Werner Kern and Anna Kern are not two independent brands: Anna Kern is a line in the catalog of Werner Kern Tanzschuhe GmbH, the manufacturer based in Hanau, in Hesse, founded in the mid-1950s by Werner Kern. Werner Kern (made in Italy according to the brand) outfits both women and men, from Standard to Latin; Anna Kern, presented as "Designed in Italy", offers women's shoes designed mainly for salsa, bachata and kizomba.
The choice therefore comes down to discipline and audience. At the brand's retail prices, Anna Kern is generally less expensive (about €99 to €134) than Werner Kern (about €144 to €164 for most models), according to the official shop in October 2026.
This 2026 comparison covers the company's history, what sets the two lines apart, example models and advice based on your profile. Please note: Dansezo does not sell either of these brands; this guide is for information only.
Contents
- 1. Shared history and differentiation
- 2. Werner Kern: positioning and signature features
- 3. Anna Kern: positioning and signature features
- 4. Side-by-side positioning table
- 5. Example 2026 models
- 6. Prices and finishes compared
- 7. Who is Werner Kern for?
- 8. Who is Anna Kern for?
- 9. When Werner Kern is better than Anna Kern
- 10. When Anna Kern is better than Werner Kern
- 11. Frequently asked questions
- 12. Final verdict
1. Shared history and differentiation
Werner Kern founded his company in Hanau, in Hesse, in the mid-1950s (1954 according to the brand's website). Initially focused on indoor slippers and evening shoes, the company has devoted itself to dance shoes for more than 50 years. From Hanau, the brand is distributed mainly through specialist stores. It primarily targets recreational dancing, with many models also suited to intensive training and competition.
Anna Kern is a line within the same catalog, which the brand describes as a sub-brand: same official shop, same customer service, same sizing system. The origin labeling differs: Werner Kern models are stated as "Made in Italy" (northern Italy, largely handmade according to the brand), while the Anna Kern line is presented as "Designed in Italy", with no claim of Italian manufacturing on the product pages consulted in October 2026. Anna Kern focuses on soft, flexible women's models for salsa, bachata and kizomba: open sandals, in black, nude, gold, platinum or silver, in satin, velvet or brocade.
In practice, a dancer who does both Standard and salsa could easily own a pair from each line: a Werner Kern model for Standard, an Anna Kern model for Latin social nights.
2. Werner Kern: positioning and signature features
Werner Kern is positioned along four dimensions:
- Standard, Latin and recreational dancing: women's pumps and sandals with heels from 1 to 9 cm depending on the model (flare, comfort, "social"), men's shoes from 1 to 4 cm (2 cm Standard heel, 2.5 cm tango, 4 cm Latin).
- A model for every foot type: wider "comfort" models for women, narrow-foot models, models with a removable insole to fit orthotics, extra-wide models for men and men's large sizes up to UK 16.
- Manufacturing and materials: genuine leather from Italian tanneries, made in northern Italy, suede sole, latex midsole and heel cushioning according to the brand's description.
- Customization: the "Shoes designed by you" service lets you choose color, material and heel height on an existing model, for a €45 surcharge and about 6 to 8 weeks of production (Werner Kern and Nueva Epoca lines only).
Dansezo does not sell Werner Kern. If you are looking for a ballroom dance shoe in our selection: ballroom dance shoes.
3. Anna Kern: positioning and signature features
Anna Kern is positioned along four distinct dimensions:
- Women's social Latin dances: the brand directs Anna Kern toward salsa, bachata and kizomba, with soft, flexible models.
- A range of heels: from about 3 cm (Cuban heel) to 8 cm (stiletto or platform) on the models in the range, including a 3.5 cm Cuban heel presented for lindy hop.
- A distinctive style: lots of open sandals, metallic colors (gold, platinum, silver) alongside black and nude, in satin, brocade, velvet or microfiber.
- The same sizing system as Werner Kern (UK sizes, then an adjustment based on the model's last), with more affordable retail prices.
Dansezo does not sell Anna Kern. For salsa in our selection: women's salsa shoes.
