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To Find the Best Ankle Weights, We Tested 17 Options—These 7 Are Clear Winners

Our top, expert-approved options won't slip or slide during your workouts

a side-by-side selection of ankle weights being worn

Nick Kova / Verywell Fit

There are many benefits to adding ankle weights to your workout routine. They offer a solid way for beginners to increase resistance during bodyweight exercises or for advanced users to add weight when they don't have access to classic strength training equipment (like dumbbells). To find the best ankle weights on the market, we started by speaking with experts—a Pilates and yoga instructor and two certified personal trainers—for advice on key features to look for. We then tested 17 expert-approved ankle weights from top brands in the Verywell Testing Lab. We used each pair for exercises like donkey kicks, bicycle crunches, single-leg bridges, and more.

We prioritized options made of quality materials, like neoprene or silicone, that don't hold onto sweat or moisture. We examined each pair's closure type, ensuring it held the ankle weights in place throughout exercises and appeared durable. Our top options received high marks for setup, adjustability, ease of use, fit, comfort, versatility, portability, and value. A certified yoga and Pilates instructor from our Review Board also assessed this article for accuracy.

Best Overall

Bala Bangles

Bala Bangles

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Unboxing
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.9/5
  • Fit/Comfort
    5/5
  • Versatility
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Grippy silicone material

  • Water-resistant

  • Adjustable weight and strap

  • Six color options

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Too light for advanced lifters

Key Specs:

Weight per Ankle: 0.5-2 lbs | Material: Recycled steel, silicone | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 13 x 3 inches inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Why We Love Them

The Bala Bangles blew us away with their high-quality silicone material, sleek look, and versatility. Thanks to their sturdy velcro closure, which never budged during exercises, we found them easy to fasten to our ankles or wrists before beginning a workout.

We like that the ankle straps are adjustable so that you can find a customized fit, no matter your body shape. Perfect for beginner to intermediate exercisers, they come in three weight options—0.5 to 2 pounds per ankle. You can also adjust the weight of each pair in 2-ounce increments.

Made of silicone, this set is more water-resistant than the neoprene options we tested and never held on to sweat or moisture. This material also makes them easy to clean—spray them with a natural cleaning agent and wipe any grime off with a cloth.

The Bangles are made with recycled steel filling, which won't leak onto your floors and create a mess like their sand-filled competitors might. They're very grippy and never budge, whether we wear them on our wrists for upper body exercises or on our ankles for a lower body workout. We like that they're sleek enough to wear on short walks or to run errands. Plus, you can choose between six eye-catching colors.

Potential Flaws

  • They're not the heaviest ankle weights we tested, but beginners will feel a noticeable resistance change when adding them to bodyweight exercises.
  • They're pricier than other options, but the material feels durable and built to last.

Who They're For

Best for beginner to intermediate exercisers.

Best Overall Runner-Up

The Sculpt Society 2 LB Weight

The Sculpt Society 2 LB Weight

Source: The Sculpt Society

Our Ratings
  • Unboxing
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Fit/Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Durable silicone material

  • Easy to fasten

  • Adjusts in small weight increments

Cons
  • Closure may catch on body hair

  • Slight weight imbalance in a pair

Key Specs:

Weight per Ankle: 1-2 lbs | Material: Silicone | Closure: Magnetized belt buckle | Dimensions: 14.1 x 3.7 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Why We Love Them

The Sculpt Society's ankle weights closely resemble the Bala Bangles with similar durable silicone material and a similar design. They're a solid substitute on the chance that you're able to snag them when they're on sale (which seems to happen more often than for the Bala Bangles). Like the Bala Bangles, these also come in two weight options—1 or 2 pounds per ankle, meaning 2 to 4 pounds per set.

Each ankle weight also adjusts in 4-ounce increments. To add or remove weight, you simply need to slide off one or more of the eight included blocks on each ankle 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.

We like the pretty pink and baby blue color options that make these weights sleek enough to wear out in public.

Potential Flaws

  • Our male tester found that the ankle weights occasionally pulled on his body hair, so you may want to wear these with full-length leggings.
  • We occasionally notice a slight imbalance between the weight of one ankle weight and the other in a pair. It's only noticeable during certain exercises, and the resistance of each weight feels otherwise accurate.

Who They're For

Best for beginner to intermediate exercisers and people who don't like a Velcro closure.

