7 Best Ankle Weights, Approved by Fitness Experts
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Trying to add a little challenge to your workouts? The best ankle weights can be added to pretty much any exercise—Pilates, barre, strength training, incline-walking, or core-strengthening, says Denise Chakoian, CPT, owner and founder of CORE Cycle.Fitness.Lagree. You can incorporate ankle weights into a leg-day workout to help isolate the glutes, or you can strap them on during a walk to add some extra resistance to your daily steps. If you’re considering adding a pair to your fitness routine, experts say to start small. Also, look for ones with adjustable straps and removable weights so they feel comfortable enough to wear regularly. Below are expert-recommended picks to help bump the intensity of your workouts.
The best types of ankle weights, at a glance
- Best for Walking: Bala Bangles, $55
- Best for Beginners: Pvolve Ankle Weights, $30
- Best Adjustable: Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights, $30
- Best for Pilates: Sculpt Society Ankle Weights, $65
- Best for Running: Gymenist Wrist Weights, $16
Using the Nooncrazy Ankle Weights
Best for Walking: Bala Bangles
Courtesy of brand1/10Bala Bangles
Raymond Agostino, DPT, a sports-performance coach and owner of Agostino Athletics, recommends Bala Bangles. The best thing about using them for walking? They don’t move or slide around, he says. Once you fasten them, they stay right where you need them. This means you don’t have to spend time constantly adjusting them, whether you’re power-walking or taking a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. The Sydney Sweeney–approved Bala Bangles come in three different weight options: one, two, and three pounds. If you’re new to using ankle weights, consider going for the one-pound weights and starting low before potentially working your way up. Plus, the Balas are loved on Reddit for their sleek design and ease of use.
- Material: Silicone
- Weight: 1, 2, and 3 pounds
- Pros: Sleek design; stay put during workouts
- Cons: Pricier than other brands
Best Adjustable: Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights
Courtesy of brand2/10Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights
Versatility is the name of the game with Sportneer’s adjustable ankle weights, which are an Amazon best-seller. Each ankle weight is adjustable from one to five pounds, so as you progress in strength, you can just add another weight increment to increase the challenge. Each weight has five removable one-pound sandbags, and the Velcro straps and D-ring (a metal ring used for fastening) let you secure these to your ankles so they stay put. It’s also relatively easy to make weight adjustments between exercises with these wearable weights—meaning, supersets can be at least a little more bearable and long delays won’t kill the energy of your workout.
- Material: Neoprene
- Weight: 1 to 5 pounds per cuff
- Pros: Easy to adjust; secure fit; comfortable on the ankles
- Cons: Looks bulky
Best for Pilates: Sculpt Society Ankle Weights
- Original image by Glamour reviewer April Benshosan
- Courtesy of brand
3/10Sculpt Society Ankle Weights
The Sculpt Society adjustable ankle weights are a perfect supplement for a Pilates workout. These ankle weights are made of smooth silicone that feels high-quality. And they’re adjustable in four-ounce increments, which means you can precisely dial up the weight all while maintaining proper form. “When we’re working on controlled movements and stability holds, a small weight change can make a big difference,” Agostino says. Whether doing leg lifts or glute kickbacks, or wrapping them around your wrists to fire up your upper body, the Sculpt Society weights can add a little oomph to any low-impact bodyweight workout. Just note that when testing these, we found them uncomfortable for walking, as the weight bars dug into our ankles, which is why we recommend them for Pilates moves where you’re sitting or lying down.
- Material: Silicone
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Pros: Adjustable weights; sleek design
- Cons: Not comfortable for walking
Best for Men: BC Strength Ankle Weights
Courtesy of brand4/10BC Strength Ankle Weights
Agostino personally uses the 10-pound ankle weights from Bret Contreras and BC Strength in his practice, especially with his male clients. “Most of the ankle weights on the market only go up to five pounds each, so these are great for when we are looking to dial up the burn,” Agostino says. Strap on these ankle weights for hanging leg raises, leg extensions, hamstring curl variations, and fire hydrants to take these leg exercises to the next level. Not only are these leg weights great for strength training, but they’re also a solid option for physical therapy. Agostino uses them for knee-extension hangs to improve range of motion and for seated knee extensions to improve quad strength.
