh Young Mikey D", I wear my street shoes a bit larger. I, too, typically wear a size 11.5 or 12 for extra room at the end due to a bone spur on both of my big toes. I, too, could possibly wear a shoe size 11 in perfect world but my issue wouldn't be length in an 11 like him but width in the toe box of the shoe.

I wear a size 9 in CCM Tack Series. Length is perfect in CCM in a 9D, in a 9E I have slightly a little extra room at the end (because the heel opens up), but not enough to go down a size.

I used the Shift1's in their trial period. Can't remember 100% for sure whether I was a 10 or a 10.5 on those. However, I did try some Euro-sizing and such to cross reference for the Shift2's and the 10's I got were too short (there's a caveat on that which I can't quite get into though). I literally just got 10.5's in the Shift2 and initial impressions are that these are the right fit for me.

Thus, based on my personal opinion that is somewhat based on personal experience but might not be applicable to your foot, I have no problems saying, like Chadd, that you wouldn't want to go up a size by any means. Depending on your foot shape is likely going to affect whether you go up or down (i.e., do you have a very narrow foot especially in the heel? If so, maybe just a full size is right as your foot sits back so much farther. If very wide heel and wider toe requirements means you only go a 1/2 size down).

Based on my foot type ("normal" heel that fits in the A heel sizing for tacks, but need an E in the forefoot region (remember - Tack series actually measure both - i.e., 9E/B, or 9D/A)) I was a 10.5 in Kor Shift2s.

If my heel were narrower or my toe-box requirements not needing to be as wide, I might have been able to fit into a 10.

No way that I, personally, could have swung a 9.5 by any stretch.

A little off topic, but I didn't want to start a completely new thread. One of the bolts on the holders on my Shift 1's fell off. It feels like the threads on the T-nut (I presume) on the sole is stripped, as I can put the bolt back in and spin it around without it truly rethreading. None of the local shops in Ann Arbor know what to do, as they've never seen the skate before. Has anybody come across this problem before? The skates are a year old, so certainly out of warranty. Otherwise, they are the most comfortable skates I've used.

Just email Kor. Believe it or not, but they really do have great customer service and have replied to every inquiry I have sent them before.

[Chadd 916]

A little off topic, but I didn't want to start a completely new thread. One of the bolts on the holders on my Shift 1's fell off. It feels like the threads on the T-nut (I presume) on the sole is stripped, as I can put the bolt back in and spin it around without it truly rethreading. None of the local shops in Ann Arbor know what to do, as they've never seen the skate before. Has anybody come across this problem before? The skates are a year old, so certainly out of warranty. Otherwise, they are the most comfortable skates I've used.

I'm assuming you're talking about one of the screws that holds the pitch to the boot?

Kor used to have a kit that would allow you to re-thread the hole. Contact them and they should be able to ship one out to you if they still have them.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

John - check your PM.

Why didn't you come see me?

[johnpace2 0]

Anyone skating on the Shift 1 - have you noticed an increase in agility, all other things being equal?

Putting aside the question of how the lower cut boot effects straightaway speed and power, I would think the lower cut would allow for more ankle mobility/flexion, which would result in tighter turning, no? (again, all other things being equal, such as blade radius...)

I came from Bauer 7000's and the Shift 1 is a lot more agile, IMO. They just turn a lot quicker.

[wickedwrister 0]

Anyone skating on the Shift 1 - have you noticed an increase in agility, all other things being equal?

Putting aside the question of how the lower cut boot effects straightaway speed and power, I would think the lower cut would allow for more ankle mobility/flexion, which would result in tighter turning, no? (again, all other things being equal, such as blade radius...)

I came from Bauer 7000's and the Shift 1 is a lot more agile, IMO. They just turn a lot quicker.

Bauer 7000s are quite possibly the stiffest boot EVER put on the market. You must be in heaven now. I had a pair for almost 7 months and never got them broken in. Shift 2's are my next skate.

[Katzenjammer 1]

Anyone skating on the Shift 1 - have you noticed an increase in agility, all other things being equal?

Putting aside the question of how the lower cut boot effects straightaway speed and power, I would think the lower cut would allow for more ankle mobility/flexion, which would result in tighter turning, no? (again, all other things being equal, such as blade radius...)

I came from Bauer 7000's and the Shift 1 is a lot more agile, IMO. They just turn a lot quicker.

Bauer 7000s are quite possibly the stiffest boot EVER put on the market. You must be in heaven now. I had a pair for almost 7 months and never got them broken in. Shift 2's are my next skate.

Thanks for the responses guys.

