12 Best Adjustable & Waterproof Ankle Weights & More 2024

Welcome to our 12 best adjustable & waterproof ankle weights review where you will find our top ankle/wrist weights available online. This review and comprehensive guide will give you all the information necessary to help you find the perfect ankle weights for your individual needs.

This buyer’s guide will help you better understand the different types of ankle weights available to you, such as waterproof ankle weights, fixed weight, and adjustable ankle weights. Also, learn how to use ankle weights, and what important features to consider before buying.

Additionally, we will help you decide which weights are right for you, review the benefits of using them, cover some safety tips, and provide you with a FAQ section to cover some of the most asked questions by users and potential buyers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• The 3 Different Types of Ankle Weights for Exercising
• Product & Features List
• The 12 Best Ankle Weights Reviewed
  • Best Waterproof Ankle Weights
  • Best Weight-Adjustable Ankle Weights
  • Best Fixed-Weight Ankle Weights
• What are the Best Ankle Weights for me?
• 7 Best Uses for Ankle Weights
• Top Benefits of Using Ankle Weights for Exercise
• Best Ankle Weights FAQ

The 3 Different Types of Ankle Weights for Exercising

In this review, we have decided to add two categories of weights you can choose from. Consequently, this will offer you more options and flexibility in your decision-making process. That said, this would include the fixed ankle weights and the weight adjustable ankle weights.

We have also found many users asking about waterproof ankle/wrist weights, so we have included one of these as well.

1. Waterproof Ankle Weights

Please also understand that with these ankle weights, waterproof does not necessary mean they will not take on water or get wet. It does mean, however, that they are made for use in water, will easily dry, and will not rust or leak sand.

While doing my research online I saw many people asking where they could find waterproof ankle weights. So I decided to make it my mission to find them. Little did I know, finding these weights would not be easy.

I did however eventually come up with 3 waterproof ankle weights that I have added to this review. One is made by Gymenist which is a set of fixed weights that can be used as wrist and ankle weights for swimming.

My second and third choices are the All Pro Adjustable the Water Gear waterproof ankle weights. These are also great ankle weights for the pool, water rehab exercises, diving, aquatic exercises, and water aerobics.

Additionally, if you are interested in a pair of waterproof wrist weights, then you may want to check out the All Pro Weight Adjustable Aqua Power aquatic wrist weights. These weigh 2.5 lbs each and are adjustable in .625 lb increments.

2. Adjustable Ankle Weights

The adjustable ankle/wrist weight is different from the fixed weight in that you can adjust the weights by removing and adding weight to and from the wraps.

So, as in the example above, you could buy one adjustable ankle weight and simply remove, or add weights to create your 3lb, 2lb, and 1lb wraps.

We have various weight options when it comes to adjustable ankle weight. These would include increments of 1lb to 5lb, 3lb to 10, 1lb to 10lb, and even 1lb to 20lb wrap.

3. Fixed Ankle Weights

Fixed ankle weights as the term implies, have a fixed weight. These are size adjustable to fit various ankle and wrist sizes but are not weight adjustable.

In other words, the weights have been permanently sewn into the fabric so you cannot remove them in order to adjust the amount of weight in these wraps.

Therefore, if you wanted to exercise with a 3lb wrap, and then follow up by using a 2lb and a 1lb weight, you would need three different ankle wraps.

Product & Features List

The following is a quick navigation list showing the different types of ankle weight designs and the available weight options for each.

Best Waterproof Ankle Weights

Best Weight Adjustable Ankle Weights

Best Fixed Ankle Weights

The 12 Best Fixed, Adjustable & Waterproof Ankle Weights Reviewed

In this review, you will find some of the best ankle weights found online. We have listed various types of ankle weights and in multiple weight categories.

Most of these can also be used as wrist weights and can be used by both men and women alike. We do however have the Empower,  which the company has specifically designed for women.

For water aerobics, we have also found the waterproof ankle weights made by Gymenist that you can check out.

I have grouped these ankle weights into 3 categories:

1. waterproof ankle weights
2. adjustable weights: 0.5lb to 5lbs, or 10lbs to 20lbs
3. fixed weights: these come in various weight options

Best Waterproof Ankle Weights

#1 Gymenist Waterproof Weights

The Gymenist is our top choice for waterproof ankle weights and although it is specifically designed for swimming, diving, and all kinds of water sports and exercises, it can also be used for non-aquatic activities such as walking and resistance training.

They offer 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, and 4lb weight options that are easily adjustable to fit almost all ankle and wrist sizes. These weight options are for each wrap (so for the 2lb wraps, you would get two 2lb weights, totaling 4lb for the pair).

