What size should I order?
Shoes are listed in their UK equivalent sizes but they are in fact manufactured and labelled in USA sizes. Whilst we have found this conversion to be quite accurate please be aware that shoe fit can differ by manufacturer and style.
This table offers a guide for EU sizing:
USA
4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
UK
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
EUROPE
34
34.5
35.5
36
36.5
37.5
38
38.5
39.5
40
40.5
41.5
Generally we recommend ordering your usual street size unless there is specific fit advice in the shoe listing. If you have narrower or wider feet or are at all unsure please ask for advice.
Werner Kern shoes are listed in their UK sizing the shoe you will receive will be labelled a half size smaller to result in the correct UK fit medium widths. If you have wider feet you should order a half size larger than your usual street size.
So read all this and still struggling to decide? Either contact us for individual advice or you may wish to consider the Amelia shoe as a first choice. Amelia is a style that rarely fails to fit as it has adjustable straps across the foot so offers a flexible fit that is suitable for a variety of foot widths and shapes. Please just order in your usual street size and then once you have sized this shoe from us we can recommend in future based on this.
What heel should I choose?
Heel size is a personal choice, some dancers can only dance in high heels and others prefer not to.
However, if you are a beginner it may be a good idea to try 2.5 inch or less to begin with. 3 inch heels look fantastic but dancing in them can take practice! Wearing high heels for dancing requires ankle and foot strength for balance that dancers develop over time. Many of our Signature, Upgraded and Party Party range have very flexible soles which advanced dancers love but coupled with a high heel they may not offer the support needed to a less experienced dancer. Please ask for advice if in doubt.
As a rule try to choose heels no higher than you would usually wear in your street shoes. We get more exchanges for a smaller heel size than any other type so please if in doubt try a smaller heel first.
Useful guide: 3 inch if you are already very comfortable dancing in at least 2.5 inch heels 2.5 inch perhaps if you wear high heels on a daily basis If you usually wear flat shoes in your daily life then take a look a 2 inch chunky cuban heel or lower to start with.
If you like a shoe but would prefer it with another heel please contact us to see if we can customise it for you.
How are dance shoes different from normal shoes?
Dance shoes, have non-slip soles, a metal shank in the arch for support and they are very light-weight and flexible. The suede soles enable you to spin with ease whilst also maintaining a good contact with the floor and preventing slipping.
I am a beginner, which shoe would be most suitable for me?
The good news is your dancing will improve as soon as you get your first pair of dance shoes. Suddenly you will find you can spin after all, once your shoes are not sticking to the floor!
Choose a shoe with a low heel, certainly no higher than 2.5 inches and ideally no higher than you would usually wear in your street shoes. The dance floor is no place to get used to high heels. If you do not usually wear heels then try a shoe from our low cuban heels section - they really do allow you to concentrate on learning to dance rather than trying to stay upright!
Avoid shoes with an open back so that your heel is contained and perhaps consider a closed toe shoe to protect your toes from other beginners. If you need any further advice please contact us.
I have wider feet, can you help?
Our standard range are all medium width but some of the styles run a little wider so please see individual descriptions or contact us for advice. You may also use our Design your Own Custom Shoe service or select a standard shoe and then add the larger and wide fit custom option.
Extra wide custom option will add more fabric to the shoe and equal a width of about between an EE and EEE width depending on the style. If you know you are quite wide then choosing an already generous style will help further.
A good first choice can be the Amelia shoe as not only will more fabric be added but also they can be opened further by adjusting the toe buckles.
I need a larger size than you have listed?
Our standard range are only available up to a ladies size UK 7.5 Having said this, some styles to do in fact come up larger in size and so may suit size 8, please just ask for assistance with this.
Please use our Online Custom Design service to order up to Ladies UK 9.5 or select a shoe from our standard range and then add the larger and wide fit custom option to customise your order.
Werner Kern shoes fit up to a UK 9.5 in the standard range.
How do your shoes fasten?
Many of our styles are Quick Buckle which is a speedy, convenient way of fastening your dance shoes. To the eye it looks and adjusts like a conventional buckle but instead of having to thread through the hole you just hook the clasp around the buckle once you have adjusted it to the correct length for you. Once you have placed the strap through the clasp the buckle will be held in place behind it.
If you prefer a conventional style buckle please ask about individual styles.
Werner Kern shoes have a convenient popper fastening.
How do the long straps fasten?
These do sometimes cause confusion! The shoes with long straps can either be fastened all around the ankle or more usually be passed under the shoe and then crossed over the top of the foot before fastening. You can choose whichever you find the most comfortable.
If the straps need more holes then these can be easily added by using a sharp instrument to make the initial clean hole and then a larger instrument to widen it enough for the buckle to pass through. Alternatively you can take the shoes to a shoe repairer who will add these for you. If you dance lots you may find it worthwhile to purchase a leather craft hole punch to do the job easily. You may also wish to cut the long straps to a shorter length depending on your preference.
