Sign in Pro
Best Ankle Weights
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
Whether you are wearing them around the office or at the gym, you want to make sure that you select something that looks good.
Slimmer designs are going to be your best option if you want something simple to wear while running errands, but those slimmer options typically don’t offer a lot of extra pounds. That’s why we still considered the style of a product even if it offered extra pounds, because bulkier designs are not only going to look a little awkward, but they are also going to be less comfortable than their slimmer counterparts. We also liked to select designs that came in more colors than you standard black, because everyone loves a little pop of color when it comes to their workout gear. Plus, if you are running your neighborhood after dark, that pop of color is going to be noticeable by drivers so that you will be a lot safer on those late night jogs. We also made sure to select understated color options as well that are offered in solid blacks so they they may blend in with the pants that you wear to work.
Weight
Picking the right pounds is going to be the key to getting the most out of your workouts.
We wanted to make sure that we selected products that offered a wide range of sizes that users could pick from. Designs that offered sizes that started off at 1 pound and worked their way in 1 pound increments to 5 pounds were pretty standard from most companies. We also wanted to make sure that we included a few options that were a little heavier than most and included some that were between 5-8 pounds. For those that aren’t sure how heavy they should go for their workouts, we also tried to stick to designs that had iron bars or sandbags that were able to be removed from the base so that users would have the choice of working up to a heavier option, or simply removing bags to accommodate specific exercises. The ability to make it lighter when needed is going to be the keep to preventing injury.
Materials
If you are wearing it for a quick job in the park or while you are at work all day, the type of material used is going to dictate how comfortable it is.
What we found during our research is that selecting products that used neoprene is going to be the best option available to use. This material is great because it is incredibly soft and won’t rub your skin raw, and it also conforms to the shape of your leg over time. Neoprene is also ideal because it is considered to be incredibly lightweight and breathable, so as you work up a sweat in your workout, it will still stay cool and dry on the inside of the products. The only downside to neoprene is that it is a little difficult to wash and care for, and it is often a little more expensive. If you are looking to save a little bit of money and want something that is going to be easier to care for, materials such as cotton and canvas are great solutions. While they are easier to care for, they run the risk of digging into your skin, and they aren’t as durable as neoprene.
Adjustability
We wanted to select styles that were pretty easy to get on and off.
We know how it is- is a product is a pain to strap on and take off at the end of your workout, it is likely to deemed to gather dust in the bottom of your closet. That’s why we wanted to make sure that we selected products that were going to be easy to take on and take back off. While it is important that it is easy to slip on and off, we also wanted to make sure it was designed to fit most users. This means that we also took a look and the size and length of the adjustable strap. Not all users are created equal, and we wanted to make sure that the straps were going to be long enough to fit larger and smaller users. To make sure that these are comfortable and to help ward off injury, you are going to need to ensure that they fit properly. This means that they are going to need to be snug, but not too tight.
Value
As always, we want to save you a little bit of money when we can.
The good news here is that these products are generally pretty affordable. There were very few instances where we found the price was considered to be unnecessarily high. A few key features are typically going to drive up the price, but many of those features are worth the extra cost in our option. Naturally, heavier designs are going to have a higher price point over their 1 pound counterparts, so be prepared to pay more if you want to go heavy. Also, the materials used are going to be priced higher than others. From what we found, products that use neoprene are typically quite a bit more than those that use canvas or cotton. However, neoprene is also more durable, so these higher priced options are actually going to last you quite a bit longer, making them well worth the slightly padded price tag.
10 Best Ankle Weights
1. HEALTHYMODELLIFE
What we liked most about this option is that it offers a slim design that users can elect to wear all day long, and it also comes in a wide variety of pound options so that you will be able to choose just how heavy you want to make them.
Read moreStyle
What users like most about this option are that they feel that it isn’t as big and bulky as some of the other options out there. It comes in a standard black color with the logo printed in small white and pink letters along the front.
Weight
The great thing about this design is that it is offered in very light to heavier options. Users can select from 1 pound, 2 pound, 5 pound, and 8 pound sets. This offers a little bit more variety than other options we have seen.
