The Kick Back - Shift Kickers Extended Review Pt. 1

I'm going to start this review off with a Preface. One of the reasons I started reviewing products on this blog was to give the HONEST truth. No hate, No sugar coating, No Nutswinging. Just honest review on parts. I feel that there is not enough of that in our sport. Its either "OH THAT SHIT IS DOPE(maybe because you sent me tons of free stuff or my mom went to high school with your mom)" Or just constant hate. There will be none of that here. If you feel like there is. Call me out. Punch me in the dick. Here at DOwheelies.com, we are here to help the people! Ok...I said we. Its really just me, but sounds like I have a huge staff here right? Enough of that shit, I don't want you to buy a part because everyone who is sponsored by someone says its great and you get stuck with the bill and a half ass part.

On to the review..

I'm sure you all have read my first review on the Shift Kickers, lets face it we all know you browse DOwheelies.com instead of working. Well I have had the chance to ride about 4 more sessions on these shoes. Just some thoughts:
The buckle is a pretty good design, has only unclipped on me once during riding.
The shoe strings are like parachute cord, they tighten up great. They are about 8 feet long, but a double knot and tucking them in the shoe they work good.
Sole is mildly grippy. I don't feel any improvement over my Reeboks I had previous, but not alot of slipping going on either way.
The inside of the shoe is very comfortable, they broke in easily after the first session.
Easy to get on and off unlike alot of actual boots.

Now for the problem. I have only rode in these kickers for a total of 5 days/sessions. The side of the sole that meets the leather is getting all chewed up. I noticed a little discoloration in the first couple sessions but didn't pay any mind. Not only is it getting chewed up. Its actually starting to seperate from each other.
At first I was thinking ok it may be just a foot brake side issue from all the use that side gets. Well its also starting on the other side as well.

I am running Sick Innovations rearsets so they are just machined aluminum, there is no paint or anything thats rubbing off. The side of the sole feels like its made out of that moondough that kids play with. All my previous shoes have had a harder sole and no issues. I don't know what made Shift do this difference in material since the bottom is a harder material.

Also, I was looking around the shoe and started seeing parts where the stitching in the leather was starting to rub off.  Its not an issue yet, but it's something I'm going to watch because it may cause these shoes to die prematurely..barring the sole falling off.

So in conclusion, its a really comfortable shoe. Safe for riding, easy to wear, but longevity may be the issue. It seems like the road of caution is looking like these are a riding season or less shoe.

Remember ----------Burn Rubber ---------------Not your Sole!