Werner Kern is a German family-run dance shoe manufacturer based in Hanau, near Frankfurt, and has been in business since the mid-1950s. The brand is best known for ballroom and Latin dance shoes, offering a wide selection of heel heights, styles, and widths, with shoes made in Italy. Here is what you need to know before buying a pair.
A history that began with slippers
The company was founded by Werner Kern himself. The brand's introductory page and a German museum guide date it to 1954. Initially, the company mainly produced slippers and evening shoes in post-war Germany. Dance shoes came later.
The headquarters are still in Hanau, Hesse. This is where the brand ships its shoes to many countries.
Where and how the shoes are made
Despite its German headquarters, Werner Kern has its shoes made in Italy. The brand describes a factory where each pair undergoes more than 240 steps, many of them by hand, with a quality control check before receiving its label.
Some construction features highlighted by the manufacturer:
- The leather: the brand states that it uses goatskin, valued for its fine grain and suppleness. Like all natural leather, the grain varies slightly from one pair to another.
- The soles: very flexible suede on most dance models, and other options depending on use (practice, outdoor, sneakers).
These are descriptions provided by the manufacturer. The best test remains trying them on: careful construction cannot compensate for a style that does not suit your foot.
What the range offers
For women
The catalog is organized by both shoe type and dance style. In terms of types, you will find closed and open models, flat shoes, comfort models, models for narrow feet, shoes with removable insoles, dance sneakers, boots, and bridal shoes. In terms of dances: ballroom, Latin, salsa, bachata, tango, swing, line dance, disco fox, and Zumba.
For men
Men's shoes are categorized by width (standard or extra wide), with large sizes, ultralight models, sneakers, and practice shoes. This is a real asset for dancers with wide feet, who are often poorly served by standard styles.
Associated brands
The Werner Kern website includes several names: Anna Kern, Nueva Epoca, Suny (dance sneakers), Werner Kern Bridal for weddings, and Ballerinas by Werner Kern. We detail the differences in our Werner Kern or Anna Kern comparison and in the guide dedicated to Anna Kern.
Bespoke shoes
The brand also offers bespoke shoes, handmade in Italy. It states a lead time of approximately 6 to 8 weeks before a fitting, which takes place at the retailer. This is an interesting option for a very unusual foot (a large difference between the two feet, an unusual width), provided you plan ahead for a competition or event.
Choosing the right Werner Kern model
Start with your dance style
- Ballroom (waltz, ballroom tango, foxtrot): closed pump for women, approximately 5 to 6.5 cm heel, and low-heeled lace-up shoe for men.
- Latin, salsa, bachata: open-toed sandal with straps, thinner heel, and more pronounced arch for women. Men often wear a slightly higher heel than in ballroom.
- For practice or long evenings: a comfort model, dance sneaker, or low-heeled practice shoe will spare your feet.
Check the width and size
The brand offers models for narrow feet and wide styles, but the fit varies by model. Measure the length of your foot in centimeters at the end of the day and compare it to the size chart for the chosen model. If you have wide feet, look first at models advertised as wide rather than taking a size up: shoes that are too long cause you to lose support on the ball of your foot.
Try them on in a store if possible
As the brand relies on a network of retailers, trying them on in a specialty store is often possible. Test a pivot, rising onto your toes, and a few steps backward: the heel should not slip out of the shoe, and the straps should not cut into the top of your foot.
Werner Kern or a more affordable alternative
A Werner Kern is a considered purchase, suitable for regular dancers who know what they are looking for. For a first pair, or for a second pair of practice shoes, a more affordable shoe does its job very well if it has a genuine suede sole, good support, and the right size.
Dansezo does not sell the Werner Kern brand. Our "Dansezo Selection" offers dance shoes in European sizes, for example in our women's ballroom dance shoes, our men's ballroom dance shoes, or our shoes for wide feet. To compare with other manufacturers, see our dance shoe brand comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Are Werner Kern shoes made in Germany?
The brand's headquarters are in Germany, in Hanau, but the brand states that its shoes are made in a factory in Italy. The bespoke models are also handmade in Italy.
Does Werner Kern offer shoes for wide feet?
Yes. The catalog includes women's models for narrow feet and men's models in standard or extra wide widths. However, the fit varies from one model to another, which is why it is important to try them on or check the size chart.
What is the difference between Werner Kern and Anna Kern?
Anna Kern is one of the brands featured on the Werner Kern website, alongside Nueva Epoca, Suny, and the bridal lines. The two names are therefore related and share a similar style. Our dedicated comparison details the differences between the models.
Can you order bespoke Werner Kern shoes?
Yes, the brand offers a bespoke service, with shoes handmade in Italy. It states a lead time of approximately 6 to 8 weeks before a fitting at the retailer. Allow for this time if you are aiming for a competition.