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12 Best Ankle Weights to Boost Your Workouts, According to Fitness Trainers

Shop expert-approved ankle weights to rev your cardio, tone your glutes, and strengthen your core.

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We updated this article in July 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.


Like resistance bands and exercise balls, ankle weights are a must-have addition to any home gym. They can help you take your workout to the next level (no Jane Fonda videos required!). With more people working out at home these days, ankle weights have gotten a major popularity boost. Makes sense given that they’re relatively inexpensive, simple to use, and take up very little space. And, the best ankle weights are multifunctional and can be used during a variety of workouts.

If you’re unfamiliar with ankle weights, they are flexible, weighted cuffs that can be strapped around your ankle. “They allow you to easily add resistance to any bodyweight exercise that involves lifting your leg,” says Michael Matthews, C.P.T., author of Bigger Leaner Stronger and founder of Legion Athletics supplements. This translates to more calorie burning and muscle toning.

Ankle weights are most often used during strength-training exercises, but they’re very adaptable: You can use them to upgrade your walks, boost your yoga practice, strengthen your core, or elevate your cardio workout. “Even the lightest ones can increase the intensity of your workout,” says Elaine Studdert, an ACE-certified trainer based in Westchester, NY. “They typically weigh between 1 and 5 lbs, but are available in the 8 to 12-lb range as well.”

Keep in mind, because ankle weights are placed on your legs, they can alter the way your body moves, which makes it especially important to pay attention to your technique, says Daria Gambles, founder of the fitness studio Contour. For instance, she explains, if you’re doing a squat while wearing ankle weights, it’s crucial to have good stability in your feet and core before you start, because the weights can throw your off balance.

If you’ve never used ankle weights before, ease into exercising with them. “Keep your speed slow and the weight low,” says Chris Gagliardi, an ACE-certified trainer. “Be mindful of how you feel both during and after the activity to see how your body is responding to the weights.” Listen to your body and stop if you feel pain or discomfort.

Ready to find the best ankle weights for your fitness needs? These picks are stylish and practical for any kind of workout.

How we chose the best ankle weights

We consulted multiple fitness experts, including Matthews, Gambles, Gagliardi, Janet Lee, fitness instructor and author of the forthcoming book 20 Minutes, 4 Weeks, 1 Dynamite Body!: Tone & Trim in No Time!, celebrity fitness trainer Ridge Davis, and Elaine Studdert, an ACE-certified trainer based in Westchester, NY. We also combed through reviews and product specs to find the best ankle weights.

Our top picks

  • 1
    Bala Bangles

    BEST OVERALL

    Bala Bangles

    $76 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Ankle Weights

    RAVE REVIEWS

    Sportneer Ankle Weights

    Read more
  • 3
    Ankle Weights

    BEST VALUE

    TheraBand Ankle Weights

    Read more
  • 4
    Adjustable Ankle Weights

    Best Ankle Weights for Glutes

    Henkelion Adjustable Ankle Weights

    Read more
  • 5
    Ankle Weights

    Best Mesh Ankle Weights

    Gaiam Ankle Weights

    Read more
1
BEST OVERALL

Bala Bangles

Editor’s Choice
Bala Bangles
1
BEST OVERALL

Bala Bangles

$76 at Amazon$99 at Walmart$55 at Amazon
Credit: Bala
Pros
  • Weight is evenly distributed
  • Come in multiple weights
Cons
  • Some users say velcro is weak

Davis loves these weights because they’re stylish and functional. “The weight is distributed evenly, and they stay in place comfortably no matter how much jumping or movement you do,” he says. Bonus: They also come in charcoal and deep blue.

2
RAVE REVIEWS

Sportneer Ankle Weights

On Sale
Ankle Weights
2
RAVE REVIEWS

Sportneer Ankle Weights

Credit: Sportneer
Pros
  • Available in a range of colors
  • Adjustable weight by removing sand pockets
Cons
  • Some users say velcro is weak

This pair of ankle weights has little pockets so you can add or subtract weight depending on how much resistance you need for a particular exercise or activity. “These are simple and they work—there’s no need to fuss with anything too complex, which will make you less likely to use them,” says Matthews.

3
BEST VALUE

TheraBand Ankle Weights

Ankle Weights
3
BEST VALUE

TheraBand Ankle Weights

Credit: Theraband
Pros
  • Adjustable buckle and strap
  • Reflective trim
Cons
  • Not great for slimmer wrists or ankles

It turns out the brand known for for their versatile resistance bands also makes highly-rated ankle weights. While the outside is made of neoprene, the inner part that touches your skin is made of soft terrycloth. There’s also a reflective trim for outdoor safety.

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4
Best Ankle Weights for Glutes

Henkelion Adjustable Ankle Weights

Adjustable Ankle Weights
4
Best Ankle Weights for Glutes

Henkelion Adjustable Ankle Weights

Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Can customize weight
  • Comfortable cotton
Cons
  • Some users say they are bulky

“I love that these ankle weights allow you to add up to 10 pounds per leg,” says Davis. Even when you make them heavier, they still fit comfortably and securely throughout your workout.

