The Ultimate Posing Shoe Federation Guide (UK)
So many federations; so many rules! 🙈 Last Updated: July 2026
It can be confusing as to what shoes to get for your comp whether you are a first-time bikini girl or an experience bodybuilding competitor, so we created a mini guide to help you decide 🖤
If you need any help choosing the right shoe for you feel free to contact us here
Note: rules can change throughout the year so make sure you double check the website of the federation to make sure they have not changed their rules before making your purchase. All shoes shown are exemplary.
PCA
Physical Culture Association.
“ Shoes can be of any style, with a heel height of no more than 5 inches. We ask that all shoes are fit for purpose and safe to walk in. ”
Pure Elite
" Must wear heels. "
2 Bros Pro
" Competitors must wear high heels. Applicable to all female categories EXCEPT Women's Physique & Bodybuilding. “
UKBFF
United Kingdom Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation.
“ Bikini: High heel shoes must be worn, but platform soles are not permitted. The colour and style of the shoes will be the competitors own choice. ”
“ Body Fitness: High-heels will be worn during this round. Shoe style and colour may be at the competitor’s discretion. Sole thickness will be no greater than 6.35 millimetres (¼”); stiletto height will be no greater than 127 millimetres (5”). Platform high-heels will be strictly prohibited. ”
“ Women’s Physique: No footwear. ”
UKUP
United Kingdom Ultimate Physiques
“ All female categories: High heel shoes must be worn; platform soles are permitted but with a maximum height of 1.5 inch. The colour and style of the shoes will be the competitors own choice. ”
Miami Pro
“ All female categories: High heels are to be worn, NO HEEL HEIGHT RESTRICTION. “
WABBA
International / UK
“ The thickness of the soles cannot exceed 2.5 cm (1 inch) and the height of the stiletto heels cannot be more than 12 cm. Platform shoes are not allowed. Women competing in categories where they have to wear shoes, must show the shoes they will be using in competition at the moment of registration. ”
FitX
" Shoes can be of any colour or style. Ideally comfortable for the competitor. No overly high platform sole, for the safety of the athlete. ”
NABBA
National Amateur Body-Builders' Association.
" Heeled shoes are recommended but not compulsory” .
UKDFBA
United Kingdom Drug Free Bodybuilding Association.
" High-heeled shoes with a platform/sole depth of no more than 25mm (1 inch) and heel height of no more than 130mm (5 inches) "
WBFF
World Beauty Fitness & Fashion.
" Shoes should be 5-6 inch stilettos. Any style & colour. Preferably fashion shoes that express style & wardrobe choice. ”
FMC
Fitness Model Championships
" Athletes must wear heels - No rules/limitations. ”
WFF
World Fitness Federation.
“High heels can be any style, but we do recommend that you are able to walk in them safely and confidently.”
NOTE: Women’s Physique and Bodybuilding Athletes are not required to wear heels onstage.
WNBF UK
World Natural Bodybuilding Federation.
“ Ladies must wear clear high-heeled shoes, with a typical heel height of 4 to 5.5 inches. WNBF UK recommends a shoe style that features a minimal platform, 1⁄2 or 3⁄4 platforms are allowed. We encourage a shoe allowing the ball of the foot and toes to be flush, or nearly flush, with the floor. The platform height itself is ultimately at the competitor's discretion. ”
BPA
British Physique Alliance
“ You may choose to have a small platform or no platform. Heels can be any height. ”
IBFA
International Bodybuilding and Fitness Association
“ Athletes must wear heels. “
WNBF
World Natural Bodybuilding Federation
“ Female* competitors must wear clear high-heeled shoes, with a typical heel height of 4 to 5.5 inches. WNBF UK recommends a shoe style that features a minimal platform, 1⁄2 or 3⁄4 platforms are allowed. We encourage a shoe allowing the ball of the foot and toes to be flush, or nearly flush, with the floor. The platform height itself is ultimately at the competitor's discretion. ”
*With the exception of women’s bodybuilding which is barefoot.
NPA
Natural Physique Association
“ Shoes - Any clear heel. ”
Glifting Girls
“ A coloured or clear heel can be worn to match your bikini/costume. At least a 4 inch heel and 1 inch platform at the front. “