Using ankle weights is a great way to add resistance to your workout routine, which may help improve balance and increase strength. Beginner to advanced exercisers can wear them on their ankles and, in some cases, their wrists during bodyweight exercises, cardio, Pilates sequences, and more. Plus, because of their size, they’re easy to take on the go or add to your home workout space.
To find the best ankle weights on the market, we first spoke with fitness experts about what key features to look for in a high-quality option. Then, we tested 22 expert-approved ankle weights from top brands in The Verywell Testing Lab, using each pair while completing two lower body, core, and arm workout circuits. One circuit was performed while dry, and the other was performed after spritzing ourselves with water to simulate very sweaty conditions. We evaluated each pair for setup, ease of use, adjustability, fit, comfort, versatility, portability, and value. We also had a certified yoga and Pilates instructor from our Review Board review this article for accuracy.
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 1, 2, or 3 pounds (adjustable) | Material: Steel, silicone | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 13 x 3 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for beginner to intermediate exercisers who want a high-quality, adjustable, and comfortable set of stylish ankle weights.
Why We Love Them
Bala’s Bangles blew us away with their high-quality, comfortable silicone material, sleek look, and versatility. We love how easy they are to fasten and adjust to our ankles or wrists before beginning our workout routine. We also love that we can easily adjust the weight of each pair by 2-ounce increments. Thanks to their sturdy Velcro closure and grippy silicone exterior, they never budged, even during more challenging exercises like standing leg lifts and mountain climbers.
We love that they’re water-resistant and don’t hold on to sweat or moisture. They’re also a breeze to clean—spray them with a natural cleaning agent and wipe any grime off with a cloth. And because they’re made with recycled steel filling, they won’t leak onto your floors and create a mess like their sand-filled competitors might. Plus, we like that they’re sleek and stylish enough to wear on fitness walks or to run errands.
Potential Flaws
- These are pricier than other options on our list, but they’re durable and built to last.
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 1 or 2 pounds (adjustable) | Material: Silicone | Closure: Adjustable strap with magnet | Dimensions: 14.1 x 3.7 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for beginner to intermediate exercisers who want a durable, easy-to-adjust set of ankle weights.
Why We Love Them
Sculpt Society’s Ankle Weights closely resemble Bala Bangles with their durable silicone material and similar design. However, this set closes with an adjustable strap with a magnetic closure for added security. We especially appreciated this feature as we performed faster-paced and more advanced exercises. After testing both options, we think they’re a solid substitute for Bala Bangles, especially if you can snag them when they’re on sale.
When we tested the 2-pound option, we loved how comfortable they were. We also like that each ankle weight is easy to adjust in 4-ounce increments. You simply slide on or off one or more of the eight included blocks to add or remove weight. We particularly like this weight adjustment mechanism, which we find more seamless than other options that require you to remove or re-insert weighted pockets into the ankle weights, which can be tricky.
Potential Flaws
- These ankle weights occasionally pulled our body hair. To avoid this, you may want to wear these with thick workout leggings and/or a long sleeve shirt.
- During some exercises, we noticed that one ankle weight felt slightly heavier than the other. However, in general, their resistance felt similar.
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Soft and comfortable
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Stay in place
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High-quality
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 1.5 or 3 pounds | Material: Neoprene | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 11 x 4.3 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for beginner to intermediate exercisers looking for a more budget-friendly set of ankle weights and for those who already love P.volve’s exercise system.
Why We Love Them
Budget-friendly products sometimes sacrifice quality for the price, but this isn’t the case with P. Volve’s 3 LB Ankle Weights. These ankle weights are part of Jennifer Aniston’s favorite line of workout products, and they integrate seamlessly with the rest of P. Volve’s exercise system. However, they can also be used alone in any workout where you want to add a little resistance.
When we tested the 3-pound weights, we loved the feel of their soft neoprene material. Plus, they didn’t slip when we affixed them to our ankles during exercises, including more high-intensity moves. Featuring a traditional design with a Velcro closure, we love how comfortable they feel against our skin. We appreciate that we never have to worry about their smooth material catching on our body hair or pinching our skin.
