Northwaves have a different last than Sidi or Shimano shoes. Specifically, the last used in Northwave shoes is one of the few that can accomodate people with longer metatarsals than average for a given total foot length. In other words, if the ball of your foot is closer to the end of your foot (or maybe shorter toes) than the average person, Northwaves could fit you extremely well.
Obviously, Northwave fit other foot geometries as well but I can't find a Sidi that works well for me whereas Northwave are nearly flawless. I wear a 14 US shoe size and 48 Northwave and my metatarsals are a little longer than average (my metatarsals are about the length of a size-15 foot but the whole foot length is 'just' 14)
Last edited by nhluhr; 07-02-14 at 07:33 AM.