The 11 Best Ankle Weights of 2025 for Every Workout, Tested by Fitness Experts

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. Additionally, due to their compact size, ankle weights are easy to take on the go or incorporate into your home workout space.

• How We Tested

  To find the best ankle weights, we tested 23 top options, wearing them during exercises such as leg lifts, mountain climbers, and overhead presses. 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 ensure that all 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 easily the weight can be adjusted 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 slipping or sliding. 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 comfort, we consider how the ankle weight feels and whether it irritates our skin or tugs on body hair. We also note if the 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 a variety of exercises.
  • Portability: To assess the portability of each ankle weight, we note whether each pair comes with a carry bag or can be easily 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 have evaluated 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 that allows you to perform multiple reps, such as 2 or 3 pounds. More advanced exercisers may want to opt for a 5-pound pair of ankle weights.
  • 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, stating that it molds to the body more closely 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: Selecting ankle weights with a reliable closure is crucial for preventing 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 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 six 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 our picks for two superlatives: Most Comfortable and Best Heavier Weights. We’ve also added four new superlatives: Most Durable, Best Moisture-Wicking, Best Sleek, and Best for Pilates.
  • We consulted two new experts, a certified personal trainer and a fitness expert, to gain a deeper understanding of how to safely use ankle weights and ensure that all the information in our roundup is up to date.