We Tested the Best Ankle Weights—These 8 Are Clear Winners

Best Overall

Bala Bangles

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Unboxing
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  4.9/5
• Fit/Comfort
  5/5
• Versatility
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

The Bala Bangles scored no lower than 4.5 out of 5 for all of the seven attributes we tested for, making this set a clear winner of our best overall spot. This option has developed a cult following in the ankle weight space, turning the stereotypically bulky fitness equipment into what looks more like a trendy accessory. Slip them on to engage more muscles while working out on elliptical machines and treadmills. Throughout upper body and lower body workouts, our tester was impressed with the quality and durability and mentioned that there was nothing she would change about the design.

This set is one of only two we tested that are made of silicone, which offers better water resistance than other materials and makes them less likely to slip and slide around your ankle or wrist. Thanks to this design, the Bala Bangles didn't slip at all during our test—even when we performed exercises with wet skin. And since the filling is made of recycled steel, they are less prone to leaking than sand-filled competitors.

These ankle weights can be adjusted in two different ways: in circumference to fit a variety of body shapes and in weight (you can add or remove weight in 2-ounce increments). We also loved the durability and design of these ankle weights, but wished they came at a lower price point—which is why we didn't give them a 5 out of 5 for value.

Testing Notes: "If you want ankle weights to be a regular part of your routine, investing a little more money into a well-respected (and well-made!) product may be worth it. Whether you bring your Bala Bangles to the gym or use them on a mat in your living room, the small weight increase to bodyweight movements can make a huge difference as you build strength. They seem like something that could be a long-term investment."

The set includes a carrying case, and the ankle weights come in a variety of aesthetically-pleasing colors. While we tested the 1-pound set (2 pounds total), they're also available in a 2-pound set (4 pounds total), which is better suited for more advanced users.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Weight per Ankle: 1- and 2-pound options | Dimensions: 13 x 3 inches | Adjustable Weight: Yes | Material: Recycled steel, silicone}

Best Overall Runner-Up

The Sculpt Society 2 LB Weight

4.7

View On Thesculptsociety.com

Our Ratings

• Unboxing
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Fit/Comfort
  4.5/5
• Versatility
  5/5
• Value
  4/5

The Sculpt Society's 2LB weights closely resemble the Bala Bangles with similar silicone material and 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).

These ankle weights received scores no less than 4 out of 5 stars for all attributes, receiving their lowest score for value. Our male tester found that the ankle weights occasionally pulled on his body hair, which is something to keep in mind if you plan to use them with shorts or cropped leggings.

But what makes this option stand out is its adjustability—it scored higher for this attribute than all other options we tested, receiving a perfect score of 5 out of 5. To adjust the weight, you simply slide off one or more of the eight included blocks, making each ankle weight adjustable by roughly 4 ounces. Our testers found the removable block design more seamless than other adjustable options, some of which require weighted pockets to be removed and reinserted to adjust. And while many ankle weights (including the Bala Bangles) feature a Velcro closure, these weights fasten via a magnetized belt buckle, which adds security and precision.

Our tester found the weight to be slightly unevenly distributed within each ankle weight during some, but not all, exercises—which can be annoying to some. And while the ankle weights seem fairly durable, the belt buckle closure felt a little less durable to our tester.

What the Experts Say: "The silicone was able to hug my skin and pants without any issues. I love the sleek pink design which offers variability in exercises that you are able to do."

While we tested the 2-pound set, Sculpt Society also offers a lighter and cheaper 1-pound set option.

Price at time of publication: $65

^{Key Specs:
Weight per Ankle: 1- and 2-pounds options | Dimensions: 14.1 x 3.7 inches | Adjustable Weight: Yes | Material: Silicone}

Best Budget

P Volve 3 LB Ankle Weights

4.7

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Our Ratings

• Unboxing
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Fit/Comfort
  5/5
• Versatility
  4.5/5
• Value
  5/5

An affordable product sometimes sacrifices quality for 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 scored a perfect 5 out of 5 for our value attribute and received perfect scores for almost all other attributes.

Our tester noted that the weights didn't slip at all during all exercises, which earned this pick a perfect score for both ease of use and fit and comfort.

Testing Notes: "I would have extended the Velcro strap so that it fits a little tighter. I could see this sliding up and down for people with skinnier ankles. Overall, they were super comfortable, are affordable, are easy to use, and don't slip and slide when doing a myriad of exercises."

These ankle weights feature a traditional design with a Velcro closure. While our tester was impressed with the comfort and fit, she did wish the Velcro strap was longer for a more adjustable fit—and to accommodate more calf and wrist sizes. While the weight of this set isn't adjustable, P. Volve also offers a 1.5-pound set, in addition to the 3-pound set that we tested, if you want to start light or are focusing on higher-rep and low-weight moves.