When will I receive my order?
Most orders will be received within 7-10 working days but should there be a stock delay we will email you and you may then opt to cancel the order or await delivery. Werner Kern shoes can sometimes take an extra week to supply. Custom shoes will be delivered in about 8 weeks.
If you require shoes urgently for an event please contact us and we are always happy to help where we can.
How should my dance shoes fit?
Dance shoes need to fit snugly so your feet do not move around inside. However, not so snug that they dig into your feet! Please bear in mind that the shoe will stretch with wear which is why you should aim for a very snug fit to start with. You may find that some styles suit your foot shape better than others.
If you are happy with the shoes but the straps need more holes then these can be easily added by using a sharp instrument to make the initial clean hole and then a larger instrument to widen it enough for the buckle to pass through. Alternatively you can take the shoes to a shoe repairer who will add these for you. You may also wish to cut the long straps to a shorter length depending on your preference.
I emailed you but have not received a reply?
We make every effort to reply to emails as quickly as possible so if it appears that we have not please check your spam folder. Adding our email address to you address book may prevent this happening in future.
Alternatively, please sign in and check your order history as a copy of all correspondence is also stored there. If your enquiry is regarding a return please follow the instructions on the packing note.
You may use our livechat facility to speak to us sooner. Depending on staffing and workload we try to open this most mornings and afternoons, Monday to Friday.
With Paypal payment is collected at the time of order and we have no control over this. If you prefer you may choose Google Checkout and then we will not charge your card until dispatch*.
*Custom made shoes will however be charged earlier as the order cannot be cancelled once manufacture has started.
What if the shoes don't fit or I don't like them?
No problem. So long as the shoes are returned in an unworn condition within 14 days a refund will be issued - please see our shipping page for full details. The first pair of replacement shoes will be sent out free of additional postal charges.
You will find details of how to return shoes on the packing note which is on the front of the parcel in the clear wallet.
To keep the prices of our shoes low we do not offer a free returns service. Companies that do offer this apparently 'free' service usually artificially raise the prices of all their shoes to cover the actual cost.
Please note that custom designed shoes are not returnable for refund or exchange. For this reason please be sure about the size you order.
How do I keep my shoes in great condition?
Suede soles should be cleaned with a wire brush to remove dirt or raise the nap to prevent the soles becoming smooth from wear. Only brush them as hard as necessary to remove the debris though.
It is important not to get suede soles wet and please also avoid wearing them outside.
If you dance regularly try to alternate your shoes and so giving them a rest. This also allows them to dry out and so limiting odour problems!
Gold, silver and patent dance shoes look stunning but are particularly prone to scuffing so use a coloured shoe polish to maintain their good looks.
When buying light coloured satin shoes it can be a good idea to apply a Scotchguard type spray before the first wear but be sure to only apply to the satin and do a patch test first. If your satin shoes are looking particularly scruffy then you can try sponging them clean with diluted washing powder liquid. Patch test first to check colour fastness and then allow to air dry.
Dancing many hours makes my feet sore, what can I do about it?
The hard life of dancing feet! You can try some thin insoles if the shoe size and style allows. You may also like to consider our Signature, Upgraded or Werner Kern collections as they include an extra level of cushioning for your comfort.
For ladies, switching shoes during the evening to another heel can also help.
How long do dance shoes last?
This is not an easy question to answer as it will differ widely according to the dancer.
It is going to depend on how many hours danced, the floor conditions and your style of dance. Dancers putting their shoes to heavy use may only use their shoes for a few months but a social dancer with more than one pair may use them for much longer.
The soles will wear eventually and if the rest of the shoe is in good condition you can have them resoled at a cobblers. Often though the shoe itself will also have stretched by this stage affecting the support they offer so many dancers prefer to keep these shoes for practice or dancing on bad floors. Sometimes if a shoe has stretched you can continue dancing in them by adding gel inserts to pad the shoe out and so keep them snug fitting. You may also find you need to add more holes to the straps over time as these can stretch with wear.
Once they are no longer supportive for dancing then they can be used as comfortable evening or office shoes.
Can I order over the telephone?
Sorry no we cannot take orders over the phone. The only alternative we offer to online payment is payment by cheque but this will take longer as the funds need to clear prior to dispatch. Please contact us for any further help.
If you have concerns over security please be assured that your security is important to us. Our own site is protected by SSL Encryption and then payments are processed by either Paypal or Google Checkout on their secure servers.
What is Wishlist?
Wishlist is a useful tool for keeping track of your favourite shoes or letting someone know what you would truly like for your birthday! Either use as a guest to send a list to a friend or register on the site by pressing login to enjoy full benefits.
When registered, your list will be stored for you to look at, alter or send to a friend whenever you login to the site. Friends receive a link to your Wishlist page showing the desired shoes with the correct size and heel.