Best Budget

P Volve 3 LB Ankle Weights

P Volve 3 LB Ankle Weights

P Volve

Our Ratings
  • Unboxing
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Fit/Comfort
    5/5
  • Versatility
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Soft and comfortable material

  • Two weight options

  • Good quality for the price

Cons
  • Velcro closure strap could be longer

  • The weight isn't adjustable

Key Specs:

Weight per Ankle: 1.5-3 lbs | Material: Neoprene | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 11 x 4.3 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Why We Love Them

An affordable product sometimes sacrifices quality for the price, but that isn't the case with P. Volve's 3 LB Ankle Weights. Available at about half the price of our most expensive picks, these ankle weights are part of Jennifer Aniston's favorite line of workout products. They integrate seamlessly with the rest of P.Volve's exercise system, but they can also be used alone in any workout where you want to add a little resistance. The ankle weights are made of soft neoprene material that doesn't slip when affixed to your ankles during exercises.

Featuring a traditional design with a Velcro closure, we love how comfortable they feel against our skin. We never have to worry about the smooth material catching on our body hair or pinching our skin. Exercisers can choose between a lighter set of 1.5-pound ankle weights or a heavier set of 3 pounds per ankle.

We like that this pair of ankle weights is compact and resembles stylish leg warmers.

Potential Flaws

  • We wish the Velcro strap were longer for a more adjustable fit to accommodate different calf and wrist sizes.
  • You can't adjust the weight, but you can choose between the two resistance options that P.Volve offers.

Who They're For

Best for beginner to intermediate exercisers, for people with sensitivity to silicone, and for exercisers who already use the P.volve exercise system.

Most Comfortable

Adidas Performance Ankle/Wrist Weights

Adidas Performance Ankle/Wrist Weights

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Unboxing
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Fit/Comfort
    5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Soft and comfortable material

  • Easy to customize the fit

  • Comes in four weight options

Cons
  • The weight isn't adjustable

  • Outer-facing sand pouches add bulkiness

Key Specs:

Weight per Ankle: 1-4 lbs | Material: Polyester with sand filling | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 11.8 x 4.7 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Why We Love Them

Adidas is known for its athleisure, and its ankle weights uphold the same quality and comfort. We love the comfortable and soft polyester material, which also makes this pair super easy to clean. You can easily fasten these around your ankles or wrists using the Velcro closure straps. The Velcro straps are longer than average, allowing you to secure the weights around ankles or wrists of any circumference seamlessly.

This pair is weighted by outer-facing pouches filled with sand that sit smoothly against our ankles, no matter what exercise we do. Thanks to their secure velcro closure and smooth polyester fabric, these ankle weights stay in place whether we're doing kickbacks or bicycles.

This pair comes in four different weight options—from 1 to 4 pounds per ankle weight—so you can easily find a set that offers the resistance you need for your fitness level and go-to workouts. If you're unsure what weight option to purchase, Kristin McGee, CPT, certified Pilates and yoga instructor, recommends starting with a 1- to 2-pound pair and gradually working your way up to 5- to 8-pound per ankle. McGee never recommends going too heavy with ankle weights, no matter how advanced you are, to avoid excessive strain on your delicate ankle and wrist joints.

Potential Flaws

  • The weights aren't adjustable, meaning you can't adjust the weight of a pair. But you can still choose from one of the brand's four pre-set weight options.
  • The outer-facing sand pouches may add bulkiness, though they never caused the ankle weights to slip during exercises.

Who They're For

Best for beginners to advanced exercisers, people who want exceptionally comfortable ankle weights, and exercisers looking for a wide range of weight options to choose from.

Best Adjustable

Sportneer Ankle Weights

Sportneer Ankle Weights

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Unboxing
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Fit/Comfort
    5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Adjusts in small weight increments

  • Can be used for many exercises

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • Adjustment mechanism takes a while to get used to

  • May not be as durable

Key Specs:

Weight per Ankle: 2-6.5 lbs | Material: Neoprene | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 10.6 x 5.7 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Why We Love Them

One of the few ankle weights on our list with an adjustable weight, Sportneer's Ankle Weights are our top pick for a customizable, budget-friendly option. This pick features a traditional ankle weight design with a Velcro closure and sand filling. It has five removable weight pockets—making each ankle weight adjustable by 0.4 pounds. Since you essentially get five weights in one with these ankle weights, they're very versatile and can be used for a variety of exercises that require different resistance levels. Plus, you can use the small weight adjustment increments to slightly increase the intensity of your workouts weekly, which will help you avoid an exercise plateau.

We love that the resistance of each ankle weight can be adjusted to fit the needs of both beginner and more advanced users. And we like that exercisers can choose from pairs of four different weights—2-, 3.5, 5-, or 6.5-pound options. The ankle weights fit snugly and are easy to adjust for a customized fit. They stay put whether we use them for upper or lower body exercises. The weights never slip, even on wet skin.

Potential Flaws

  • The adjustment mechanism takes a while to get used.
  • The removable sand-filled pouches aren't highly durable. One ripped slightly after we removed it and reinserted it a few times. However, we still think this option is a good value for the price.