Price at time of publication: $23

^{Key Specs:
Weight per Ankle: 1.5- and 3-pound options | Dimensions: 11 x 4.3 inches | Adjustable Weight: No | Material: Neoprene, velcro, sponge}

Most Comfortable

Adidas Performance Ankle/Wrist Weights

4.5

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Our Ratings

• Unboxing
  4/5
• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Fit/Comfort
  5/5
• Versatility
  5/5
• Value
  4/5

Adidas may be known for its athleisure, and its ankle weights uphold the same quality and comfort. While these weights aren't adjustable, they received a score of 5 out of 5 for both versatility and fit and comfort, which are important factors to consider when choosing any type of exercise paraphernalia or garment, from lifting gloves to underwear for working out. Our tester loved the soft polyester material and was able to comfortably use this pair as both wrist and ankle weights for various workouts. He also found the material very easy to clean.

These ankle weights are weighted by outer-facing pouches filled with sand, which may add some bulkiness. But the adjustable Velcro closure straps are longer than average, so our tester found it easy to get a customized, non-slip fit.

Although this pair is one of the more expensive options on our list, we still gave it a decent value score of 4 out of 5 since they're made of high-quality material and our tester found them to be comfortable to use for everything from bicycles to kickbacks. We probably would have given the weights even higher marks if their weight were adjustable. But we like that Adidas offers pairs in a variety of weight options—a 1-pound set, 2-pound set, 3-pound set, and 4-pound set—so exercisers of all levels can choose their preferred options.

^{Key Specs:
Weight per Ankle: 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-pound options | Dimensions: 11.8 x 4.7 inches | Adjustable Weight: No | Material: Polyester, sand}

Best Adjustable

Sportneer Ankle Weights

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Unboxing
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  4/5
• Fit/Comfort
  5/5
• Versatility
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

One of the four ankle weights on our list that has an adjustable weight, Sportneer's Ankle Weights are our top pick for a customizable option that won't break the bank. This pick features a traditional ankle weight design with a Velcro closure and sand fill and includes five removable weight pockets—making each 2-pound ankle weight adjustable by .37 pounds.

We love that the weight of these ankle weights can be adjusted to fit the needs of both beginner and more advanced users, but our tester noted that the adjustment mechanism does take a while to get used to and takes a few tries.

One of the most budget-friendly options that we tested, we gave these a high score of 4.5 out of 5 for value. The score would have been higher, but our tester noticed that the removable sand-filled pouches didn't seem extremely durable. One even ripped slightly after she removed it and reinserted it a few times.

Although the 1-pound ankle weights felt light to our tester, who is more used to heavy weightlifting, she did say they may be better suited to someone who wants to add weight to Pilates or yoga moves or prefers doing exercises with higher reps and lower weight. They'd also make stability-building exercises, like ones performed on balance boards, more challenging. More advanced users can opt for Sportneer's 3.5-, 5-, or 6.5-pound ankle weights sets.

Testing Notes: "For the price point, these are an easy-to-use, low-weight product that would be best geared toward low-impact exercise. The product felt snug and easily adjustable with the Velcro closure and stayed on well during various exercises. It felt fine during the 'sweat' exercise and operated the same way on dry or wet skin."

In the end, we gave these weights a perfect score for versatility, as we found their weight adjustability to make it easier to complete a number of different exercises, and we found the set easy to use as both ankle and wrist weights.

Price at time of publication: $21

^{Key Specs:
Weight per Ankle: 2-, 3.5-, 5-, and 6.5-pound options | Dimensions: 10.6 x 5.7 inches | Adjustable Weight: Yes | Material: Neoprene}

Best Wrist Weights

The DB Method The Dreamlets

4.3

View On Thedbmethod.com

Our Ratings

• Unboxing
  4.5/5
• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Fit/Comfort
  5/5
• Versatility
  3.5/5
• Value
  3.5/5

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, which make them more comfortable to wear as opposed to bulkier ankle weights.

With a feel that's similar to fitness gloves, we found them highly secure, even while completing more dynamic moves like jumping jacks, and with wet skin during our sweat test. So we gave these a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for fit and comfort.

We gave these lower value and versatility scores because, although they work very well as wrist weights, our tester tried to use them as ankle weights and wasn't able to do so comfortably. She would have given the option a higher value and versatility score if they were more versatile and if the weight was adjustable—or if they were slightly less expensive.

Testing Notes: "I really liked the material of these ankle weights because it felt soft but also very durable. I also liked how the closure of the ankle weights is very sturdy and didn't feel like it was going to slip at any point or open accidentally—even during the sweat test. I would recommend this product to a friend looking for sturdy wrist weights that will hold up to intense use and won't open during intense HIIT sessions."  

People who use wrist weights multiple times a week, for workouts like kickboxing or HIIT moves, may still find these worth the cost, especially since the thumbholes are a very unique feature.

Price at time of publication: $21

^{Key Specs:
Weight per Ankle: 1 pound each | Dimensions: 14 x 3.4 inches | Adjustable Weight: No | Material: Not listed}