Kor Replacement

[JCM_G8GT 0]

Been in Shift1 for a few years and really like them. Not the lightest, but have done a great job in protecting the feet as well as being great fit and performance.

Time to start looking for a replacement as one skate has developed a decent crack across the bottom which is slowly growing.

So question for the skate shop / fitting gurus - what current model is best replacement for the KOR?

- foot protection

- comfort / fit (BTW sz 10D, skip the last hole when lacing)

- cost (equal or better quality)

This is mostly A & B team beer league level 2-3 times a week. Skate does not have to be top shelf nor ultra light as if weight was a real concern, I'd diet first.

And, Yes, I have been watching EBAY, it's real hit/miss, I'd like to go with a newer skate.

TIA

[althoma1 575]

I have KOR skates as well. My main skates are currently KOR Shift 2's, but I also own and have used Shift 1's. I've been lucky enough to be able to demo various high end skates at a few Modsquad events (CCM U+ CL, RBK 11K, Bauer APX, Supreme total one) and the skates that fit my feet best were the TotalOnes. Having said that, it doesn't mean we have the same type of feet because the KORs respond very well to heat molding so can accomidate a wider range of foot types than most skates.

The high end Supremes would be one of the skates I'd try on for sure (One100 and TotalOne) if I was in the market for new skates right now since they seem to fit well and the material is also protective and responsive to heat. The Bauer APX uses some of the same technology and materials so you should try those on too (the Supreme was a better fit for me, but the APX might be better for you).

Graf also has the Ultra G75. It uses an outer composite shell - I don't know a lot about those skates, but there's a thread on here that discusses them. They may be worth looking into as well.

The upcoming Reebok 20K looks like it may use similar material based on pictures, but a) I haven't seen any specs and b) they likely won't be out until April 2012.

[Steve_v3 289]

Thanks for the suggestions and prompt reply. I remember you from when the Kor first came out, I had a different ID then. Not to pleased to have to shop as I have 3 sets of steel in rotation with Jimmy which works out real nice and I doubt it would be worth swapping holders.

Hopefully they hold out a while until I can get a trip to Boston to visit noicing/TSR/Pure and shop around a bit.

MLX a decent option? Or taunting me? Been a while since I've been on the board. Is MLX going to be around...or on the same path as KOR?

I have shift 1's as well. I just noticed a little bit of separation near the toe box. I epoxied it & will see how it worked tomorrow night. I have 3 sets of steel that I bring to Jimmy as well. I may in the same boat as you soon if the epoxy doesn't work.

Although I might have a slim chance to score a new pair of shift 1's.

[althoma1 575]

I have shift 1's as well. I just noticed a little bit of separation near the toe box. I epoxied it & will see how it worked tomorrow night. I have 3 sets of steel that I bring to Jimmy as well. I may in the same boat as you soon if the epoxy doesn't work.

Although I might have a slim chance to score a new pair of shift 1's.

I used my first pair of Shift 1's for 2 seasons and then retired them when they had significant seperation issues at the toe. I used my second pair of Shift 1's for almost 2 years and again, there is significant seperation at the toe. While I was using the second pair of Shift 1's I bought some Shift 2's and started rotating those in and the Shift 2's have now been my go to pair for almost a year now. There is no seperation at all with my Shift 2's. The other issue I had with the original Shift 1's is the tendon guard started to come off - the tendon guard is softer on the Shift 2's than when new, but there isn't any seperation.

Now the Shift 2's are deeper, slightly taller and wider in the mid-foot than the Shift 1's, but still work for me. Overall, they've been more durable. For that reason if you're looking for KORS online I'd look for Shift 2's over 1's if you can find them. It'll probably be pretty tough now, but maybe you'll luck out.

[Steve_v3 289]

I used my first pair of Shift 1's for 2 seasons and then retired them when they had significant seperation issues at the toe. I used my second pair of Shift 1's for almost 2 years and again, there is significant seperation at the toe. While I was using the second pair of Shift 1's I bought some Shift 2's and started rotating those in and the Shift 2's have now been my go to pair for almost a year now. There is no seperation at all with my Shift 2's. The other issue I had with the original Shift 1's is the tendon guard started to come off - the tendon guard is softer on the Shift 2's than when new, but there isn't any seperation.

Now the Shift 2's are deeper, slightly taller and wider in the mid-foot than the Shift 1's, but still work for me. Overall, they've been more durable. For that reason if you're looking for KORS online I'd look for Shift 2's over 1's if you can find them. It'll probably be pretty tough now, but maybe you'll luck out.

I had the tendon guard issue already & had a shoe repair place repair them. It worked great. My brother got a new pair of shift 1's when they were on clearance. He just happen to get the exact same size as I had. He still hasn't used them & maybe I can buy the off him.

Mine have lasted 6 years. But I only skate once a week & took almost a whole year off. so If I get his pair it should buy me some time to have to look for a new skate.

I'll keep a look out for shift 2's. Did you have to change size going from shift 1's to shift 2's?

[althoma1 575]

I had the tendon guard issue already & had a shoe repair place repair them. It worked great. My brother got a new pair of shift 1's when they were on clearance. He just happen to get the exact same size as I had. He still hasn't used them & maybe I can buy the off him.

Mine have lasted 6 years. But I only skate once a week & took almost a whole year off. so If I get his pair it should buy me some time to have to look for a new skate.

I'll keep a look out for shift 2's. Did you have to change size going from shift 1's to shift 2's?

No, I didn't have to change sizes - I have the exact same size in the Shift 1 and Shift 2. With that said, when I first got the Shift 2's it felt like they might be a touch shorter as my right toe (my bigger foot) felt like it was pressed against the toe box, however; after a baking and some break in they were the perfect size and my toes now barely feather the caps.

[Andoy 5]

I was on the same boat. I had shift 1s that split at the toe but fortunate enough to find a pair of shift 2's on Ebay. Kor did a better job with how the composite meets the toe cap on the shift 2's so far they've held up very well for me. So if you ca

It's a shame Kor is out of business...they are the only skate where I've had no break in pain whatsoever!