5
Best Mesh Ankle Weights

Gaiam Ankle Weights

Amazon’s Choice
Ankle Weights
5
Best Mesh Ankle Weights

Gaiam Ankle Weights

Now 14% Off
Credit: Gaiam
Pros
  • High-quality velcro straps
Cons
  • May wear and tear over time

If you want a soft, cushion-y feel, go for these ankle weights, says Davis. The broad velcro strap secures the weight in place and prevents slippage. Plus, as Lee notes, this pair is comfy without being bulky.

6
Best For Ankle Health

Day 1 Fitness Ankle Weights

Ankle Weights
6
Best For Ankle Health

Day 1 Fitness Ankle Weights

Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Supports achilles tendinitis
  • Adjustable weight
Cons
  • May wear and tear over time

Whether you opt for the .5-pound pair or 10-pound pair, these ankle weight sets from Day 1 Fitness are truly a bargain. Unlike many others, these also have a little notch designed to fit around your achilles tendon to prevent discomfort. Did we mention they have more than 2,500 5-star Amazon reviews?

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7
Best Moisture-Wicking Ankle Weights

Fragraim Ankle Weights

Ankle Weights
7
Best Moisture-Wicking Ankle Weights

Fragraim Ankle Weights

Credit: Fragraim
Pros
  • Adjustable weight
  • Moisture-absorbing material
Cons
  • Big on smaller limbs

Available in 1 to 7.5-pound increments, these ankle weights are a simple, no-fuss pick. “They’re also affordable and come in fun colors,” says Studdert. If orange isn’t your style, choose from green, purple, black, grey, royal blue, or sky blue.

8
Best Ankle Weights for Thin Ankles

P.volve Ankle Weights

Ankle Weights
8
Best Ankle Weights for Thin Ankles

P.volve Ankle Weights

Credit: P.volve
Pros
  • Thin design
  • Adjustable strap
Cons
  • Some users have difficulty putting them on

“These 1.5 pound weights are designed to be more plush and comfortable, so they shouldn’t scratch your skin or move around during exercise,” says Lee. They feature an adjustable strap that makes it easy to keep them in place.

9
Most Versatile Ankle Weights

AMBOR Ankle Weights

Ankle Weights
9
Most Versatile Ankle Weights

AMBOR Ankle Weights

Credit: AMBOR
Pros
  • Contains iron pellets
  • Adjustable weight
Cons
  • Bulky for some

Not only do these weights come with a little drawstring mesh bag to lower the chance that you’ll lose one, they contain small iron pellets instead of sand, which can feel too bulky. Amazon reviewers are big fans, with 87% of people giving them a 5-star rating.

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10
Best Outdoor Ankle Weights

BONA Adjustable Ankle Weights

Adjustable Ankle Weights
10
Best Outdoor Ankle Weights

BONA Adjustable Ankle Weights

Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Reflective trim
  • Moisture-absorbing
Cons
  • May wear and tear over time

These weights have more than 1,100 5-star reviews on Amazon and customers rave about how comfy and easy to use they are. Plus, the reflective trim is handy if you use them for walks around the neighborhood.

11
Best Ankle Weights for Walking

Empower Ankle & Wrist Weights

Ankle & Wrist Weights
11
Best Ankle Weights for Walking

Empower Ankle & Wrist Weights

Credit: Empower
Pros
  • Adjustable weight
  • Double-sided fabric
Cons
  • Fabric may wear over time

Made from neoprene fabric, these weights offer a comfy fit. Plus, the weights are removable so you can tailor them for different workouts. On Amazon, 76% of reviewers give them 5 stars.

12
Best Adjustable Ankle Weights

Pinc Active Adjustable Ankle Weights Set

Adjustable Ankle Weights Set
12
Best Adjustable Ankle Weights

Pinc Active Adjustable Ankle Weights Set

Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Adjustable weight
  • Rave reviews
Cons
  • Some users report that the fabric feels cheap

“Because these are adjustable from 1 to 5 lbs, they’re a great option for progressing exercises,” says Studdert. To top it off, the brand offers a one-year replacement or refund guarantee if you’re not happy with your purchase.

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How to choose the best ankle weights

prevention line break

✔️ Find a pair that feels comfortable. “Make sure the weights fit securely and comfortably,” says Studdert. “Ankle weights should enhance your workout, not interfere.”

✔️ Choose ankle weights that allow you to adjust weight. “Keep in mind that heavier is not always better,” says Gagliardi. (You wouldn’t start with a 20-pound dumbbell if you never used one before, right?)

✔️ Go for high-quality ankle weights. “As with any kind of workout equipment, don’t buy the cheapest model,” says Gamles. “It doesn’t have to be the most expensive one, but look for well-known brands.”

Headshot of Kaitlyn Phoenix
Kaitlyn Phoenix
Deputy Health Editor

Kaitlyn Phoenix is a deputy editor in the Hearst Health Newsroom, where she reports, writes and edits research-backed health content for Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day. She has more than 10 years of experience talking to top medical professionals and poring over studies to figure out the science of how our bodies work. Beyond that, Kaitlyn turns what she learns into engaging and easy-to-read stories about medical conditions, nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental health. She also holds a B.S. in magazine journalism from Syracuse University.

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