Competition Heels Rules for IFBB, ICN & WBFF

Not sure which heels are suitable for IFBB competitions? This quick guide covers the essentials so you can choose a pair that meets stage standards.

In IFBB Pro League Australia events, Bikini, Fitness, Wellness and Figure divisions require heels, each with specific requirements.

IFBB & NPC Worldwide Heel Requirements

These are the official heel standards used in IFBB Pro League Australia and NPC Worldwide competitions: 

  • Heel height: 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) No more than 5 inches.
  • Platform: Max 1 cm sole thickness permitted. More than 1 cm platform heels will be strictly prohibited.
  • Heels: Must be worn

Colour & Style

  • Clear: standard and most accepted choice
  • Minimal finishes: clean, no heavy decoration

Recommend Heels for IFBB &NPC

 
Fabulicious gala-08
Fabulicious Gala-08 Fabulicious Lip-106

 

ICN / INBA / ANB Heel Guidelines

These natural federations follow a similar standard to IFBB, with slightly more flexibility in styling.

  • Heel height: typically 10–13 cm (4–5.5 inches)
  • Platform: low profile only (1-2 cm)
  • Upper: clear preferred, black and decorative styles are allowed
  • Heels: Must be worn

Colour & Style

  • Clear = best stage look (longer legs, cleaner lines)
  • Black = allowed, but looks heavier
  • Rhinestones = fine if not overdone

Recommend Heels for ICN / INBA /ANB

 
Fabulicious Cocktail-508 clear platform heels with light grey outsole and ankle strap
Fabulicious Cocktail-508 Fabulicious Elegant-408

WBFF Heel Guidelines

WBFF competitions focus more on overall presentation, allowing more flexibility in heel height and styling compared to IFBB.

  • Heel height: typically 12–15 cm (5–6 inches)
  • Platform: allowed (1-3 cm)
  • Upper: clear or decorative (rhinestones, metallics)
  • Heels: Must be worn

Colour & Style

  • Metallics: silver or gold for a polished look
  • Nude tones: elongate the leg line
  • Crystal-matched: coordinated with suit details

What to Avoid

  • Clear standard heels: can look too basic for WBFF
  • Busy prints: overly busy patterns can take attention away from overall presentation

Extra Notes

Note: Women’s Physique competitors perform barefoot.

Strap or No Strap?

  • Ankle strap: more secure, better for beginners
  • No strap (mule): cleaner look, elongates legs, suits confident walkers

For all other divisions requiring heels, choosing the right pair makes a difference to both presentation and confidence on stage.

Browse our competition heels collection to find styles that match your federation and stage requirements.