Who They're For

Best for intermediate to advanced exercisers, exercisers looking for a genuinely adjustable ankle weight, and consumers on a budget.

Best Wrist Weights

The DB Method The Dreamlets

The DB Method The Dreamlets

The DB Method

Our Ratings
  • Unboxing
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Fit/Comfort
    5/5
  • Versatility
    3.5/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
Pros
  • Comfortable, secure fit

  • Feature thumbholes

  • Great for upper body workouts

Cons
  • Don't work on ankles (only for wrists)

  • The weight isn't adjustable

Key Specs:

Weight per Ankle: 2 lbs | Material: Not listed | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 14 x 3.4 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Why We Love Them

While most ankle weights can be used interchangeably on both wrists and ankles, traditional ankle weights may not fit as well on your wrists and may be too bulky to use effectively for upper body exercises. The Dreamlets by DB Method were uniquely made for wrist exercises and feature thumbholes, making them more comfortable to wear around your wrists than bulkier ankle weights.

These wrist weights fit similarly to weightlifting gloves, but each weight adds 2 pounds to your workout (for a total of 4 added pounds per pair). 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. It can also add a challenge to kickboxing workouts.

Their velcro closure is very secure, keeping the wrist weights in place even during more dynamic movements like jumping jacks. The weights stayed in place and never budged, even when our hands and wrists started to get sweaty. The material feels soft but also very durable.

Potential Flaws

  • The Dreamlets aren't traditional ankle weights—they only work as wrist weights. We tried using them around our ankles but couldn't do so successfully.
  • The weight of each pair isn't adjustable. But if you're comfortable using 2-pound weights, this shouldn't be a problem.

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 weight to their punches.

Best Heavier Weight

AMBOR Ankle Weights

AMBOR Ankle Weights

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Unboxing
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Fit/Comfort
    3.5/5
  • Versatility
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Heavier max weight

  • Weight can be adjusted in 1-pound increments

  • Easy to customize the fit

Cons
  • Bulkier than other options

  • Prone to slipping

Key Specs:

Weight per Ankle: 1-5 lbs | Material: Neoprene | Closure: Velcro | Dimensions: 22 x 7 inches | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Why We Love Them

While many ankle weights range from 1 to 4 pounds each, Ambor's Ankle Weights stand out for their heavier max weight. We tested the 5-pound set (10 pounds total), which we recommend for more advanced fitness levels. Its weight comes from an iron pellet filling, which is more flexible than other common ankle weight fillings, like sand.

Five weight bags weighing 1 pound each can be removed to reduce or increase the intensity, making each ankle weight adjustable in 1-pound increments. You can choose from 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-pound ankle weight pairs, so there's an option for every fitness level. If you opt for the 5-pound pair like we did, you'll get five weights in one, which makes this option incredibly versatile. And, at a budget-friendly price, it's a value buy.

Thanks to the extendable Velcro closure strap, people with ankles and wrists of all sizes can comfortably share the weights and customize the fit as needed.

Potential Flaws

  • The 5-pound pair of these ankle weights is bulkier than other options, which makes them less comfortable to use around wrists. But this is also because they feature a higher max weight than many others on our list.
  • When using the 5-pound pair at its maximum resistance, it slipped slightly during certain exercises. We think this has more to do with the heavier weight and not the quality of the material, so if this is a concern, you can always opt for one of the lighter pairs.

Who They're For

Best for intermediate to advanced exercisers, exercisers looking for heavier ankle weights with adjustable weight, and users looking to save on a five-in-one option.

Compare

Unboxing Ease of Use Fit/Comfort Versatility Value
Bala Bangles
Best Overall:
Bala Bangles
5 4.9 5 4.5 4.5
The Sculpt Society 2 LB Weight
Best Overall Runner-Up:
The Sculpt Society 2 LB Weight
5 4.5 4.5 5 4
P Volve 3 LB Ankle Weights
Best Budget:
P Volve 3 LB Ankle Weights
5 5 5 4.5 5
Adidas Performance Ankle/Wrist Weights
Most Comfortable:
Adidas Performance Ankle/Wrist Weights
4 4.5 5 5 4
Sportneer Ankle Weights
Best Adjustable:
Sportneer Ankle Weights
5 4 5 5 4.5
The DB Method The Dreamlets
Best Wrist Weights:
The DB Method The Dreamlets
4.5 4.5 5 3.5 3.5
AMBOR Ankle Weights
Best Heavier Weight:
AMBOR Ankle Weights
4.5 4 3.5 5 4

Where We Stand

After testing 17 ankle weights, the Bala Bangles were the clear winner for their sleek look, grippy material, and comfortable fit. We continue to test each pair of ankle weights at home and will update our recommendations if we notice anything substantial that we haven't already documented.

