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Welcome to our FAQ section!


Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our products, services and our company. 

General questions

Werner Kern dance shoes are ideal for both classic ballroom dances and modern dance styles.

Recommended dance styles:

  • Ballroom dances: Waltz, Foxtrot, Discofox, Tango
    → Standard models offer low heels for heel leads, high stability and freedom of movement.
  • Latin dances: Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive, Paso Doble
    → Latin models with flexible soles and higher heels emphasise agility and footwork.
  • Modern dances: Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba
    → The Anna Kern sub-brand offers stylish, flexible models specially designed for these styles.
  • Other styles: Jazz dance, Zumba, FitDance
    → Training and comfort shoes with cushioning and secure support aid dynamic movement.
These shoes are suitable for both beginners and professionals. A variety of lasts, fits and heel heights ensure optimal comfort and technical support tailored to individual needs. The suede soles are ideal for dance floors: they allow controlled gliding and turning – essential for precise dance movements.

Yes – Werner Kern shoes meet many requirements for professional use in competitive dancing:

  • Comfort: Lightweight, comfortable, precisely crafted
  • Materials: Premium leather and soft suede soles for flexibility, glide and stability
  • Support: Anatomically shaped fit for security during fast footwork
  • Shock-absorbing heel cushioning for joint-friendly, fatigue-free dancing
  • Latex midsole for optimal flexibility and energy return
  • Wide range of models for different foot shapes (narrow/wide) and dance styles
  • Many models are specially designed for intensive training and stage performances. Therefore, they are suitable not only for practice but also for professional use in tournaments and competitions.

    Some models are also suitable for outdoor use, though most are classic dance shoes with specialised soles for dance floors. Our street dance shoes are marked with the abbreviation "LS" for leather sole. You can find these in the category Dance Shoes for the Street.

    Fit & Size selection

    That depends on many factors. How long have you been dancing? Do you prefer classic black shoes or something more colourful and eye-catching? Do you have narrow or wide feet? What heel height do you prefer? It’s important that the shoes fit snugly without causing any discomfort. Our leather adjusts to your feet like a glove after a few dances and will give a little over time. We’re happy to advise you personally. Feel free to email us at info@werner-kern.de or call us on +49 6181 62076.

    What heel heights are available for the dance shoes?

    For women’s shoes, our heels start at 1 cm and go up to 9 cm. For men’s shoes, they also start at 1 cm and go up to 4 cm. Heel height is measured vertically from the centre of the heel down to the ground. You’ll always find the exact height listed in the product description.

    The best choice of shoes for a hallux valgus depends heavily on the individual characteristics and position of the hallux. It is therefore difficult to give a generalised answer. Nevertheless, there are some models that have proven to be beneficial:

    We also offer dance shoes for wider feet. For women, these are our comfort shoes, which have a wider cut and generous footbed. For men, we offer extra wide shoes. 

    We also offer special women's dance shoes for narrow feet. These models can be found in the category: Dance Shoes for Narrow Feet.

    Our sizing chart for lasts is very precise. For some models, we recommend ordering half a size or a full size smaller. You’ll find guidance on this in the respective product description.
    Yes, of course! We offer various models for both women and men with removable insoles. This allows you to insert your own orthotics easily and enjoy maximum comfort. 

    Click here for women's models. 

    Click here for men's models.

    All Werner Kern shoes are made from genuine leather sourced from selected Italian tanneries. Slight variations in appearance are normal with natural leather and do not indicate a defect. Some models also feature fabric or brocade as the upper material. These are mainly our bridal shoes. Naturally, even in these models, we use genuine leather for the lining as well as the inner and outer soles. 

    This is a heel with a very low height, providing exceptional heel cushioning with every step. A micro heel ensures a gentle stance and light shock absorption for the heels.

    Our range of Werner Kern dance shoes is largely handcrafted in Northern Italy.  Our commitment to regionality and quality applies not only to our leathers, but to all components of our dance shoes: heels, soles, etc., are sourced from nearby family-run businesses that have been perfecting their craft for generations. Short transport routes and small local suppliers are key to our exceptional quality.

    Care and Durability

    Our dance shoes from Werner Kern are carefully crafted from the highest-quality materials, ensuring that you benefit from your purchase for as long as possible. The care of your dance shoes depends on the specific material. A detailed description of how to best care for each material can be found in the care instructions in the product description of your shoe on our website. You can also find detailed care instructions here on our website. Additionally, a printed version of the care instructions is always included with your order.

    Ordering, delivery and returns

    You can pay securely with the following payment methods:

    • Bank transfer (prepayment)
    • Credit card
    • PayPal
    • Apple Pay
    • Eps (only in Austria)
    Within Germany, you will usually receive your order 1–2 working days after payment has been received. Within Europe, delivery takes approx. 3–7 working days, outside Europe 7–10 working days. You can find more information here.
    You will find the tracking link in the shipping confirmation email as soon as we have handed your parcel over to DHL.
    Shoes that don’t fit or don’t meet your expectations can be returned or exchanged. For orders within Germany, a free DHL return label is included in the parcel. For returns from outside Germany, we do not provide a return label.

    Please send unworn shoes in their original packaging including the outer box to:

    Werner Kern Tanzschuhe GmbH
    Borsigstraße 3
    63456 Hanau
    Germany

    For orders within Germany, the return label is enclosed in the purple envelope inside your parcel. If it is missing, you can generate it here via DHL. For returns from abroad, please bear the return shipping costs yourself. Send the unworn shoes to:

    Werner Kern Tanzschuhe GmbH
    Borsigstraße 3
    63456 Hanau
    Germany

    Other questions

    Are bridal shoes only available with a suede dance sole? 

    The majority of our bridal shoes are available not only with a dance sole but also with a street-ready leather sole. These models have the abbreviation "LS" in the product name. With this sole, you can walk or dance on the street without any concerns. Click here for bridal shoes with a street-ready leather sole (LS)

    Can I have shoes custom-made? 

    Yes, based on a suitable model from our collection, you can choose the colour and material according to your preferences and have your individual dance shoe custom-made. You can find more information here.