The 7000's couldn't be stiffer than the 8070's, could they? Nice skates but kripes they're tough on my feet! lol!

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Stiffest boot of ALL TIME.

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

Stiffer than the Easton 1300/1500 skates?

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Stiffer than the Easton 1300/1500 skates?

Haha BY FAR.

Knew dudes in that boot after two years and still hard as a rock.

[Leafsrok 0]

Stiffer than the Easton 1300/1500 skates?

Haha BY FAR.

Knew dudes in that boot after two years and still hard as a rock.

were talking to old 7000 boot right?

[Katzenjammer 1]

Has anyone tried both the Shift 1 & 2 for a comparison?

Also, reading through this thread, it sounds as though the construction on the Shift 2 is somewhat superior - is that still true?

[jcmagna 0]

Recently picked up some shift1's. I was in graf 704's sz 9.5, Shift1 are 10.0, street shoe 10.0. The Kor fit great after forming.

As far as comparison, I really can't. I skate 2 to 4 times aweek, had the 704's for 5-6years, it would not be fair to anyone provided the usage of the graf (yes, I did take care of them).

I can tell you, I noticed the weight difference right off. I also "feel" I accelerate better which may be due to simply a new skate and / or Kor design.

I have taken a few pucks to the skate, and this I'm sure, less pain by far.

After I ride them a few months I'll report back ....

Oh, and much thanks to Jimmy for matching the rocker on the Kor to the 704's, it made the transition to a new skate ....painless.

[johnpace2 0]

Stiffest boot of ALL TIME.

We'll I feel good then. I wore those things to death! I think they lasted me about 5 years. IMO, the Kors are stiff as hell, but ultra comfortable, that's why I love them.

[prenny207 1]

Has anyone tried both the Shift 1 & 2 for a comparison?

Also, reading through this thread, it sounds as though the construction on the Shift 2 is somewhat superior - is that still true?

briefly. after skating in the shift 1's for about a year and a half, i got my new pair of shift 2's and gave them a try. i will make this statement, simply because i am very happy with the 1's. the higher cut boot did not work for me because i was used to the lower cut, and i really don't need much ankle support. i felt awkward the few times i skated in the 2's, but had i kept wearing them, i would have adapted and been fine. i think somebody coming from any traditional skate to a shift 2 will not have any issues. like i said, i was just used to the 1's so that is what i continue to skate in.

as for construction, the biggest difference is consistancy. yes Kor has made some changes to the product itself that have made it a better product, but making sure that every skate comes out of production the same is the largest difference from the shift 1. production facility was the biggest reason for this improvement.

[Katzenjammer 1]

Has anyone tried both the Shift 1 & 2 for a comparison?

Also, reading through this thread, it sounds as though the construction on the Shift 2 is somewhat superior - is that still true?

briefly. after skating in the shift 1's for about a year and a half, i got my new pair of shift 2's and gave them a try. i will make this statement, simply because i am very happy with the 1's. the higher cut boot did not work for me because i was used to the lower cut, and i really don't need much ankle support. i felt awkward the few times i skated in the 2's, but had i kept wearing them, i would have adapted and been fine. i think somebody coming from any traditional skate to a shift 2 will not have any issues. like i said, i was just used to the 1's so that is what i continue to skate in.

as for construction, the biggest difference is consistancy. yes Kor has made some changes to the product itself that have made it a better product, but making sure that every skate comes out of production the same is the largest difference from the shift 1. production facility was the biggest reason for this improvement.

thanks a lot. Do you feel that the lower cut boot allows you to be more agile, given the relatively greater ankle mobility/flexion?

[Hockey91 0]

Hey, I haven't been here on a while since I made my first post in this thread about my problem with my Kor SHift 1's. I thought I would just update my kor shift 2's. Anyways I contacted Kor about this problem and they sent me a pair of Kor shift 2's. But after 3 months now of skating in the 2's, they are breaking down the exact same way as they did in my Kor shift 2's. I'm posting two pictures (of my kor shift 2's) one is my right skate and the other is my left skate and you can see the difference were the carbon unibase separates from the toe cap. If I pull the cap I can separate it even more. This has never happened to me in a pair of skates and in only three months of skating, its pretty disappointing. I contacted Kor again and they told me to let them know if they get any worse because they are still skateable at the moment. But my shift 1's totally broke down and the toe caps pretty much came off in both my right and left skate. I'm pretty sure its going to happen in my 2's. Anyways here are the pictures. first in my right skate, 2nd is my left.

Anyways has anyone else heard of any problems like this or had any? And does anyone have any recommendations?