Material
There is no indication of what material is used for this option, be we have read some positive reviews that state that even when incredibly sweaty, these cuffs stay in place and feel great against their skin.
Adjustability
To put these on, simply wrap them around your leg and then fasten it into place using the very secure and double wide velcro. Even without a buckle to pull it tight, users feel that once they are secured, they provide the absolute perfect fit.
Value
The cost of this design is going to be just a little bit higher than many of the averagely priced options that are out there. However, if you want something that is going to have a lot of options and is made from high-quality materials, it is well worth the slightly higher price point.
Overall
This is a perfect pairing for someone that is looking for something that is easy to put on, and it won’t look as big and bulky as some of the other designs out there. With a 1 year replacement or refund guarantee, there really is no reason not to give these a try.
2. Nordic
While there isn’t a wide variety of options offered to allow users to adjust how light and heavy they are, we found that this style is perfect for a wide variety of workouts, and it is made from really great materials that are super soft and will provide a really comfortable fit.
Read moreStyle
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this model from Nordic. It has a quilted design on the front that offers a soft and comfortable feel. The bad news for this option is that it is only offered in a light grey color, which has a tendency to show dirt and stains easily.
Weight
Users will have the option to select from designs that range from lightweight and easy for daily use, to heavier options for more intense workouts. Users can select from 1, 2, 3, and 5-pound options.
Material
One thing that we really liked about the material used for this option is that it has reflective strips on the surface that will allow you to be seen when out of your evening walks. The quilted pattern will feel nice and soft against your skin, and it is filled with very fine sand.
Adjustability
To secure this product in place, wrap it around your leg and pull the strap through the stainless steel buckle. Once you have it to your desired tightness, secure it in place with the extra strong velcro
Value
What we like about this design is that it comes in at a very reasonable price point. It isn’t the most expensive design out there, but it is far from being the least expensive as well.
Overall
If you are looking for something that is going to be rather affordable and easy to use, this is going to be a really great option for your workout needs. Plus, it comes with a 1-year warranty and a carrying bag.
3. AmazonBasics
This option from AmazonBasics is a perfect selection if you are a little wary of giving these a try and want something that is going to be offered at a very low price point in case it is something that you do not like to use.
Read moreStyle
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this design. It comes in a solid black color, and it is quite a bit bulkier than some of the other designs that we have seen out there on the market.
Weight
There are 2 options that users can select from- a 2.5-pound option and 5-pound options. It is important to note that the 5-pound option is just a little bit more expensive than the 2.5-pound designs.
Material
Construction from high quality polyester and nylon, these are not only going to be incredibly durable, but they are also going to be easy to wipe down and fend off odors as well. Plus, they are filled with a very fine stand that will conform to the shape of your legs.
Adjustability
To secure this option in place, pull the straps through the double stainless steel buckles, and then cinch it into place with the high-quality velcro
Value
The best part about this option from AmazonBasics is that it is offered at one of the most affordable price points out there on the market. Considering that it comes from the Amazon trusted brand, we feel this is an excellent deal.
Overall
If you want to give these a try without dishing out all that much money, this is going to be a really great choice. Plus, it comes from a trusted brand which gives you little reason not to give this a shot.
4. Fitnessery
The great thing about this option from Fitnessery is that it offers a smooth and slim design that is going to be great to wear under your jeans as you run errands throughout the day, but it is also durable enough to wear out on a hike or to the gym as well.
Read moreStyle
One of the things that we noticed right away about this option is that is has a much slimmer design that many of the others out there on the market. In fact, they are so thin that you may even be able to wear them under your jeans to get a little work out in as your run errands throughout the day.
Weight
Due to the fact that these are so thin, they don’t get as heavy as some users would like when working out their leg muscles. Options start as light as 1 pound (which is something we don’t see as often) and also include 2, 3, 4, and 5 pound options as well.
Material
The exterior of this option is made from a chafing resistant neoprene that is going to feel soft and comfortable when strapped to your legs. It is also filled with a fine sand-like substance that will help conform to your leg for a more comfortable fit.