Potential Flaws
- We wish their Velcro straps were longer for a more adjustable fit to accommodate different calf and wrist sizes.
- While you can’t adjust their weight, you can choose between two resistance options.
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Easy to make small, precise adjustments
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Securely fit a range of ankle and wrist sizes
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Budget-friendly
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 1-15 pounds (sold individually) | Material: Neoprene (1-3.5 pounds), nylon (5-7.5 pounds), iron pellets | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 9.5 x 4 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for beginner to advanced exercisers who want a budget-friendly, comfortable set of ankle weights for strengthening and physical (PT) exercises.
Why We Love Them
ProsourceFit’s Ankle Weights stand out for their comfortable, highly adjustable fit. When we wrapped them around our ankles, we loved their soft, snug feel. When we tested the 2-pound option, their cushioning nicely padded our ankles and prevented discomfort as we performed standing leg lifts, double leg lifts, donkey kicks, and more.
We really like these ankle weights’ long, adjustable Velcro straps, which loop back through a metal tab, making it easy to put them on and make small, precise adjustments, even in the middle of our workout routines. Unlike some other ankle weights we tested, we love that this budget-friendly pair comfortably fits a range of ankle and wrist sizes. Plus, we also love that these easily roll into a small ball, making them a breeze to take on the go.
Potential Flaws
- Depending on the size of your calves, the Velcro may rub against your skin, so you may want to wear full-length leggings or crew socks while using these ankle weights.
- While these worked great when we performed slower-paced exercises, we think they’d slide around a bit during faster-paced workouts.
Most Valuable Insight
“I found these weights comfortable on both my ankles and wrists. Their material is well-cushioned and soft; even when tightly wrapped around my ankle, they still felt supportive and comfy. They’re also very easy and quick to adjust and allow for many inches of varying sizes. Because there’s so much room for size adjustments, you can wear a variety of pants or socks—they would even fit over jeans.” —Charlotte Wells, Verywell Fit product tester
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 0.5-2 pounds (adjustable) | Material: Neoprene | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 10.6 x 5.7 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Best for beginner to intermediate exercisers who want budget-friendly, highly customizable ankle weights.
Why We Love Them
Sportneer’s Ankle Weights are our top pick for an adjustable, highly customizable, and budget-friendly option. They feature a traditional ankle weight design with five removable pockets with sand filling and a Velcro closure. We love that you get five weights in one with these, making them a very versatile option that can be adjusted to suit the needs of beginner to intermediate users.
During testing, we loved that these fit our ankles and wrists snugly and were a breeze to adjust for a more customized fit. They stay put whether we use them for upper or lower body exercises. And they never slip, even on very wet skin.
Potential Flaws
- During testing, one sandbag ripped slightly after we removed it and reinserted it several times. However, we still think this option offers good value for its price.
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 0.25-25 pounds (sold individually) | Material: Vinyl | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 12 x 4.25 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for beginner to advanced exercisers who want a high-quality ankle weight that comes in heavier weight options.
Why We Love Them
The Cuff Original Ankle and Wrist Weight features a ton of weight options and a long closure strap, providing a secure fit for low to high-intensity workouts. With their high-quality, sleek design, we think they give off a cool, vintage boxing vibe. Plus, with three large Velcro pads evenly spaced across each weight, it’s easy to find a strong grip around our ankles. During testing, we loved how their material felt against our skin and how their rectangular design covered our entire ankles without any pressure points or discomfort.
Their weight felt evenly distributed as we performed core, upper, and lower body exercises. We love that their double-stitching provides durability while the vinyl material is easy to clean–just wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth. And while they go up to very heavy weight options, Kollins Ezekh, a professional trainer with over 15 years of expertise, recommends starting with a lighter weight and increasing as you progress.
Potential Flaws
- While these weights were easy to secure around our ankles, they were a bit more challenging to put on our wrists.
- These are sold in singles, unlike other options on our list, which are sold as sets.