4. Side-by-side positioning table
| Criterion | Werner Kern | Anna Kern |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Historic brand of Werner Kern Tanzschuhe GmbH | Line (sub-brand) of the Werner Kern catalog |
| Headquarters | Hanau, Hesse (Germany) | Hanau (same company) |
| Main specialization | Standard, Latin, comfort, men's | Salsa, bachata, kizomba for women |
| Women's models | Pumps, sandals, comfort, wedding, sneakers | Women's sandals and pumps |
| Men's models | Yes: Standard, Latin, tango, extra-wide, large sizes | None on the official shop |
| Dominant colors | Black, beige, nude, many colors depending on the model | Black, nude, beige, gold, platinum, silver |
| Women's heel | 1 to 9 cm depending on the model | About 3 to 8 cm |
| Stated origin | "Made in Italy" | "Designed in Italy"; Italian manufacturing not claimed |
| Sizes | UK 1 to 9 (women's), UK 5 to 16 (men's) | UK 1 to 9 |
| Widths | Comfort models, narrow-foot, extra-wide men's | No specific width announced |
| Customization | Yes (+€45, 6 to 8 weeks) | Not offered |
| Typical retail price (Oct. 2026) | About €144 to €164, up to €189 | About €99 to €134 |
5. Example 2026 models
A few models noted on the official shop in October 2026, as examples (retail prices excluding promotions, subject to change):
| Model | Brand | Category | Heel | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gala | Werner Kern | Women's, cited by the brand for bunions (hallux valgus) | 3.4, 4.5 or 6 cm | €149 |
| Fatima | Werner Kern | Women's comfort, also cited for bunions (hallux valgus) | 5 or 6 cm | €149 |
| Fano | Werner Kern | Men's, available in large sizes | 2 cm Standard | €154 |
| Imola extra-wide | Werner Kern | Men's wide foot, up to UK 16 | 2 cm Standard | €154 |
| Blanche | Anna Kern | Women's, comfortable heel | 6 cm | €99 |
| Adele | Anna Kern | Salsa sandal in goat velvet | 6 cm | €109 |
| Celeste | Anna Kern | Women's, thin heel | 7.5 cm | €119 |
| Desiree | Anna Kern | Women's, high heel | 8 cm | €119 |
6. Prices and finishes compared
The two lines are not at the same price level. Retail prices observed on the official shop in October 2026, excluding promotions:
- Anna Kern: most models between €99 and €134, one model at €214. Varied materials: goat velvet, satin, brocade, nappa, microfiber.
- Werner Kern women's: most between €144 and €164, a few models up to €189. Genuine leather from Italian tanneries.
- Werner Kern men's: about €149 to €189, extra-wide and large-size models included (€154 for Fano and Imola).
- Werner Kern customization: model price plus €45, handmade in Italy in about 6 to 8 weeks.
At retailers, prices may differ, and occasional promotions exist on both lines.
7. Who is Werner Kern for?
Werner Kern stands out for five profiles:
- Male dancers: Anna Kern does not exist for men. Werner Kern offers Standard (2 cm), tango (2.5 cm) and Latin (4 cm) heels.
- Standard dancers: closed pumps and "social" or flare models, in a range that goes from recreational to competition.
- Dancers with sensitive or wide feet: comfort models, models cited by the brand for bunions (hallux valgus) (Franca, Gala, Ruth, Sonia, Fatima, Georgia, Ilona, Paulette) and models with a removable insole. These pointers do not replace the advice of a podiatrist.
- Men with large feet: two extra-wide models go up to UK 16 (about 52⅔ according to the brand's conversion table).
- Couples dancing both Standard and Latin: one brand covers both partners and both disciplines.
8. Who is Anna Kern for?
Anna Kern stands out for four profiles:
- Salsa, bachata and kizomba dancers: this is the orientation the brand announces for this line.
- Tighter budgets: retail prices are lower than Werner Kern's by about €30 to €50 on most models.
- Fans of shiny colors: gold, platinum, silver, satin or brocade materials.
- Dancers comfortable in thin heels: several models go up to 7.5 cm (stiletto) or 8 cm (stiletto or platform).
9. When Werner Kern is better than Anna Kern
- Standard dancing, whatever the level (women's pump, men's shoe).
- Any men's shoe (Anna Kern does not cover men).
