The 10 Best Ankle Weights, Tested

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.

• How We Tested

  To find the best ankle weights, we tested 22 options in The Verywell Fit Testing 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.

• What to Look for

  • 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.

• 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.