7 Best Wrist And Ankle Weights For 2025
Good Gear editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
Good Gear editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
In recent months, wrist and ankle weights have made a serious comeback. Once the gear of our moms and grandmas on their power walks in the ‘80s and ‘90s, these versatile weights have started receiving a little more recognition for the benefits they can add to walking and workouts today. Rather than raiding mom’s closet, it’s time to find the perfect pair for yourself. 🙌
Today’s ankle weights are a far cry from those of the past, and there are so many options that complement all your activities — whether it’s walking, Pilates, power yoga, or even running if you’re feeling bold. As a yoga teacher, I’ve started integrating ankle and wrist weights into my power vinyasa classes, and they truly bring the extra burn. Whether your top priority is comfort, adjustability, or durability, we’ve got you covered.
Why do wrist and ankle weights work?
What can a pound or two really do for you? As it turns out, quite a lot. Studies show not only their benefit to fitness, but to their stabilizing and balance-enhancing qualities, too. There’s still a lot more research needed on the measure of the benefits of wrist and ankle weights. That being said, there is some research already available, and it looks promising. A Malaysian study from 2016 found that using 1.1-pound ankle or wrist weights for 20 minutes, 3 times per week, lowered waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage within just six months. Another study from 2020 on resistance training during walking found that walking with ankle weights has the potential to improve gait function by increasing muscle activation in the legs, particularly in the hamstrings. While this is amazing news, it’s important to remember that ankle and wrist weights are best for low-impact exercise that the body is familiar with, and that taking on too much weight too quickly can lead to injury. While it’s always tempting to push ourselves to go the extra mile in our fitness routines, more weight doesn’t necessarily mean better results. Building up to more challenging weights will come gradually, especially if you’re accommodating for other injuries and sensitivities in your body.
Our criteria:
Our editors have tested, researched, and corresponded with the top brands in the wellness space. For this guide, we’ve selected the best wrist and ankle weights that are versatile, comfortable, and made to last. We regularly update this list with emerging favorites that meet the following criteria:
- VERSATILE | We’ve chosen options for this list that come in a variety of weights so that you can select the best option for your training. The designs of these weights also make them great for use during a walk or a higher-intensity workout.
- COMFORTABLE | The brands on this list use breathable, non-irritating materials so that you don’t have to work about developing any sensitivities during use. We’ve also noted the different closures so you can choose which works best for you.
- DURABLE | We’ve vetted customer reviews and tried some of these options ourselves to ensure that you’re getting a long-lasting product.
If you’re looking to up your weight training, check out our favorite adjustable dumbbells and resistance bands too.
1. Bala
Best For | Hot girl walks
Materials | Steel wrapped in silicone
Prices Starting At | $55
Bala bangles are probably what you’re picturing when you think about those adorable ankle weights that all the TikTok girlies are wearing on their walks and to their Pilates classes. They’re available in a variety of colors and they come with a color-matched carrying case so you can transport them in style (that is, if you’re not already wearing them from point A to point B). They come in 1lb, 2lb, and 3lb options, all of which fasten with elastic and hook and loop fasteners. The monochrome look with the straight bars definitely makes Bala an “aesthetic” choice, so if you’re going for both fashion and function, these might be at the top of your list.
Customer Review | “I think it’s important to invest in things that bring you joy. For me, these weren’t just functional and adding an extra little challenge to my workouts, but they are so pretty and fun and bring me joy while using them! Added bonus :)” – Jennah (Read more reviews)
2. The Sculpt Society
Best For | Velcro haters
Materials | Silicone, metal
Prices Starting At | $35
If you want something funky, fun, and functional, The Sculpt Society might be in your corner. The buckle design on their weights is both cute and incredibly sturdy for high intensity workouts like running or HIIT training, so you won’t have to worry about readjusting once you find that sweet spot. They have a bit more of a limited selection—the only colors they come in are The Sculpt Society’s signature pink and baby blue, and the color denotes the weight. Blue is for 1lb and pink is for 2lbs. The weight is adjustable, so you can remove bars if you want something a little lighter in intensity. Additionally, if you want to purchase both the 1lb and 2lb weights, you can buy them in a bundle so you have both sets to choose from.
