Injuries of any kind can set you back significantly in terms of muscle strength, but ankle weights are an easy way to get yourself back on track. With the help of a physical therapist, you can get into a good routine to use them regularly for exercises or just while walking around the house. Similarly, if you’re just looking to level up your workout routine, ankle weights are a simple way to add some intensity without changing your entire exercise plan. Wear them while you run, do your core exercises, or go through your leg workout, and watch the gains increase over time thanks to the extra strain on your muscles. That said, such a useful piece of exercise equipment is bound to have many variations, making it hard to decide which one will be right for you. To help you out, we’ve selected the best options that will deliver on quality no matter your budget. Here are the best ankle weights in 2025.
These ankle weights are constructed of durable cotton and moisture-absorbing material to ensure they’re breathable, even when sweating and performing exercises. This makes them very comfortable to use, something which many customers mentioned in their reviews, including this one who said the ankle weights didn’t even “abrade” their skin. The strap closure on these ankle weights is completely adjustable, which allows you to easily alter their fit in the middle of a workout and makes them great for users of almost all shapes and sizes. Not only that, but they also come in a few different weight increments. Thanks to their durable design and adjustable fit, these ankle weights are our top pick.
| Includes velcro strap closure that ensures it provides a snug fit. | |
| Weights aren’t overly bulky or large, which makes them convenient to wear. | |
| Easy to get on and off without a lot of steps required. |
This ankle weight set provides a snug fit that won’t move around on the go, and it can be a great choice for smaller wrists and ankles. Also, it has a sufficiently padded design that can help you stay focused on your form rather than the feeling of uncomfortable weights irritating your skin, resulting in a more engaging and productive workout. These ankle weights have a double-stitched construction that offers phenomenal durability and ensures that the weights retain their shape and form for a long time, even with regular use. While these ankle weights can make for a great addition to your workout gear, they are a bit more expensive than our top pick.
| Very comfortable to wear with the extra padding in the structure. | |
| Can fit smaller wrists and ankles, making the weights ideal for users with relatively small body dimensions. | |
| The material is extremely soft and breathable and does not cause irritation to the skin. |
These CAP Barbell Ankle Weights feature external pockets that make it easy for you to adjust them as needed. This way you can achieve the exact resistance level you’re after, with each weight reaching up to a maximum of 10 pounds. Additionally, these ankle weights boast a near-universal fit that should be able to accommodate most users. You can customize them by unzipping the compartments and switching out their weight, with the strong double velcro strap design offering both a secure fit and easy pull-on and removal, as mentioned by this user. They’re also all black, which can make them a great option for discreet workouts like mall walks or jogs around the neighborhood. These things make the ankle weights an all around great pick, but they are a bit pricier than some of the other options on our list.
| Solid and durable zippers ensure safe and smooth operation. | |
| Double velcro straps to keep the weights in place while moving and to ensure a snug fit. | |
| Weight is evenly distributed, so it does not feel disproportionately heavier on any side. |
These Empower Ankle Weights are made with soft, stretchy neoprene material and have reinforced double-stitched construction, both of which offer phenomenal comfort and enhanced durability that’s similar to our top pick. Also, these ankle weights have a gorgeous pop of color and a sleek design, so you can wear them as a fashionable yet sporty accessory. Like the CAP model above, these ankle weights allow you to adjust the level of resistance on the fly. The included weighted bars raise or lower in increments of 0.5 pounds, allowing you to get very specific with how much you want to work out with. They can also be great for people with small bones (as mentioned by this customer in their review), which unfortunately isn’t the case for every set of ankle weights on the market.
| Includes velcro attachments, providing a secure, quick, and easy on/off mechanism. | |
| Weighted bars mechanism makes it very easy to adjust the weight in increments of 0.5lbs. | |
| Portable design, can be easily carried to work or worn under clothes for some on-the-go workouts. |
These ankle weights from Gaiam weigh 2.5 pounds each and boast a sporty appearance that can make you look like a true athlete. The bright colors correspond to a certain weight to help you easily know which one to grab based on the weight you want. Their fit is easy to adjust and will stay in place no matter what exercises you’re tackling. Whether you opt for the neon green 5-pound set or the blue 10-pound set, you’ll receive a pair of high-quality ankle weights that can become the X-factor in all your workouts. From cardio to pilates, they can elevate a good session to a great one, and their durable design means that you’ll be able to use them for years to come.
| Excellent velcro closure, weights do not slip or slide even with consistent motion. | |
| Material is breathable and will not cause profuse sweating. | |
| Easy to quickly take on and off. |
Choosing the best ankle weights for your strength training is pretty straightforward. Start with picking the right size, then the proper weight, and lastly, the locking mechanism that protects the ankle weight from falling off while working out. Another thing to consider is the materials being used. You need to make sure that it is skin-friendly. Some options can feel very irritating when they rub on your skin, especially if you are sweating heavily. Fortunately, we narrowed down a list of factors you need to consider before selecting suitable ankle weights for your leg-strengthening workouts.
