If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best ankle weights for women are, then I’d recommend the Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights Set as the best one.
To improve a body weight workout, many women gravitate toward ankle weights.
They provide versatility in your exercise routine and allow you to adjust the resistance and weight accordingly.
Choosing the best ankle weights is no quick task with the dozens available on the market.
Our buyer’s guide and reviews of five top-rated ankle weights should help you come to a decision.
Here are the top ankle weights we’ll be reviewing:
- REEHUT Durable Ankle/Wrist Weights
- Empower Ankle & Wrist Weights for Women
- Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights Set
- DA VINCI Adjustable Ankle Weights
- Nordic Lifting Ankle/Wrist Weights
Ankle Weights for Women – Buyer’s Guide
If you want to reap the full benefits of exercising with ankle weights, then it’s important that you choose the right one that best suits you.
Consider your own skill level in terms of weight exercising and endurance as well as your fitness goals.
From there, keep in mind a number of other factors about ankle weights from size to design to determine which one to go for.
Weight Capacity
Of course, weight should always be a factor on your search for the best ankle weights.
How heavy they are in accordance to your current fitness level can make or break your workout routine.
For instance, those of you just starting out may benefit better from ankle weights that don’t weigh too much. 1lb or 2lbs may be preferable in this case.
They’re not too heavy, but they can still provide some sort of resistance for true beginners.
Now, if you do workout regularly, something that light will probably fail to cause any real affect.
Going toward the 5lb ankle weights may do better on your muscles.
The stronger you get, the more you can steadily increase the weight. If you ever feel it’s too much, it’s simple to scale back so that you don’t harm yourself.
Comfort
Similar with the weight capacity, the amount of comfort ankle weights may or may not have can change your entire workout.
Weights that slip around while you exercise may cause you not to feel as much resistance as you should. It can also slow a workout down as you’re busy putting them back in place.
They should also have a good amount of lining or padding so that they don’t irritate if used for an extended amount of time.
Adjustability
How well ankle weights adjust can determine both its comfort level as well as versatility.
Adjusting them so that they fit securely can make it easier to wear them.
This can also determine the type of exercises you’re doing (e.g. jumping, running, etc.) and how well they’ll stay in place.
Good adjustability also plays a role in allowing people of various sizes to use them.
Many general ankle weights may not always fit a woman’s build, so finding some intended for women that are still adjustable may make using them simpler.
Alongside that, altering the size can make them interchangeable with your wrists if you’re interested in that.
Another adjustable factor you might want to look for is changing the weight. Granted, not all ankle weights can change the weight available.
Some, however, feature pockets that you can slip in or take out weights depending on your preference.
This may be something to consider if you’re interested in switching up your weight on the spot.
Otherwise, you can simply purchase another pair of ankle weights a size up once your strength improves.
Material
Exercising can bring about sweat, so an ideal ankle weight may have good moisture-absorbance or some sort of sweat-wicking material on it.
Breathability can help keep you relatively dry or at least not soaking wet.
Durability is an important factor also if you want to use the ankle weights for a long time.
It may help to look at ankle weights made with reinforced stitching or a reliable material like neoprene.
Reviews of the Best Ankle Weights for Women
REEHUT Durable Ankle/Wrist Weights
To start the search for the best ankle weights, the REEHUT Durable Ankle/Wrist Weights are made from mercerized cotton.
This can make the material more durable for added longevity as well as breathable.
Even if you sweat, a lot of the moisture may get wicked away to keep you comfortable.
The material is also soft, but the straps themselves with the Velcro may feel harsh against the skin.
What may be a simple solution is to be sure to wear these weights with a barrier such as high socks.
On the topic of Velcro, it’s simple and quick to adjust the size of the ankle weights. The metal D-ring allows for a secure fit while still being easy to remove.
They are available in various colors and each color specifies a specific weight. For instance, the purple ankle weights feature a 3lb pair, which is 1.5lbs each.
Pros
- Velcro straps allow the weights to stay firmly in place
- Easy enough to use for therapeutic purposes
- Features breathable material that can absorb moisture
Cons
- Can give off an initial harsh smell out of the box
- Straps are not comfortable directly against the skin
Empower Ankle & Wrist Weights for Women
The Empower Ankle & Wrist Weights for Women are more like a three in one product. You get a pair of 5lb ankle weights, each 2.5lbs each, but the weight capacity is adjustable.
There are four 1/2lb cast-iron weight bars that slip into the pockets. Interchanging the rods, you can create 5lbs combined weight, 4lbs combined weight, or 3lbs combined weight.