Adjustability
Getting these into place is incredibly simple and can be complete with just one hand. There are no straps or buckles that you are going to need to thread, just wrap the material around your leg and secure it into place using the extra wide velcro.
Value
The heavier options such as the 4 and 5-pound options have a price tag that is just slightly higher than many that we have seen out there on the market. However, the options that are set below these two are incredibly affordable and are a great deal if you are looking for something that is slim.
Overall
What we liked most about this option is that it is incredibly easy to put in place, and it has a much thinner design than others that we have seen, and lower weights come in at a very affordable price point.
5. CIPPSER
This option from CIPPSER is a little bit thicker and difficult to secure in place than most, but that just means that these are going to stay in place while in engaging in a wide array of demanding physical activity that isn’t just limited to walking and running.
Read moreStyle
As we mentioned earlier, this option is just a little bit thicker and more complicated than most. It has a long black strap with the CIPPSER logo on it, and the trim is lined with bright blue. What users really like about this option is that it also comes with a set of free black wristbands, as well as a free ebook and online workout tutorials.
Weight
There are slightly fewer choices with this design, but your options get a little bit heavier than most. You will be able to select from options that begin at 2 pounds, and also include 4 and 6-pound options as well.
Material
What users really like about this design is that it is made from an incredibly soft neoprene that is designed to feel soft against your skin, but it also works great at absorbing sweat.
Adjustability
At first, glance, getting this in place may seem a little complicated, but it isn’t all that bad. To secure it into place, wrap the weight section around your leg, and then wrap the straps through the stainless steel buckle and cinch it into place with the very strong velcro.
Value
The cost of each of the 2, 4, and 6-pound styles are all incredibly affordable and priced well below many other options of similar style out there on the market. We feel this is a great value based upon what past users have had to say about the performance of this design.
Overall
If you are in the market for something that is just a tad heavier than some of the other options that we have seen out there on the market, and that comes with a few bonus items to help you get the most out of your workouts, this is an excellent option.
6. Sportneer
What we liked about this option from Sportneer is that it is incredibly simple and easy to use, and it isn’t all that bulky the way some heavier options can be. Plus, it is made from a high-quality material that feels lightweight and comfortable while in use.
Read moreStyle
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this design. It comes in a black exterior shell that has the Sportneer logo printed on the adjustable strap. As far as bulkiness is concerned, it is somewhere in between the bulkier options and the slimmer designs.
Weight
This design is only offered in 5 pounds per leg. The good news here is that users will have the option to remove sandbags per pocket (that weigh .97 pounds) so that you will be able to adjust how heavy you want it based upon the activity that you are engaging in.
Material
The exterior of this design is made from a high-quality neoprene that is going to feel light and breathable against your skin, as well as do a great job at absorbing sweat. The interior is made from a sand-like material that will conform to the shape of your leg to provide a really great fit.
Adjustability
It is very easy to secure this unit in place against your leg and can be accomplished with just one hand. Simply wrap the material around your leg, and pull the strap through the stainless steel buckle. Once you get the desired tightness, cinch it into place with the provided velcro.
Value
The cost of this option from Sportneer runs about par for the course. It isn’t the most expensive option out there on the market, but it is far from being the least expensive.
Overall
For those in the market for something that it simple, easy to use, and made from high-quality materials at a good value, this is going to be one of your better choices.
7. GoFit
If you want something that is going to offer heavier options than other designs, this is going to be one of your better options. It has a simple design that makes putting them on easy, and it allows you to adjust how heavy you want it for each and every workout.
Read moreStyle
What we liked about this option is that it offers more pounds per leg than other options, but it also is quite thin considering how heavy it is. Plus, the bars inside are a little more narrow than other designs, which means that the distribution of the bars is more even to provide a more comfortable fit.
Weight
There are two options that users can select from- 5 or 10 pounds sets. Each option has a series of bars that can be removed from their pockets to make it lighter depending upon the workout that you are engaging in.
Material
There is no indication on the product description on what type of materials is used for the exterior of this option, but it appears to be made of a canvas type material. This means that it might not be the most comfortable and breathable material, but it is going to be easier to clean and wipe down when needed.