Most Valuable Insight
“They’re incredibly comfortable, portable, and well-made. Their long adjustment strap is really helpful for securing the weights onto my ankles and wrists. There’s a nice amount of Velcro pads placed along the design to allow for a truly customized fit.” —Jordan Law, Verywell Fit product tester
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 2 pounds | Material: Polyester, spandex, iron weights | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 14 x 3.4 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5
Who They’re For
Best for beginner to intermediate exercisers looking to add resistance to upper body exercises or for kickboxers who want to add some weight to their punches.
Why We Love Them
While many ankle weights can be used interchangeably on wrists and ankles, DB Method’s Dreamlets were uniquely made for wrist exercises and feature thumbholes. We think this makes them more comfortable to wear around your wrists than bulkier ankle weights.
These wrist weights fit similarly to weightlifting gloves, but each one adds a couple of pounds to your workout. That may not sound like a lot of weight, but it can add a considerable challenge to high-rep, bodyweight exercises like front raises, lateral raises, and tricep kickbacks. We love how secure their Velcro closures are, keeping our wrist weights in place even during more dynamic movements like jumping jacks and when we get sweaty.
Potential Flaws
- The weight of each pair isn’t adjustable. But if you’re comfortable using 2-pound weights, this shouldn’t be a problem.
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Able to adjust weight in small increments
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Breathable, with ample cushioning
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Large, adjustable strap for secure fit
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 2, 3, 5, or 8 pounds (adjustable) | Material: Cotton, neoprene | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 13.07 x 4.68 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Best for beginner to intermediate exercisers seeking durable, secure, and heavy-duty ankle weights for targeted exercises.
Why We Love Them
Henkelion’s Adjustable Ankle Weights are our top pick for anyone seeking secure, durable, and high-quality ankle weights. This ankle weight’s large, adjustable Velcro strap is strong, providing a dependable fit, particularly for people with larger ankles or wrists. We loved how easy these were to put on and take off. We also loved their soft, breathable cotton material and ample cushioning, which provided added comfort during our sweaty, intense workouts.
Along with their cotton exterior, these weights feature a neoprene material and reinforced stitching. This provides the durability to withstand intensive use, an essential feature for high-quality ankle weights like these. We love that they have individual weight bags, allowing us to adjust their weight in small increments. Each bag’s weight depends on the set’s total weight, with options available for various fitness levels and goals.
Potential Flaws
- When we used these on wet skin, they slid during high-intensity dynamic exercises, making them a better choice for slower-paced, targeted exercises like squats and kickbacks.
Most Valuable Insight
“This is clearly a strong product made of tough materials. It’s something you’d buy if you want it to last for a long time. Plus, its fabric feels very soft and well cushioned.” —Lexi Lane, Verywell Fit product tester
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Thick, secure Velcro strap
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Comfortable, breathable fabric
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Compact and easy to transport
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 2.5 or 5 pounds | Material: Neoprene, polyester, mesh with sand filling | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 7.13 x 5.39 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Best for intermediate to advanced exercisers who need breathable weights for sweaty workouts, like hot yoga classes or outdoor training sessions.
Why We Love Them
GAIAM’s Restore Ankle Weights quickly nabbed our spot for the best moisture-wicking option, thanks to their soft and highly breathable construction. During testing, we loved that their materials effectively absorbed moisture while their mesh provided an airy feel around our ankles. Plus, we didn’t experience chafing as we completed our workout circuits.
They feature a large Velcro closure, which provided a stable fit and comfortable weight distribution as we performed double leg lifts, donkey kicks, and more. Ezkeh says that a thick Velcro strap is the primary feature he looks for in a good ankle weight, as the thicker the strap, the better the security around the ankle, and these ankle weights definitely deliver. Although they come in heavier options, their design is sleek and compact. We found them easy to carry in our gym bag to transport post-workout.
Potential Flaws
- These ankle weights may be too large for smaller ankles and calves.
- These weights offer limited size adjustability, which may compromise their stability for some during higher-intensity workouts.