- Material: Neoprene
- Weight: 2 to 10 pounds per cuff
- Pros: Adjustable weights; great for progressive overload
- Cons: Looks bulky
Best for Beginners: Pvolve Ankle Weights
Courtesy of brand5/10Pvolve Ankle Weights
The 1.5-pound ankle weights from Pvolve are a great option for people who are new to resistance training, or really anyone new to using ankle weights. This light weight is a good starting point to play around with the weights and allow your body to get used to the additional resistance. The Pvolve ankle weights are made of neoprene and feature adjustable Velcro straps for a customized fit. Plus, they’re well padded and stay put on the ankles without sliding around. While some ankle weights can be bulky and awkward to wear, these weights have a snug yet comfortable fit, which means you’re more likely to actually wear them during your workout.
- Material: Neoprene
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Pros: Comfortable; secure fit; not bulky
- Cons: Weights aren’t adjustable
.png)
Best for Versatility: Nooncrazy Wrist & Ankle Weights
- Original image by Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz
- Courtesy of brand
6/10Nooncrazy Wrist & Ankle Weights
Similar to the Sculpt Society weights, this Nooncrazy pair features weight blocks that you can slide on and off to adjust the resistance. The one-pound weights are great for beginners just starting out with using ankle weights, or anyone looking to use these for light rehab exercises. These weights are made of a sleek silicone that’s soft on the skin, and they’re easy to adjust for a secure, customized fit. Plus, their fit adjustability lets you wear them on your ankles and wrists, so you can strap them on for Pilates workouts and running alike.
“Bala Bangles are a Glamour best-seller come holiday season, and I’ve long been intrigued by them—but they don’t come cheap. So for my first pair of ankle weights, I went with this more affordable option on Amazon, and I haven’t been disappointed. While they rub a bit on my legs, if I wear long socks under them, they’re perfectly comfortable and easily adjustable. The one demerit is that the sliders easily come off the band when they’re not in use, so I have to give myself an extra minute to get ready. I’ve enjoyed going on walks with them–they take a casual stroll up a notch, and I’ve noticed a little soreness after, in a good way, like I’ve worked out without really trying. I’ve also been using them as wrist weights on runs, and while the fabric could be softer, I haven’t had any irritation,” says Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz.
- Material: Silicone
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Pros: Budget-friendly; adjustable
- Cons: They can be hard to put on; some rubbing
Best for Running: Gymenist Wrist Weights
Courtesy of brand7/10Gymenist Wrist Weights
Agostino doesn’t recommend running with ankle weights because it can feel harsh on your joints. If you want to add some resistance to your run, Agostino suggests wrist weights instead. “These wrist weights by Gymenist are a light, comfortable option to add some resistance without the added stress to your joints,” he says. “At one pound each, these wrist weights allow you to focus on your arm swing and elbow drive to help improve your running stride.” What’s more, these hand weights are made of neoprene and feature a thumb hole so that they stay securely at your wrist (because nothing ruins a good run more than weights that keep sliding down to your elbows). Try strapping these on for high-intensity cardio bursts or at-home aerobics workouts.
- Material: Neoprene
- Weight: 1 pound
- Pros: Great for beginners; comfortable fit
- Cons: Can’t be worn on the ankles
8/10How heavy should ankle weights be?
Ankle weights usually range from one to five pounds, with some going up as high as 10 pounds. Starting with one-pound ankle weights is best, especially if you’re new to strength training or using wearable weights, says Denise Chakoian, CPT, owner and founder of CORE Cycle.Fitness.Lagree. Then, you can increase by half a pound over a few weeks.
9/10What is the downside of ankle weights?
One major downside of using ankle weights is using them incorrectly. “Using heavier weights too soon could potentially lead to injury or lower-back issues,” Chakoian says. So if you’re new to using ankle weights, start with one- to two-pound weights.
10/10What to look for in ankle weights?
As mentioned, start with lighter weights to help your body adjust and avoid overloading your ankles, as jumping to heavier weights too quickly can lead to injury, Chakoian says. Adjustable ankle weights are ideal, as they can fit various ankle sizes. If your goal is building muscle and toning up, you’ll also want to look for a pair with adjustable weight sets, like the Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights, so you can add more weight as you progress.