Factors to Consider When Buying Ankle Weights
Size
Choosing the right size is essential, but thankfully, most options are adjustable. All you need to do is make sure that the range of sizes will fit your ankles comfortably, and it shouldn’t slip down when performing your go-to workout routines. If you’ve never used ankle weights before, opt for a lower weight, like the RHEEHUT 1-pound set. If you’re a bit more experienced or used to training with heavier weights, though, consider going for an option like the CAP Barbell set, which offers a maximum of 20 pounds across both ankle weights. You can also use ankle weights for your wrists, and it is an excellent way to keep your hands free while you are getting in your daily dose of exercise.
Weight
Ankle weights are available in various size options, come in different weights, and the heavier they are, the faster you can improve your strength. It’s a good idea to begin with lighter models before stepping it up a notch if you’re just starting out.
Materials and durability
Ankle weights are made from different materials. If you have sensitive skin, it is essential to choose one that will not cause skin irritation, such as neoprene. Similarly, stay away from ankle weights made from materials like latex, which can be a common cause of discomfort. Besides that, getting one with durable and long-lasting materials is a plus, especially if you want to make the most out of your purchase. The first thing that usually breaks with ankle weights is the closure. Make sure that the straps are durable enough to last. Velcro closure will probably last for a good while, but you have to make sure that it is thick enough for it to stick better.
Color
Although it might not be as important as the previous factors to consider, choosing the right color that matches your workout attire is a personal choice. Choosing a color you like might help you get in the mood to run outside or work out more often.
Benefits of Ankle Weights
Aside from working on your strength, there are more benefits to wearing and working out with ankle weights.
Ankle weights keep your hands free
Some people cannot lift dumbbells due to past injuries or other muscle and joint problems. So using ankle weights is an excellent way for you to continue working out without using your hands. Just strap them on your wrists and do the same repetitions that you would typically do with a dumbbell.
Improves balance and flexibility
Weights are not just for improving your muscle strength, but you can also use them to improve your range of motion, balance, and flexibility. When doing yoga or Zumba, wearing weights will help you burn more calories and improve your ability to do challenging yoga poses and more.
It targets focus areas
Other types of weights cannot hit specific muscles that you want to strengthen. Ankle weights will enable you to target some of the most challenging areas to reach, especially in the lower body.
Strengthens both your knees and hips
Ankle weights don’t only work in strengthening your legs to make you run faster and jump higher, but they can also benefit your hips and knees. They can also be helpful for proper positioning and regaining a sense of balance while walking, both for older individuals and those who have suffered from a stroke.
It is excellent for intense workout sessions
If you are walking or running laps, these can double the intensity of your workout without doing too much. You can do your regular exercise or running routines and get the most out of them by wearing ankle weights.
Ankle Weight Tips
You probably already know that ankle weights are not just for your ankles. So, if you are looking to work on your back, biceps, triceps, and shoulders, you can use ankle weights to intensify your cardio and strength training. What is really great about using them is not needing to get a ton of equipment—allowing you to work out in a small apartment or save space in your home.
There are many uses for wearing ankle weights. Whether you are running, swimming, or cycling, you can wear ankle weights if you want to challenge yourself. By adding a little weight during cardio workouts, you can burn a significant number of calories. You can also use them to recover from injuries, but this use comes with an important catch. Depending on the injury, people will sometimes lose their strength, and adding a little bit of weight can help you strengthen and recover from injuries. Ankle weights are commonly used in therapy and rehab sessions for gradually improving and building up your strength for faster recovery, but with that said, you should always ask your doctor whether this is an option for your particular case. If you don’t, you could end up doing more damage to your body and causing a setback in your rehabilitation process. It is also common to use ankle weights for warming up or stretching. It is ideal to use weights when doing yoga or other core exercises as it can improve balance and coordination.
Ankle weights typically weigh between one to 10 pounds. If you are just getting started, anything from one to five pounds should be a good way to introduce your muscles to the extra weight. Choosing something too heavy for you to handle could strain your muscles, giving you a hard time recovering from your daily sessions.
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