Discover the best ankle and wrist weights to boost your cardio and resistance training, featuring top-rated picks for comfort, durability, and style.
Whether you are looking to tone your legs, increase your heart rate during a power walk, or add a new dimension to your pilates routine, wearable weights are a versatile tool. While the concept is simple—adding resistance to your extremities to make your muscles work harder—the market is flooded with options ranging from old-school sandbags to modern, jewelry-like accessories. In this guide, we review the top 5 ankle and wrist weights available today, comparing them on comfort, durability, and adjustability.
Before diving into the products, it is crucial to address how to use these tools safely. While the headline mentions running, many fitness experts and physical therapists advise caution when running with ankle weights. The added weight at the end of the lever (your leg) can shift strain to your joints and alter your gait, potentially leading to injury. However, wearing ankle weights while walking, hiking, or performing stationary exercises is an excellent, low-impact way to increase leg strength and calorie burn. A Malaysian study from 2016 found that consistent use of light ankle weights significantly lowered body fat percentage and waist circumference over six months.
Best Overall Adjustable Weight
If you are looking for versatility and popularity, the Henkelion Adjustable Ankle Weights are the clear frontrunner. Boasting a 4.6-star rating with over 14,000 reviews, these weights are a staple for home fitness enthusiasts. They are constructed from mercerized cotton, which is distinct from the typical neoprene found on other brands. This material choice offers superior breathability and moisture absorption, keeping your skin dry during intense sessions.
The standout feature here is adjustability. The weights come in different total weight variants (2, 3, and 5 lbs), but you can remove individual sand-filled packets to customize the resistance. This makes them perfect for progressive overload; you can start light and add weight as your glutes and hamstrings get stronger.
Key Features:
Users consistently praise the secure fit, noting that the velcro holds tight even during movement, preventing the weights from sliding around the ankle. While some users find them slightly bulky for wrist use, they are exceptional for lower-body training.
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Best for Style and Comfort
Bala Bangles have revolutionized the aesthetic of fitness equipment. Often seen on social media and known for their appearance on Shark Tank, these weights are designed to look as good as they feel. Unlike traditional bulky sandbags, Bala Bangles feature cast iron bars encased in soft, smooth silicone. The bars are mounted on an athletic elastic band with a hook-and-loop closure, allowing for a custom, ergonomic fit.
These are available in 1lb or 2lb options. While they are significantly more expensive than competitors—coming in around $65—the investment pays off in comfort and usability. Their slim profile, only about half an inch thick, means they don't get in the way of your movements. They are particularly good for yoga, pilates, or wearing around the house for passive resistance.
Key Features:
If you have sensitive skin or dislike the chafing that can occur with fabric weights, the silicone exterior of the Bala Bangles is a game-changer.
Best Security and Value
For those who want a secure lock at an affordable price point, the Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights are a top contender. Priced competitively around $29.99, these weights solve a common problem: slipping. Unlike basic models that rely solely on overlapping velcro, Sportneer utilizes a metal D-ring. This allows you to cinch the strap tightly and lock it in place, ensuring the weight stays positioned correctly above your sneaker or on your wrist.
The exterior is made from thick, soft neoprene—similar to wetsuit material—which provides cushioning against the skin. Like the Henkelion model, these are adjustable. You can add or remove sandbags to shift the weight from 1 to 5 lbs per ankle. This makes them highly versatile for households where multiple people with different strength levels might share the equipment.
Key Features:
Research indicates that the secure fit of the Sportneer weights helps maintain proper gait mechanics by preventing the weight from flopping around during a brisk walk.
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Best for Heavy Resistance
Sometimes you need more than just a light tone; you need heavy resistance. The ProsourceFit Ankle Weights are designed for those ready to take their leg strength to the next level. Available in a solid 5lb option, these are perfect for rehabilitating an injury under professional guidance or for advanced fitness enthusiasts looking to maximize glute and hamstring activation.
Because 5lbs is significant on an ankle, security is paramount. ProsourceFit addresses this with a dual-strap system. Not only are there two adjustable straps, but they also feature a metal clasp and durable velcro lining. This double-lock system ensures that the heavy iron-sand filling stays secure against your body and doesn't rotate during leg lifts or extensions.
Key Features:
These are straightforward, no-nonsense weights. There are no pouches to fiddle with; you strap them on and get to work.
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Best for Home Workouts
Pvolve is a brand built around functional movement, and their ankle weights reflect that philosophy. Available in 1.5lb and 3lb options, these weights are sand-filled and designed to be compact. While the weight itself is fixed, the strap is highly adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect tightness for your ankle circumference.
A unique selling point for the Pvolve weights is the digital integration. Purchasing the 1.5lb set often grants you a trial to the Pvolve on-demand platform, giving you access to over 1,400 workouts. This is incredibly valuable for beginners who buy weights but aren't sure which exercises to perform to get the best results without risking injury.
Key Features:
Users love using these for everyday activities like cleaning or walking, noting that they provide "that little bit of extra strength" without feeling like a piece of gym equipment.
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When selecting the right weights for your training, consider the following criteria:
If you are a beginner or plan to use these for cardio (walking), stick to 1 to 3 lbs. Heavier weights (5 lbs and up) are best reserved for stationary strength moves like leg lifts or donkey kicks to avoid straining your hip flexors and knees.
Neoprene is the industry standard because it is durable and easy to wipe clean. However, if you have sensitive skin, you might prefer the mercerized cotton of the Henkelion or the medical-grade silicone of the Bala Bangles.
Decide if you want a fixed weight or an adjustable one. Adjustable weights offer more value as they grow with you, but fixed weights are often slimmer and less bulky, making them more comfortable for movement-based workouts.
Adding ankle or wrist weights to your routine is a simple, effective way to enhance muscle tone and increase calorie expenditure. For the best all-around experience, the Henkelion Adjustable Weights offer the perfect balance of price and performance. If style and comfort are your priority, the Bala Bangles are worth the splurge. Whichever pair you choose, remember to start light, listen to your body, and keep moving.