Most Valuable Insight
“I used these on my bare ankles and found the fabric texture quite comfortable. The weight was distributed comfortably over the surface of the weights and I didn’t feel any uncomfortable presssure in any one spot.” —Jordan Law, Verywell Fit product tester
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High-quality materials
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Plush, comfortable padding
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Evenly distributed weight
Key Specs
Weight per Ankle: 1.5 pounds | Material: Vegan leather, metal ball filling | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Who They’re For
Best for people seeking stylish, comfortable, high-quality ankle weights for everyday use.
Why We Love Them
Tracy Anderson’s UWRAPS Ankle Weights perfectly combine form and function. These weights come in several sleek color options with gold accents. During testing, we found them easy to put on and secure around our ankles, and their weight felt evenly distributed. We especially love their plush cushioning, which conforms nicely around our ankles and wrists as we perform our workout circuits. We also found they felt especially gentle around the bony parts of our ankles and wrists–a nice touch for those with more sensitive skin.
Constructed of vegan leather, these ankle weights are easy to clean and moisture-resistant. While they’re designed with Tracy Anderson Method classes in mind (which consist of aerobics, cardio, dance-based exercises, and mat work), you can seamlessly incorporate them into any low-intensity workout, whether at home, the gym, or an exercise class. And we think they’re stylish enough to be worn out and about.
Potential Flaws
- With a relatively small Velcro strap, these ankle weights provide limited size adjustability and may slide on smaller ankles and wrists.
- These weights are pricier than other options on our list, although we think their quality exceeds their value.
Most Valuable Insight
“My favorite thing about these weights is their comfort; often with ankle weights, I can feel an uncomfortable pressure against my ankle bones, but these are well-cushioned and never dig into or pinch my skin.” —Charlotte Wells, Verywell Fit product tester
What We’ve Updated
- Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best ankle weights, we’ve re-evaluated our previous picks and hands-on tested five additional ankle weight options from top brands. Based on our testing, we’ve evaluated each pair for setup, ease of use, adjustability, fit, comfort, versatility, portability, and value and included these new insights in our article.
- Based on our testing insights, we’ve reworked two superlatives and product picks, including Most Comfortable and Best Heavier Weights. We’ve also added three new superlatives: Most Durable, Best Moisture-Wicking, and Best Sleek.
- We consulted two new experts, a certified personal trainer, and a fitness expert, to better understand how to safely use ankle weights and ensure all of the information in our roundup is up to date.
What to Look for When Shopping for Ankle Weights
- Weight: Our experts recommend choosing a weight with which you can perform many reps, like 2- or 3-pound options. More advanced exercisers may want to opt for a 5-pound pair. While heavier pairs of ankle weights are available, they could put too much pressure on your wrist and ankle joints, leading to wear and tear over time. Also, note that heavier weights may be pricier.
- Material: Many ankle weights are crafted with neoprene for breathability. Some softer options are covered in polyester, cotton, or terry cloth. While these materials can feel more comfortable against the skin, they are prone to ripping, so they may not be as durable as other options. Ankle weights made of silicone are easier to clean and more sweat-resistant, but they tend to be pricier.
- Filling: Ankle weights are typically filled with sand, steel shot, iron powder, or water. One of our experts recommends sand filling, saying it molds to your body more than other fillings. However, some sand-filled options may leak. If you’re particularly concerned with leakage, you may want to consider an option with steel filling.
- Closure Type: Choosing ankle weights with a reliable closure is vital to avoiding injuries or painful chafing during exercise. Our experts like Velcro closures because they’re easy to use and can be adjusted to fit most ankle shapes and sizes. If you’re not a fan of Velcro or want a more precise adjustment mechanism, you may opt for a pair with a magnetized belt buckle.
How We Tested the Ankle Weights
To find the best ankle weights, we tested 22 options in our Lab, wearing them while we performed leg lifts, mountain climbers, overhead presses, and more. When testing ankle weights, we evaluate each set based on the following key criteria.
- Setup: Upon unboxing, we note how easy they are to set up and begin using. We consider whether they come fully assembled and, if not, how extensive the setup process is. We also make sure that all of the necessary parts are included.
