#1 – All Pro Ankle Weights – Adjustable, max weight 5 lbs on each ankle

All Pro is a trusted and reputed brand when it comes to exercise and fitness products so it is fitting that they head up our list of the Best Ankle Weights. The All Pro Weight Adjustable Ankle Weights, 10-lb pair (up to 5-lbs per ankle) come in a set of two, each weighing up to five pounds maximum. The best part about using these ankle weights is that their weights are completely adjustable, which is really convenient. Moreover, the padding against the ankle provides additional comfort and so does the padded heel.Read our review

#2 – Thera-Band Ankle/Wrist Cuff Weights – Comfort Fit

Another ankle/wrist weight system which is logically sold in pairs.. The Thera-Band Comfort Fit Ankle/Wrist Cuff Weight Sets – Sold in Pairs-5lbs-Blue comes in three color-coded levels of 1lbs, 1.5 lbs and 2.5 lbs weight. The Thera-band comfort fit ankle weights stay true to their name in the sense that they allow you to go for strength training without excessive discomfort.. This multi-functional product can also be used for carrying out balance training exercises and stabilization exercises. At this price, Thera-Band sits well in our list of the Best Ankle Weights. They are definitely a steal! Read more

#3 – Valeo Ankle Weights – Adjustable

Who says that the Best Ankle Weights come with costly price tags? Valeo AW10 10-Pound Adjustable Ankle / Wrist Weights are certainly an exception here because these are very economical to buy but rate very well in terms of performance. These are simple and fuss-free, adjustable weights that can be used in your exercise regime. The weight is provided by cast iron inserts, which slide into a plain black pouch. Read more

#4 – Reebok Ankle Weight Sets – Adjustable

The brand name ‘Reebok’ alone is enough to entice some people to purchase these ankle weights. The Reebok Adjustable Ankle Weight (10-Pounds) aren’t your average ankle weights as they are heavy duty ones that are highly durable. They can be used for adding intensity to your workout sessions. Made of a durable nylon blend, these are adjustable, so they can be tailored to your needs or preferences. The hook and loop closure is very secure and convenient to use too. More here

#5 – Da Vinci Adjustable Weights for ankles/wrists – 5 different pairs

The Da Vinci 5 LB Adjustable Ankle or Wrist Weights offer dual functions, they can be used as an ankle weight or as a wrist weight. Available in five different sets of varying weights, i.e. 1 lbs, 1.5 lbs, 2 lbs, 3lbs and 5 lbs, each identified by a different color for easy identification. The exteriors of these ankle weights are made from soft cloth which absorbs moisture easily and the adjustable Velcro bands ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Read More

#6 – “Stronger” Ankle weights for Women”

The Stronger ankle weight range  starts at one pound per leg and goes up to 5 pounds. Designed with women in mind, these weights offer more padding than other brands, and to take away any concern you might have they come with a Lifetime, that’s right a LIFETIME refund or replacement guarantee.

They are also designed to stay exactly where you put them, so they not only improve comfort, but also operational effectiveness as well. If your are not suitably impressed the lifetime guarantee is there to fall back on. Read on

#7 – “Yes4All Ankle weights”

The Yes4All ankle weights are color coded and offer one pound to five pounds per leg. Made from a soft, moisture resistant,Neoprene fabric , these weights offer fit and comfort without skin abrasions. Secure fit is via adjustable Velcro Tabs. Prices range from $15 to $21 depending upon the weight. More Info

#8 – “Nordic Lifting Ankle weights”

The Nordic Lifting ankle weights have a reflective trim as an added safety feature when used outside. Weights are available in 1, 2, and 3 pounds each side (sold in sets of two) so they are ideal for beginners, women and older children. Ideal for walking, jogging and low level core strength exercise these will switch from ankle to wrist with ease. Coming complete with a carry bag and instruction manual they are an ideal addition to your home workouts. Pros and Cons

#9 – “Cap Barbell Ankle Weights”

The Cap Barbell Ankle Weights range from 2.5 pounds to 10 pounds per leg. Weights are adjustable, and because the weight pouches are on the outside, they can be increased or decreased whilst in use, without having to take them off. More

#10 – “Pro Source Ankle weights”

The Pro Source ankle weights range from one pound to 5lbs per side. and are so soft on your skin that you will forget you are wearing them. Adjustable straps and the range of weight levels mean these great little weights can be used men, women and children alike. Read Review

The Proper use of Ankle Weights

So those are our Best Ankle Weights, but there is a good deal of confusion about the correct use of Ankle weights, with many thinking they are suited to use when running,jumping or for increasing the bodies ability to increase speed or other explosive actions such as jumping, kicking etc. This is not the recommended use of ankle weights.

It is a function of physics, that adding small amounts of weights, ie a few pounds, to your extremities (Ankles and wrists) adds a disproportional amount of extra resistance, but care must be taken to ensure that the exercise done with weights added is safe and beneficial.

As a general rule, it is safe to suggest that Ankle weights and aerobic exercise do not mix. The Mayo Clinic weighed into this conversation suggesting that ankle weights were not recommended even for “brisk Walking’, due to the increased risk of injury to joints and muscles. Other studies have pointed to the fact that just walking with ankle weights actually changes the way a person walks (even when not wearing the weights).

There is a misconception that adding weights while doing speed or sprint training will lead to faster running. This is not true, the old adage that “perfect training makes perfect” is correct here, if you want added speed in the race or game, you need to train by increasing speed in your training sessions, weights actually slow you down when training.

Not for Running

One risk in wearing weights during high speed movements, is that the body attempts to adjust to them. When the weights are removed, it may still produce the extra extension or exertion that was required when weights were on, leading to over extension or over stretching etc and joint, muscle or tendon injury.

As a final example, running with Ankle weights will strengthen the quads in the front of your thighs, but your hamstring strength will not increase, creating an imbalance that can also lead to injury.

So how do you use Ankle weights?

One exception to the “aerobic style” exercise rule is where water is involved. In swimming or water aerobics. Use of ankle weights in these situations is safer as the buoyancy provided by the water reduces the injury risk. In general though ankle weights are best used to increase body weight during resistance/weight training.

Adding ankle weights increases effectiveness of pull ups and dips, Calf raises, Leg Raises, Slow kicking actions, and Leg extensions etc when working one leg whilst balancing on another

One reference I find helpful is to think of Ankle weights as “barbells for feet”. We strengthen arm and chest muscles etc by picking up and lifting weights held in the hands. As we can not hold such weights with the feet, we strengthen calves, thighs, hip flexors, along with arms (when doing pull ups etc) by adding weights at the ankle.

Depending on you situation, it would be wise to work with a trained instructor, at least initially, to make sure that the exercises you do with your ankle weights are both safe, and correctly chosen to arrive at you specific outcomes.