But in terms of which ones I like more. I'd have to say Kor shift 2's. Overall I find I'm a better skater in them, and the Kor shift 1's bothered my ankles a little. But it's not a major difference. But they are amazing skates.

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

The pics are so close up it's hard to tell exactly what you're pointing out. Are you saying that the toe cap is separating from the unibase? And you've had this same problem with both the Shift1 and the Shift2? Or is it more that the carbon fiber is chipping/delaminating at the end?

Have you ever had the problem in other skates you've tried (Bauer, CCM, etc)? Just trying to see if there's any commonality that could be addressed which would not make it particular to Kor the company (I do see where you say it's "never happened to me in a pair of skates but just want to confirm).

Presuming that you have never experienced a similar problem in prior brands, have any of those brands had a carbon fiber outsole? My CCM 1152's had a problem where the footbed chipped away and started fraying exposing some gaps. Looks like they solved this issue later as on the pro-tacks the carbon fibre footbed has that white plastic (that they used to make the old footbeds out of) around the edges of the carbon fibre to keep it from chipping/falling apart.

[althoma1 575]

Hockey91 Posted Today, 05:07 PM

Hey, I haven't been here on a while since I made my first post in this thread about my problem with my Kor SHift 1's. I thought I would just update my kor shift 2's. Anyways I contacted Kor about this problem and they sent me a pair of Kor shift 2's. But after 3 months now of skating in the 2's, they are breaking down the exact same way as they did in my Kor shift 2's. I'm posting two pictures (of my kor shift 2's) one is my right skate and the other is my left skate and you can see the difference were the carbon unibase separates from the toe cap. If I pull the cap I can separate it even more. This has never happened to me in a pair of skates and in only three months of skating, its pretty disappointing. I contacted Kor again and they told me to let them know if they get any worse because they are still skateable at the moment. But my shift 1's totally broke down and the toe caps pretty much came off in both my right and left skate. I'm pretty sure its going to happen in my 2's. Anyways here are the pictures. first in my right skate, 2nd is my left.

Anyways has anyone else heard of any problems like this or had any? And does anyone have any recommendations?

I've had my Shift 1s for about a year now and the composite has chipped where it meets the toe cap, but it's still together. The skates are still very stiff and otherwise have held up very well. The toe/cap area does show the most wear, but right now it's just cosmetic and hasn't effected the performance.

[prenny207 1]

thanks a lot. Do you feel that the lower cut boot allows you to be more agile, given the relatively greater ankle mobility/flexion?

i felt that i have more flex in the shift 1's but like i said it's mostly because i'm used to them. if i gave the 2's more time i probably would be just as comfortable. i do have very strong ankles, so i really don't need the height anyways. i switched from graf 707's which have a very soft ankle and i was fine in those.

[Moto 1]

I had that problem with my Shift 1's. The seam where the toe cap meets the base separated and cracked on both skates.

Have not seen the same issue with my Shift 2's yet but I only have a few months on them right now.

I was under the impression that Kor had fixed that issue with the 2's.

[johnpace2 0]

It's hard to tell from those pics. My shift 1's have some chipping, but doesn't seem to be any structural damage. Even if they did, Kor seems cool enough about replacing them.

[ice-ed 0]

Got a good week now with the Shift 2's, and to comment, probably nothing new:

They feel really light, best heel lock, I mean, the foot isn’t going anywhere by all means, very comfortable and better yet after heat forming.

First time skating them they felt kinda odd, but adjusted the pitch right there and then, and the overall feel is awesome. They have taking some hard hits but my feet haven't felt them, the only thing that shows wear is the toe box, couple scrapes mostly.

Rating my experience so far, pending durability off course: A+

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

Not sure if anyone has noticed, but there are 3 reviews of the Shift2 in the LONG TERM REVIEW section that folks might look at if wanting to consider these skates:

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php?showforum=69

One of which is my own talking about my CUSTOM Kor Shift2 skates. Some might find too long/wordy, but hopefully will find informative....

Also, one of Kor's engineers is now a member (see the Kor Stick thread where he's "announced" himself for lack of a better description) so there are folks from Kor around to answer questions should you have any (of course, you can send an email to their info email too - they've always been quite good about replying to me at least).

[johnpace2 0]

Some prety positive long-term reviews out there. That's good news!

[qmechanic 17]

I wrote email to Kor and they said that they will be making junior sizes of their skates next year and also offering a full line of junior sticks. Finally, they will be updating their website soon (of course, who knows what "soon" is?) to show the 2008/2009 product lines. The information came from Michael Cagle.