You definitely need to go up in size vs other brands, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it's like shoe size. I actually wore this exact size while these were in production and my toes brushed the cap after baking. I moved on to Easton Mako and Mako II's because the KOR Shift 2 wasn't quite wide enough for my feet where the toe box meets the boot (this wasn't an issue with the Shift 1) - the Mako toe box in EE is way more comfortable for my feet.
My sizing experience was:
KOR Shift 2: 8.5D (could have used more room where the toe box meets the boot, but definitely wider and deeper than most D width skates)
KOR Shift 1: 8.5D (more comfortable in the toe box for my feet - not as deep or tall in the ankle area as the shift 2. The length was the same though)
Easton Mako, M7 and Mako II: 8EE (the most comfortable toe box I've used for my feet, ideal depth, good heel lock)
True TF9 (converted for inline): 7W (very similar in size and depth to the 8EE Makos. The toe box isn't as comfortable as Makos, but is better than the Shift 2 for my feet. The toe box True switched to when they launched the Catalyst line does seem more Mako-like, so hopefully it's even better than the TF line toe box. It looks like they're using the same toe box on the upcoming Hzrdus line as they used for the Catalyst.)
Bauer Scanner: 7.5 Fit 3 (I've also demoed 7.5EE Supremes at events in the past and that was the right size for my feet. Didn't fit as well as Makos, Trues or Shift 1's for my feet though as I had slight heel lift)
Shoe size: 10W dress shoes. 10 winter boots and sandals. 10.5 running shoes.
The stock holder sizes on all of the above skates, with the exception of the Trues (those would be 263mm, but the pair I have were converted for inline anyway), were 272mm.
So, for my feet I need to go up 1 full size from Bauer and CCM in KORs, a half size up from Easton Makos and a size and a half up from True TF9s. My shoe size in KORs (10), would be HUGE though. I still needed to go down a size and a half vs. my shoe size, but I like my skates as tight as possible without pain. KORs, Makos and Trues are all speed skate inspired boots that are zero negative space concepts that need to be baked; so, that's another reason I went with the smallest size I could fit my feet into (my toes just brushed lightly - they weren't bent or crushed, but my heels were locked in nicely in the KORs, Makos and Trues. There was a little heel lift in the Supreme demos, but I only wore those for a couple hours and never owned them).
I can say the Mission Pitch 3 steel on the KORs was hard and held an edge well. The Shift 2 boots are stiff, but very thermoformable. You'd definitely be hard pressed to find a better skate for under $200 if they fit you well.