Adjustability
Securing these options is incredibly easy, and is listed to be able to accommodate most sizes of legs. Simply pull the straps through the stainless steel buckles and cinch it into place tightly not but too tight to the velcro.
Value
The cost of this set is quite more expensive than other similar designs out there on the market. However, if you want to ensure that you pick a design that fits perfectly, this is going to be well worth the added cost.
Overall
This is a great option for those that want something that is simple and easy to use, and it made with an extra long strap that is designed to accommodate all sizes and shapes of users.
8. Empower
This option from Empower isn't as heavy as some of the other options out there on the market, but we liked this style because it offers an incredibly comfortable fit that is going to stay put, and it is easy to remove 1 pound bars to adjust it as you see fit.
Read moreStyle
One of the things that we like most about this option from Empower is that it has a slimmer style that isn’t going to look too bulky or awkward. It comes with a light grey base with black zippered pockets that hold the 1 pound bars.
Weight
This is only offered in 4 pounds per leg. Users will have the option to remove one of the 1 pound bars from the zippered pockets to adjust how heavy it is as they see fit.
Material
One thing that users really liked about this design is that it is made from high-quality neoprene that is going to feel soft against your skin, and it will also work great at wicking away sweat.
Adjustability
What we liked most about this option is that you can remove 1 pound bars from their zippered pockets to make it lighter, and it is also quite easy to adjust them into place. Simply pull the straps through the stainless steel buckle, and secure it in place with t strong velcro strip.
Value
The cost to this unit runs about in the middle of the road. It isn’t the most expensive option out there, but it isn’t the least expensive as well. We feel it's a great value considering the quality of materials used as well as the innovative design.
Overall
If you are looking for something that is going to be incredibly comfortable to wear and is easy to adjust as you change up your cardio routine, this is going to a great selection to help your workouts.
9. JBM
Sure, this option from JBM sticks out a little bit, and they are considered to be pretty bulky, but you cannot beat this value. They are offered in varying weight options, and the best part is that they come in at a really affordable price point- even for the heavier options.
Read moreStyle
Users found that this option is pretty bulky, and looks a little like water wings for your legs- especially when it comes to the heavier designs. Users will be able to select from a bright blue design with black accents, or solid black options.
Weight
There are a lot of different options that users can select from, and they include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6-pound designs. While you aren’t going to be able to take up bars to adjust the weight for individual designs, you will be able to select a design that will work for most of your workouts.
Material
The exterior of this unit is made from a thin layer of canvas that some users have found can dig into their skin when worn for a long period of time. It is also filled with iron sand that will conform to your legs while in use.
Adjustability
Putting these on is so simple you can do it with one hand. Simply wrap the fabric around your leg, and pull it tight with the double velcro straps that are provided for a secure fit that will not shift around.
Value
If you are in the market for something that is going to be incredibly affordable- this is going to be one of your best options. The price of this one is one of the more affordable options out there on the market.
Overall
We liked this design because it is offered in a wide variety of sizes to accommodate most users, and it is offered at a really affordable price point that gives you little reason not to give this a shot.
10. Prodigen
This option from Prodigen is made from high-quality materials and is incredibly comfortable to wear, but doesn’t offer heavier options for users that want something that is really going to challenge them. This option is more ideal for wearing for casual use while running errands.
Read moreStyle
This design offers a very sleek and slim style that makes it something that would be perfect for wearing for everyday use under your pants. Users can select from one of three colors that include pink, blue, or black.
Weight
Users will have the option of selecting sizes that include 2 pounds per leg for the blue or pink options, for a heavier grey design that is 3.5 pounds per leg.
Material
Unlike many of the other options out there on the market, this design uses incredibly soft and durable cotton for the exterior shell. This type of material is soft as well as breathable and will be comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Adjustability
To secure this design in place, simply wrap the material around your leg and cinch it in place using the thin velcro strap that is provided.
Value
What we like most about this option is that it is offered at a really affordable price point that is just slightly more affordable than many of the similar style out there.
Overall
If you were looking for something that is going to be comfortable enough to wear all day and comes in at a low price point, this is going to be one of your better options.
Sources