Initially, the weights are filled with iron sand. They appear comfortable in general as they’re made from neoprene.
This material utilizes reinforced double stitching, which may allow it to hold up through various exercises over time.
The neoprene is stretchy also. Added with the Velcro adjustment, this may help the ankle weights fit on a greater variety of people.
Depending on how far you adjust, there’s a chance the Velcro may stick out and either rub against you or simply get in the way.
Pros
- Made with reinforced double stitching for increased durability
- Is not prone to slipping around
- Weight inserts provide versatility
Cons
- Position of Velcro might cause it to stick out and get in the way
- Potential issues with removing and re-inserting the weights
Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights Set
Healthy Model Life created these ankle weights with women in mind, a factor seen in the compact size and a simple style that can blend in with the rest of your gear.
The Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights Set have a combined total of 5lbs, which may make them better for more intermediate or advanced users.
In the material, a double stitching technique is used to provide a good layer of durability. There’s also extra padding in the weights for greater levels of comfort.
Though it’s not exactly breathable enough to prevent you sweating, the material remains comfortable and easy against the skin.
The Velcro generally helps secure the weights in place. However, there’s a chance of slight slipping to occur.
Wearing the weights with socks or other material such as pants can keep them firm and in place though.
A feature that makes many believe these to be the best ankle weights for women is how well it fits petite ankles.
It can adjust snug enough that even some children can wear them. However, those with defined ankles may see that these fit just right without room to adjust.
Pros
- Material maintains comfort even if sweat-drenched
- Features even weight distribution around the entire ankle
- Compact size aims to keep down bulkiness
Cons
- Risks of it sliding if worn directly against the skin
- May not secure as well on those with more defined ankles
DA VINCI Adjustable Ankle Weights
The DA VINCI Adjustable Ankle Weights are sold in pairs, and they use a color-coded system for individual weights that go from 1lb to 5lbs.
The multiple weights and color options allow for plenty of adaptability and personalization.
These sand weights inside can provide enough resistant that the gear can be used well for therapy purposes.
Do take note of the potential for the weight in the pockets to sink to the bottom. Readjusting them can distribute everything back in no time.
It’s designed with the intention to fit most, if not all, ankle sizes.
The Velcro is long enough to stretch well in addition to made industrial strength to handle the various lengths you stretch it.
It’s all relatively easy to adjust and slip on and off too.
Meanwhile, the interior material is soft cloth for comfort. It’s also moisture absorbent to keep your ankles dry even during long workouts.
There may be some issues with developing holes, but this may be if you use the weights for more intense exercises.
Pros
- Material is comfortable and soft
- User-friendly in that they’re easy to put on and take off
- Long Velcro to accommodate various wearers
Cons
- May lack the necessary durability to hold up for a long time
- The weight inside may sink to the bottom during extended workouts
Nordic Lifting Ankle/Wrist Weights
Nordic Lifting Ankle/Wrist Weights may be a good option if you’re looking for something with prime adaptability.
The Velcro strap adjusts well enough so that you can use these on your wrists as well as on your ankles.
It’s industrial-strength for sturdiness, but the buckle can get uncomfortable against the skin.
The weights are designed to fit one-size across the board from women, men, and even children.
Both beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts should be able to use the weights well enough. You can choose in sizes from 1lb to 5lbs.
With neoprene padding, the material in general is intended comfortable. Stitching is reinforced as well.
However, they don’t seem to absorb moisture, so they may get uncomfortable over time if you sweat a lot.
An eye-catching feature of these ankles weights though is the reflective trim.
It’s not overtly obvious, but just enough so that you can take your fitness routine outdoors under low light or nighttime conditions and still remain safe.
Pros
- Form well to the ankles for a snug fit
- Provides a good amount of room for adjustments
- Features a reflective trim for nighttime use
Cons
- Does not repel moisture that well
- Velcro strap and buckle may dig into the skin depending on position
Final Thoughts
Out of the ankle weights we discussed, we feel the best ankle weights for women are the Healthy Model Life Ankle Weights Set.
Size-wise, they’re still apparent as weights, but they lack much of the bulk seen from other items.
They feature an ideal amount of padding also so that they’re overall comfortable to wear even if you do sweat in them.
By using a double stitching technique, there’s little concern of it falling apart even under strenuous workouts.
Alongside that, the Velcro does a good job securing them so they don’t slip around, more so if you wear them with pants or socks.
For women in particular, it adjusts well to various sizes, especially smaller ankles.