people wearing the P Volve 3 LB Ankle Weights while doing floor exercises

Nick Kova / Verywell Fit

What to Look for When Shopping for Ankle Weights

  • Weight: The weight should reflect your skill level. 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 (up to 15 pounds), they could put too much pressure on your wrist and ankle joints, leading to wear and tear over time. Also, note that heavier weights typically come at a higher price point.
  • Material: Most ankle weights are crafted with neoprene for breathability. Some softer options, like Adidas's Performance Ankle/Wrist Weights, 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 come at a higher price point.
  • Filling: Ankle weights are typically weighted with one of these four fillings: sand, steel shot, iron powder, or water. While one of our experts recommends sand filling, saying it molds to your body more than other fillings, some sand-filled options started leaking during testing. If you're particularly concerned with leakage, you may want to consider an option with a steel filling, like the Bala Bangles.
  • Closure type: Choosing ankle weights with a reliable closure is vital to avoiding injuries during exercise or painful chafing. 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, like The Sculpt Society's Adjustable Ankle Weights.
person performing an exercise on mat while wearing the The DB Method The Dreamlets

Nick Kova / Verywell Fit

How We Tested the Ankle Weights

To find the best ankle weights, we tested 17 options from popular, high-quality fitness brands. When testing, we evaluated each option for the following seven critical criteria:

  • Setup: Upon unboxing, we noted how easy it was to set up each ankle weight and start using it—did the ankle weight come fully assembled, or did additional weights like sand pouches have to be inserted before we could begin training? We noted whether all necessary parts of the set were included, whether the material and look of the ankle weights appeared brand new without any scuffing or rips, and if the weights offered their advertised resistance.
  • Ease of Use: After completing a full-body circuit of three lower-body workouts, three ab workouts, and two upper-body workouts—including single-leg glute bridges, bicycle crunches, and lateral arm raises—we noted how easy each ankle weight was to use throughout the workout. We looked for pairs with a snug closure that didn't move around or open during exercises, even when we started to sweat. We also prioritized options that were easy to fasten around both ankles and wrists without needing to constantly readjust them throughout the workout.
  • Weight Adjustability: For options with adjustable weight, we noted how easy it was to adjust the weight during exercise. We also considered whether the weight increments at which the ankle weights adjusted were reasonable for most fitness levels. We prioritized ankle weights that adjusted easily without requiring us to reference their instructions manual.
  • Fit and Comfort: When exercising, we paid attention to how each pair felt against our skin and workout clothes, both around our wrists and ankles. Ankle weights performed well in this category if they fit snugly throughout the whole workout without tugging on body hair or pinching our skin.
  • Versatility: To ensure the ankle weights offer enough versatility to be worth your while, we noted whether we could comfortably do every exercise in our full-body circuit with each pair without having to adjust our form. Pairs that scored high in versatility can be used on ankles and wrists for a myriad of exercises.
  • Portability: To asses the portability of each ankle weight, we noted whether each pair came with a carry bag or could easily be transported in a gym backpack. Heavier options with no carry bag scored lower for portability.
  • Value: To give each pair a value score, we waited to look at the price of each option until after we put it through our full-body circuit and evaluated it for the other six key categories. Ankle weights that received a high value score were often priced below what we would consider paying for their value.
hands unstrapping the AMBOR Ankle Weights to put on

Nick Kova / Verywell Fit

Our Experts

  • Kristin McGee, CPT, certified Pilates and yoga instructor and Verywell Fit wellness review board member.
  • Gabby Drucker, CPT, personal trainer and owner of Drucker Fitness in Philadelphia.
  • Anna Mae Tiry, CPT, personal trainer and Anytime Fitness franchise owner in Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ankle weights be used when running or walking?

Experts are still debating whether or not it's safe to use ankle weights when walking or running. While many manufacturers claim that the two can mix, some experts, including McGee, think ankle weights should only be used in strength training workouts. Research shows that wearing weights on your ankles and wrists while walking or running may cause stress on joints and imbalance over time. Ultimately, the jury is still out, so we recommend consulting your doctor or physician before walking (or running) with ankle weights.

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, spine twist, or swimming. If your fitness goal is to target your abs, consider using them during hip lifts, alternating supermans, or the dragon flag.

Ankle weights test

Nick Kova / Verywell Fit

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Tori Zhou is an associate commerce editor 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 products that actually work. To write this article, Tori participated in our test and also reviewed feedback from our experienced product testers who tried every single pair of the 17 ankle weights we tested. An avid exerciser, Tori routinely uses ankle weights during her workouts and she continues to wear Adidas' Performance Ankle Weights weekly during her lower body strength training routine.