Customer Review | “Comfortable and sturdy…these are so easy to incorporate into any workout!” – Jen (Read more reviews)
3. Pvolve
Best For | Bargain hunters
Materials | Neoprene, hook-and-loop strips, sand
Prices Starting At | $26
While these might resemble those vintage ankle and wrist weights a bit, Pvolve has definitely added their own flair to the style. Available in 1.5lbs and 3lbs, these neutral-colored weights are chic, functional, and a total bargain. While the weight itself is not adjustable, the velcro makes it easy to find that exact perfect spot for however tight or loose you want them to be. Another strength for Pvolve is that these weights are soft, so if you’re not a fan of the way bar-style weights feel on the wrist and ankles, these might be the perfect solution for you. And if you happen to be a first-time customer at Pvolve, your purchase also includes a 7-day trial of their streaming workout classes and a 1-1 trainer consultation, which can be redeemed after purchase.
Customer Review | “I’ve been enjoying using these ankle weights for the Pvolve workout, but also even when I’m out walking or cleaning around the house. They give me that little bit extra strength so it feels like I’m working out doing everyday things.” – Molly (Read more reviews)
4. BetterMe
Best For | Your yoga practice
Materials | Iron, silicone
Prices Starting At | $45
While the BetterMe weights are only available in the 1lb size, their color selection is the stuff of dreams. They’re adorable in pink, yellow, green, and blue — and grey if you’re more of a neutral person. The triangle-shaped weight bars fit into one another seamlessly, and are perfect for yoga because they can fit nicely on either side of the ankle, leaving the top of the foot free and clear for an easier tabletop, cat/cow, and upward facing dog. The design is both cute and comfortable, and if you’re specifically looking for something to add to a yoga practice, these should definitely be in the running.
Customer Review | “Listen, the design is just… chef’s kiss. FINALLY some weight bands that aren’t ****” – Lizzie (Read more reviews)
5. Stretched Fusion
Best For | Fitness Beginners
Materials | Silicone, velcro
Prices Starting At | $50
Stretched Fusion is another triangle-bar weight that’s perfect for your yoga practice, but these weights are also an amazing jumping-off point for fitness beginners in general because they come with free workout videos and a free 30-day challenge. If you want to start working out with ankle weights but aren’t exactly sure what you’ll do or how to get started, Stretched Fusion offers you both the props and the plan. These weights only come in the 1lb size, but like a few of the others on this list, they’re adjustable by sliding the bars off — so you can start light and build your way up.
Customer Review | “I liked it so much I bought a second pair! The pink is a pretty, soft pink girly color, but my black ones are nice too. Velcro easy to get on and off. Comfortable and soft enough that I can stack them and wear both on one leg at a time to double the weight.” – Jly (Read more reviews)
6. Poosh
Best For | A luxury upgrade
Materials | Eco-friendly PU leather and recycled metal balls
Prices Starting At | $100
From Kourtney Kardashian Barker herself, Poosh ankle weights are exactly what they sound like. They’re made by Maison Athlē for Poosh, and come in a non-adjustable soft 2lb weight. They’re beautiful, available in both silver and gold, accompanied by a branded carrying case, and are made of eco-friendly PU leather and recycled metal balls. If you love the metallic look but still want something soft, these are made for your taste. According to the Kardashian & Jenner Holiday Gift Guide, they’re Kris’ stocking stuffer of choice, so if you’re looking to bring a luxurious upgrade to your workout, you can join the Kardashian-Jenner family in their fitness journey and style yourself just like them.
7. The Cuff
Best For | Variety
Materials | Vinyl, velcro
Prices Starting At | $18
Often found in physical therapy and rehabilitative settings, The Cuff has been around for quite some time, and you can find them at both Target and on Amazon. These weights come in a number of sizes, from .25lb all the way to 20lb. You can even buy a variety pack that gives you one of each individual size. The only thing to keep in mind is that these weights are sold as singles, not as pairs, so you’ll need to buy two if you want to do bilateral exercises with the same weight on each side. The full set is like this, too, so if you want a full set that includes two of each, you’ll need to order double. But if you’re looking for a wide range of weights for single-side movements, The Cuff could be exactly what you need.
Featured image by Bala
Jamie Kahn is a writer and yoga teacher based in New York. Her work has been featured in Glamour, Brooklyn Magazine, Epiphany, The Evergreen Review, and others.