- Ease of Use: After completing two exercise circuits, we note how easy each ankle weight is to use throughout the workout. We prioritize options that are easy to fasten around our ankles and wrists and don’t require constant adjustments.
- Adjustability: For options with adjustable weights, we note how easy it is to adjust the weight during our exercise routine. We also consider whether the weight increments are reasonable for most fitness levels. We prioritize ankle weights that adjust easily without requiring us to reference their instruction manual.
- Fit: Ankle weights perform well in this category if they fit snugly throughout the workout without sliding around. We also look for pairs with a secure closure that doesn’t move or come undone during exercises, even when we start to sweat. We prioritize options with snug, secure closures that fit different sizes of ankles and wrists.
- Comfort: When assessing for comfort, we consider how they feel and whether they irritate our skin or tug on our body hair. We also note if their weight is evenly distributed or if one feels heavier than the other. We prioritize soft, comfortable ankle weights with an even distribution of weight that feels great throughout our workout and in sweatier conditions.
- Versatility: To ensure the ankle weights offer enough versatility, we note whether we can comfortably perform every exercise in our full-body circuit with each pair without adjusting our form. Pairs that score high in versatility can be used on ankles and wrists for many exercises.
- Portability: To assess the portability of each ankle weight, we note whether each pair comes with a carry bag or could easily be transported in a gym backpack. We prioritize highly portable options that easily roll up and/or come in a carrying case.
- Value: To determine the value of each set of ankle weights, we wait to look at the price until we evaluate all other key criteria. Ankle weights that receive a high value score are worth the same or less than we’d consider paying for them.
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process for this story. The following experts helped us understand what key features to look for in high-quality ankle weights and how to use them properly. Although we make our product selections independently, expert insights inform our decision-making process.
- Kristin McGee, CPT, certified Pilates and yoga instructor and Verywell Fit review board member
- Gabby Drucker, CPT, certified personal trainer and owner of Drucker Fitness in Philadelphia
- Anna Mae Tiry, CPT, certified personal trainer and Anytime Fitness franchise owner in Wisconsin
- Kevin Leon, CPT, personal trainer and strength coach at Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York City
- Kollins Ezekh, fitness professional of over 15 years and founder of Built By God TV
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ankle weights be used when running or walking?
Wearing weights on your ankles and wrists while walking or running may cause joint stress and imbalance over time. Consult your healthcare provider before walking or running with ankle weights to make sure it’s safe for you to do so.
What’s the best way to use ankle weights?
When paired with the right form and an appropriate weight, ankle and wrist weights are effective and safe for strength training and upper and lower body workouts. Ankle weights are a staple in Pilates routines, where you can add them to moves like the double-leg stretch and spine twist. If you want to target your abs, consider using them during hip lifts, alternating supermans, or the dragon flag.
How heavy should ankle weights be?
Ankle weights typically range from 0.5 pounds to 3 pounds, although some options may go up to 7.5 pounds. For everyday wear, 1 to 3 pounds may work well, although you may want to increase the weight when performing more advanced exercises. Listen to your body and speak to your certified personal trainer, healthcare provider, or physical therapist if you aren’t sure how much weight is appropriate.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Megan Foley is a freelance wellness and fitness writer and professional ballet dancer. With over eight years of experience writing for health websites and individual wellness brands, she’s passionate about translating meticulous research into compelling content. In her 15 years of ballet training before joining a professional New York City-based company, she frequently used ankle weights at the barre to maximize muscle tone and overall strength. Now, she uses Gaiam Restore Ankle Weights in her weekly yoga and Pilates classes.
Additional reporting contributed by Tori Zhou
Tori Zhou is a contributing writer with five years of experience writing in the health and wellness space. She enjoys staying up-to-date on the best products and prides herself on sifting through the noise to find options that actually work. An avid exerciser, Tori routinely uses ankle weights in her workouts, especially during her lower body strength training routine, and knows what to look for in a good set. She also participated in the testing process for this article.