Dance shoes in large sizes: where to find sizes 42 to 48

For large sizes (women's from around 42, men's from 46), size charts vary greatly from one brand to another. Werner Kern goes up to UK 9 for women (around 43⅓ according to its chart) and up to UK 16 for men (around 52⅔) on two extra-wide models; Anna Kern, its women's line, stops at UK 9. At Merlet, the women's models viewed go up to 41 to 42.5 and a few men's models up to 46 or 47. At Dansezo, the sizes offered are indicated on the page of each model.

This 2026 practical guide compares the brands' size charts, with an example of a hypothetical profile, 5 common mistakes and a glossary dedicated to large sizes. The charts cited were collected on the official websites in October 2026 and may change.

Table of Contents

1. Why so little choice in large sizes?

Manufacturers often concentrate their production on the most requested sizes. Very large sizes sell in smaller quantities, and are therefore offered on fewer models. Consequence: the offer is significantly restricted beyond 42 for women and 46 for men.

However, a few brands maintain an extended chart on a part of their collection, and some offer extra-wide models or customization.

2. Size chart table by brand

Brand Women's max Men's max Bespoke
Werner Kern UK 9 (around 43⅓) UK 16 (around 52⅔) on two models Customization (color, material, heel), +€45
Anna Kern UK 9 (around 43⅓) No men's model Not offered
Merlet 41 to 42.5 depending on the models viewed 46 to 47 on a few models Not announced for ballroom dancing
Dansezo See the page of each model See the page of each model No (catalog models)

3. Werner Kern: up to UK 16 for men

Werner Kern sells in UK sizes. The women's models go from UK 1 to UK 9, i.e. around 32⅔ to 43⅓ according to the brand's chart. On the men's side, the chart goes up to UK 16: two extra-wide models, Fano and Imola (€154 at the retail price in October 2026), are offered from UK 13½ to UK 16, i.e. around 49⅓ to 52⅔.

The brand specifies that its shoes run a little large and advises, depending on the model, to order one half-size to one UK size below your usual size. Additional advantage: its wider "comfort" models (women) and extra-wide (men) help if you combine large size and wide foot.

4. Anna Kern: women's up to UK 9

Anna Kern, the women's line of the Werner Kern catalog, is offered from UK 1 to UK 9, i.e. up to around 43⅓. It follows the same size guide as Werner Kern, with a correction according to the shape of the model. It is mainly designed for salsa, bachata and kizomba. Beyond UK 9, you have to look elsewhere.

5. Merlet: women's up to 42.5, men's up to 46-47

Merlet, a French manufacturer located near Limoges, sells its ballroom dance shoes in French sizes, with half sizes. On the models viewed in October 2026, the women's references stop between 41 and 42.5, and the men's references go up to 45 or 46; the site filter shows a few models up to 47. The available sizes also depend on stock.

6. Bespoke and customization

If you wear beyond the usual charts, the options are limited. Three leads:

  • Werner Kern large sizes: two men's standard models up to UK 16. The "Shoes designed by you" customization also allows you to choose color, material and heel height on an existing model, for €45 more and around 6 to 8 weeks of manufacturing in Italy.
  • Shoemakers and artisans: some make shoes to measure. Ask for a quote specifying that it is a dance shoe (suede or leather sole, adapted support).
  • Dansezo: we do not do bespoke, but some models exist in large sizes (see the page of each model). Write to us with the length of your foot at contact@dansezo.fr to know which one will suit you.

To explore our offer: large size dance shoes, women's dance shoes, men's dance shoes.

7. Buying advice in large sizes

  • Check availability before ordering: the largest sizes are not always in stock.
  • Follow the guide of each brand: UK sizes and correction by shape at Werner Kern and Anna Kern, French sizes at Merlet, European sizes at Dansezo.
  • Combine large size and width if necessary: comfort or extra-wide models at Werner Kern, wide foot collection at Dansezo.
  • Anticipate customization times: around 6 to 8 weeks at Werner Kern, to be included in your practice calendar.
  • Ask for advice before ordering: at Dansezo, the size advice is free by email, and you keep 30 days after receipt to return an unworn pair outside (return costs at your expense).

8. Example (hypothetical profile): a dancer who wears size 47

Let's take a ballroom dancer who wears size 47 in the city. In many brands, the men's models stop at 45 or 46, and ordering blindly often leads to a return for too small a size.

