Are you ready to take your regular exercises to the next level? It doesn’t have to get more complicated than just adding ankle weights to your usual routine. They’re perfect for giving you the extra challenge you need when it comes to a range of workouts like walking, Pilates, lower-body strength training and more! So we’ve looked far and wide to bring you the five best ankle weights you can purchase in 2025 and our product reviews of them, along with a list of effective exercises that you can try with them!
5 Best Ankle Weights in 2025
- Best Overall Ankle Weight: The Sculpt Society 2 LB Weight Ankle Weights
- Best Budget Ankle Weight: Tone Fitness HHA-TN00 Ankle/Wrist Weights
- Most Fashionable Ankle Weight: Bala Bangles
- Best Ankle Weight for Beginners: Gaiam Ankle Weights Strength Training Weight Sets
1. Best Overall Ankle Weight: The Sculpt Society 1 LB Weight Ankle Weights
Picture credit: The Sculpt Society
What we love about The Sculpt Society’s ankle weights is that they have the best adjustability design and are extremely secure with their belt-style strap. So you’ll face no slippage even during fast-paced activities as it’s a smart system which is customizable in 4-ounce increments by removing or adding the weighted blocks. We declare this our favorite overall because it contains all the qualities of the other weights – it’s certainly reliable and worth the buck!
Pricing: $50.00
Customer review: “Comfortable and sturdy…these are so easy to incorporate into any workout!” – Jen, The Sculpt Society customer
Shop at The Sculpt Society
2. Best Budget Ankle Weight: Tone Fitness HHA-TN00 Ankle/Wrist Weights
Picture credit: Amazon
It doesn’t get more budget-friendly than these, with the weights starting from as low as $4.59. But this doesn’t mean that the quality is compromised on, as it’s well worth its money and some more with its sweat-absorbing neoprene material and its loop design that helps give it a secure fit. But do look out for the velcro straps if they’re not your thing, because some customers have faced some issues with them fraying over time.
Pricing: Starting from $4.59
Customer review: “Love these weights! Although very light, I love the fact that the velcro wraps all the way around. Since I have very small ankles and wrists, this is a very convenient feature to have.” – Ro, Amazon customer
Shop at Amazon
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3. Most Fashionable Ankle Weight: Bala Bangles
Picture credit: Bala Bangles
It doesn’t get more sleek and stylish than the bala bangles, so it’s no wonder a fan favorite amongst fitness enthusiasts. It’s also very functional for both beginners and pros, and comes in lb, 2 lb, and 3 lb options as a soft, silicon-coated gear. The minimalistic design comes in colours like sea, sand, blush, and also the classic ones. The use of athletic elastic in the design allows for a customizable fit, providing comfort and stability during workouts.
Pricing: $55
Customer review: “The Bala Bangles are a fantastic addition to my home workout routine. I use them regularly during exercise sessions, and they have proven to be incredibly effective. The design is sleek and modern, and the weights fit comfortably on both wrists and ankles, enhancing my workouts without causing discomfort.” – Monday Moose, Amazon user
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4. Best Ankle Weight for Beginners: Gaiam Adjustable Weights Strength Training Weight Sets
Picture credit: Amazon
At 2.5 lbs per weight, these ankle weights are great for strength training exercises as they offer solid resistance, especially for workouts like leg lifts. It also is very breathable and probably the best option for moisture-wicking, so if you perspire quite a bit then it’s a great fit as it ensures a chafe-free experience. However, the fit is said to run on the larger side so keep an eye out for that, but it’s an excellent budget-friendly option for beginners!
Pricing: $13.8
Customer review: “Absolutely the best ankle weights I have used, purchased the other brand with just a strap through the middle with the d ring, did not stay in place, strap rubbed on my heal or front of foot, had to keep adjusting so I returned them and purchased these, they stay where you put them. I use them to do incline on the treadmill and so far they are great. These were also cheaper than the other brand. The weight is not adjustable, they are sewn in..” – Caye Moberg, Amazon user
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5. Pvolve 3 lb Ankle Weights
Picture credit: Pvolve
A standout feature for these ankle weights is that it’s filled with sand instead of any chunky blocks of weight, and is designed with a soft neoprene material too. They’re comfy and great for day to day activities, and aside from the 3lb option, they also have the 1.5lb options. So if you’re a beginner, it’s wise to start off with a lesser weight, and these are great options when you’re looking for comfortable resistance.
Pricing: $34.99
Customer review: “I’ve used ankle weights on and off while running for years, these are the first that aren’t flopping all over my Achilles and ankle. They actually conform to your ankle. Can’t speak to durability yet, but these ankle weights are comfortable.” – Cris Angeli, Amazon user
Shop at Amazon
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Effective Home Workouts with Ankle Weights
Here are some exercises you can try with your brand new ankle weights – to fire up your lower body and strengthen them to new heights! All of these exercises below are meant to be tried with ankle weights around your legs or wrists for resistance.
1. Side leg raises
How to do:
- Start: Lie on your side, rest your head on your arm or prop yourself up on your forearm. Keep your body in a straight line and engage your core.
- Move: Lift your top leg as high as comfortable. Pause for a second at the top, then lower slowly.
- Reps: 10-15 per leg, 2-3 sets.
2. Arm circles
How to do:
- Start: Stand tall with arms extended at shoulder height and ankle weights secured on your wrists.
- Move: Make small forward circles for 15-30 seconds, then reverse.
- Reps: 2-3 sets.
3. Superman hold
How to do:
- Start: Lie face down with arms extended forward and ankle weights secured on your legs.
- Move: Lift your arms, chest, and legs off the ground, squeezing your glutes and lower back.
- Hold: Maintain the position for 20-30 seconds, then relax.
- Reps: 2-3 sets.
4. Single-leg glute bridge
How to do:
- Start: Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat, and ankle weights secured on your legs.
- Move: Lift one leg off the ground and extend it. Push through the heel of the other leg to lift your hips.
- Hold: Squeeze your glutes at the top, then lower your hips slowly.
- Reps: 10-12 per leg, 2-3 sets.
5. Donkey Kicks
How to do:
- Start: Begin on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
- Move: Keeping your knee bent, lift one leg towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top.
- Lower: Slowly return your leg to the starting position without touching the floor.
- Reps: 10-15 per leg, 2-3 sets.
6. Leg Straight Raises
How to do:
- Start: Lie on your back with legs straight and ankle weights secured on your ankles.
- Move: Lift one leg toward the ceiling while keeping it straight, engaging your core.
- Hold: Pause at the top, then slowly lower your leg back down with control.
- Reps: 10-12 per leg, 2-3 sets.
You may also like: B Stance Hip Thrust and Glute Bridge: An Exercise Guide
Testing and Reviewing Ankle Weights
When selecting ankle weights for our list, there were several key factors we considered. Adjustable weights were crucial, along with how well the weights fit and felt during different exercises. The weight range also played an important role, as did the style and design. Durability, especially the ability to withstand wear and tear without causing discomfort, was essential, so we favored options made from heavy-duty materials.
While we had our own aesthetic preferences, we ultimately chose those that had broad appeal. Keep these considerations in mind, along with small personal details like whether you would like adjustable straps or not, when purchasing your own ankle weights!
Conclusion
Ankle weights can be a great addition to your fitness routine and can also be used for rehabilitation and physical therapy classes. Make sure you choose the right ones for your fitness goals, and avoid wearing ankle weights every day as they can cause overuse injuries. If you’d like more product reviews or resources for your fitness journey and daily routine, check out the JustFit app!