- A preference for manufacturing in Italy.
- Wide feet, narrow feet or orthotic insoles, thanks to the dedicated models.
- Argentine tango on the men's side (2.5 cm tango heel); the company also has a women's tango category.
- A need for a specific color or material, thanks to the customization service.
10. When Anna Kern is better than Werner Kern
- Salsa, bachata and kizomba, in class as well as at social nights.
- A budget of about €100 to €130 at retail price.
- A taste for open sandals and metallic colors.
- Fairly high thin heels (7.5 to 8 cm), for those who already handle them well.
- Swing and lindy hop, with the 3.5 cm Cuban heel offered for that practice.
11. Frequently asked questions
Are Werner Kern and Anna Kern the same brand?
Not exactly. Anna Kern is a line (a sub-brand) in the catalog of Werner Kern Tanzschuhe GmbH, based in Hanau, in Hesse. Same official shop, same sizing system, but not the same use: Anna Kern offers women's models designed for salsa, bachata and kizomba, presented as "Designed in Italy"; Werner Kern covers women and men, from Standard to Latin, with manufacturing stated as being in Italy.
Which one should I choose for Standard competition?
Werner Kern is the better choice. It offers Standard models for women (heels from 1 to 9 cm depending on the model) and for men (1 to 4 cm). The brand states that many of its models are suitable for intensive training and competition. Also check the rules of your federation and your category.
And for Latin competition?
Werner Kern has a Latin category for women and for men. Anna Kern mainly offers women's sandals for salsa, bachata and kizomba (heels of about 3 to 8 cm), some of which are suitable for recreational Latin dancing. For competition, try the model on and check the rules of your category.
Is there a price difference between the two brands?
Yes. On the official shop in October 2026, excluding promotions, most Anna Kern models cost between €99 and €134, and most Werner Kern models between €144 and €164 (a few up to €189). Prices may differ at retailers.
Is the width/fit system the same for both?
There is no A-to-G width system. Werner Kern sorts its models by use: wider "comfort" models and narrow-foot models on the women's side, extra-wide models on the men's side. Each model is built on a last that determines its fit, Anna Kern included.
Is the size chart the same?
Yes: English (UK) sizes (UK 1 to 9 for women, up to UK 16 on some Werner Kern men's models). The brand provides a conversion table (for example UK 5 = 38), followed by an adjustment based on the model's last, most often half a size down. If you wear a 38 and the last is marked "-½", you take UK 4½.
Which one should I pick to start amateur competition?
It depends on your discipline: Werner Kern for Standard and Latin (women and men), Anna Kern if you mainly dance salsa, bachata or kizomba. At the brand's retail prices, expect to pay roughly €100 to €165 (October 2026).
Is there a resoling service for both?
The official shop does not offer in-house resoling. It sells care accessories (soles, heel protectors, suede sole brushes). For resoling, go to a cobbler or your retailer.
Does Anna Kern also exist for men?
No. On the official shop, Anna Kern only appears in women's shoes. For men, the company offers Werner Kern, Nueva Epoca and the Suny dance sneakers.
Are both brands sold everywhere in France?
No. Werner Kern is distributed mainly through specialist stores, and also sells through its online shop. Dansezo sells neither Werner Kern nor Anna Kern: our shop offers its own selection of dance shoes.
12. Final verdict
- Werner Kern: Standard, Latin, men's and comfort models. Made in Italy as stated, about €144 to €164 at retail price.
- Anna Kern: women's line in the Werner Kern catalog, designed for salsa, bachata and kizomba. Presented as "Designed in Italy", about €99 to €134.
- Same sizing system: UK sizes, the brand's conversion table, then an adjustment based on the model's last.
- No A-to-G width system: Werner Kern instead offers comfort, narrow-foot or extra-wide models.
- No in-house resoling announced: go to a cobbler, and care for the suede sole with a suitable brush.
To explore our Dansezo selections: ballroom dance, Latin dances, women's salsa. To go further: our Werner Kern guide, our Anna Kern guide, complete ballroom dance guide, comparison of dance shoe brands and guide to shoes for sensitive feet.
Article written by the Dansezo team. Free delivery from €50, 30 days to change your mind, 2-year legal warranty of conformity.
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