Possible solution: at Werner Kern, the brand chart places 47 between UK 11½ and UK 12; since the brand advises to go down one half-size to one UK size depending on the shape, he consults the guide of the chosen model before ordering. At Dansezo, he consults the sizes indicated on the page and sends us the length of his foot to confirm the size before ordering.

The lesson: in large sizes, checking the model chart and asking for advice before buying avoids most back-and-forths. If a foot pain persists despite a good size, a podiatrist will know how to guide you.

9. The 5 mistakes to avoid

1. Believing that all brands make large sizes

Many models stop around 42 or 43 for women and 45 or 46 for men. Buying without checking the chart often leads to a return. Solution: consult the chart of each model before any purchase (table above).

2. Compromising quality-size

Temptation to buy a model unsuitable for your discipline because it exists in your size. Bad idea. Solution: look for a model adapted to your dance (sole, heel, support) in your size, even if you have to ask for advice.

3. Not checking the size system (UK at Werner Kern)

Many dancers order their city size at Werner Kern without going through the UK chart and the correction by shape, and receive a shoe that is too large. Solution: convert with the brand chart, then apply the correction indicated for the model.

4. Giving up too quickly

49 or 50 for men: many think that nothing else exists. The offer is rare, but it exists: Werner Kern offers two models up to UK 16, and some shoemakers work to measure. Solution: find out rather than giving up on practice.

5. Buying a size too large "to be wide"

If the forefoot is compressed at the right size, the solution is not to go up in size (heel that comes off, foot that floats) but to choose a wider model. Solution: adjust the width, not the length.

10. Technical glossary of large sizes

  • LARGE WOMEN'S SIZE: from around 42 in French size, a segment where the choice is significantly reduced.
  • LARGE MEN'S SIZE: from 46 or 47; beyond 48, the standard offer becomes very rare.
  • EXTENDED CHART: chart that covers atypical sizes, for example Werner Kern up to UK 16 for men.
  • BESPOKE: single production according to the foot measurements; to be distinguished from customization (color, material, heel chosen on an existing model).
  • MORPHOLOGICAL FIT: inner width adapted to the real foot, often useful in large sizes when the foot is also wide.
  • MANUFACTURING TIME: around 6 to 8 weeks for a Werner Kern customization; variable among artisans, to be anticipated in the practice calendar.

11. Frequently asked questions

Up to what size do dance brands go?

It depends on the brands and the models. Werner Kern goes up to UK 9 for women (around 43⅓ according to its chart) and up to UK 16 for men (around 52⅔) on two extra-wide models; Anna Kern, its women's line, up to UK 9. At Merlet, the women's models viewed stop between 41 and 42.5, and a few men's models go up to 46 or 47. At Dansezo, the sizes offered are indicated on the page of each model.

Why so little choice in large sizes?

Manufacturers concentrate their production on the most requested sizes. Very large sizes sell in smaller quantities, therefore on fewer models. A few brands still maintain extended charts on a part of their collection.

Longer delivery times on large sizes?

At Dansezo, count around 8 to 12 business days between payment and delivery, free delivery from €50 purchase in metropolitan France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland. Simply check that your size is available on the product page before ordering.

Is there bespoke for very large sizes?

The offer is rare. Werner Kern offers two men's standard models up to UK 16 (around 52⅔), as well as a customization service (color, material, heel height) on its existing models, for €45 more and around 6 to 8 weeks of manufacturing. For true bespoke, inquire with a shoemaker.

Are large sizes more expensive?

Not necessarily. At Werner Kern, the large size men's models Fano and Imola are listed at €154 at the retail price, like other models from the brand (October 2026). At Dansezo, the price of a model is the same regardless of the size.

12. In summary

  • Werner Kern: women's up to UK 9 (around 43⅓), men's up to UK 16 (around 52⅔) on two models
  • Anna Kern: women's up to UK 9
  • Merlet: women's up to 41 to 42.5 depending on the models, men's up to 46-47
  • Dansezo: sizes indicated on each page, free size advice by email
  • Always check the availability and the size guide of the model

To explore our selections: large sizes, small sizes, wide feet. To go further: what size to choose and complete ballroom dancing guide.

Article written by the Dansezo team. Free delivery from €50, in around 8 to 12 business days, 30 days to change your mind, 2-year legal guarantee of conformity.

Last updated: May 10, 2026.

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The Dansezo Team

Dansezo publishes informative content about dance and shoe choice. Learn more about Dansezo