Using the hook and loop strap makes it easy to fit perfectly around your ankles or wrists.

These waterproof ankle/wrist weights are made of a durable neoprene fabric that you can wash after removing the inside gel pocket.

#2 All Pro 5 lbs Total (Editor’s Choice)

Best Adjustable Waterproof Ankle Weights!

The All Pro Weight Adjustable Aqua Power Aquatic Ankle Weights comes from a reputable company known for its quality weight products. And these water weights are no exception.

Besides being comfortable and conforming perfectly to the contours of your ankles, they are also weight adjustable. This means you can start at .625 lbs and work your way up to 2.5 lbs per ankle. There are 4 slots for each, so you can adjust in .625 weight increments.

#3 Water Gear (10 lbs Total)

If you are looking for more than just 5 lbs of total weight, then the Water Gear Water Ankle Weights will provide an addition 5 lbs to your workout for a total of 10 lbs.

Once adjusted properly, these ankle weights are literally a snap to put on and take off.

Only one word of caution with these weights; these may be too heavy and too big for smaller ankles and users have complained of black dye staining issues.

Best Weight-Adjustable Ankle Weights

The following 5 ankle/wrist weights are weight adjustable, meaning they have removable weights in order to adjust each wrap to the amount of weight you need for any given workout routine.

#4 Gymenist up to 5.5 lbs Adjustable Weights

The Gymenist weights offer 5.5lb wraps which are each weight adjustable to fit your specific workout routines.

Each wrap has 10 solid metal sticks weighing 0.55lb each, totaling 20 for the pair. You can easily remove each weight from the slots in the wraps to adjust and customize your exercise intensity as needed.
Comes with Velcro to lock the metal sticks in place and keep the wraps secured snuggly around your ankles or wrists.

#5 All Pro 20 lbs Weight Adjustable 1-Piece (Runner Up)

The All Pro is a one-piece ankle weight for those you looking for top resistance and the largest range in weight. These come in 1lb increments that you can adjust from 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, 4lb, 5lb, all the way up to 20 lbs.

These wraps come with extra padding and cushioning to help protect your ankles from the 1lb solid iron weights.

These are ideal for resistance training and for those of you looking for something heavier than your typical 5lb to 10lb ankle weights. I would, however, not recommend these for walking.

If you are looking for more options, All Pro also sells a 5-pound pair and a 10-pound single version.

#6 Yes4All with 5 removable sand bags

The Yes4All adjustable ankle weights are very inexpensive and come in 3 weight adjustable options Yes4All offers a comfort fit design and 5 outer pockets that store removable sandbags filled with iron sand. You can easily remove or add weights to these wraps as needed.

For durability, these wraps are made of nylon and reinforced stitching. Furthermore, they include a strong zipper to securely hold the sandbags in place, and Velcro straps to keep the wraps snuggly in place while you exercise.

The weight options offered for the Yes4All are 10lb (20lb for pair), 5lb (10lb for pair), 3lb (6lb for pair). Each wrap includes 5 removable iron sandbags.

Note: Reviews are mixed on this one, as some are completely satisfied while others voice concerns about the Velcro straps tangling and even coming off. Though very inexpensive, I would suggest reading the reviews before making a decision.

#7 iheart Synergee 5 lbs & 10 lbs each

Editor’s Choice for Adjustable Ankle Weights!

The Synergee weights are not only made for comfort but also designed for durability. Rather than your typical nylon, these ankle weights are made with extra durable and high-quality Neoprene fabric.

Besides tough, these weights are also highly adjustable with each wrap having 5 removable bags each weighing 1lb for the 5lb option and 2lb for the 10lb option.

5lb option (5lb each, 10lb for pair); a total of 10 bags (5 for each) weighing 1lb each.
10lb option (10lb each, 20lb for pair); total of 10 bags (5 for each) weighing 2lb each.
Velcro straps and D-rings make for easy and secure adjustments to tailor fit these weights to your ankles.

…durable neoprene fabric, quality sandbags, highly adjustable, and great customer service.

Believing in quality customer service, Synergee prides itself with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. They will quickly and promptly send you a new replacement absolutely free. Satisfaction is there #1 goal.

#8 Empower 2.5lbs & 4lbs each

Best Ankle Weights for Women!

The Empower is designed and made for women with extra soft and stretchy neoprene fabric and easily adjustable hook and loop Velcro closure to provide a snug fit.

Each wrap is filled with soft iron sand, but also includes 2 solid iron bars that fit inside ankle weight pockets for even more weight adjustability.

To get a better understanding of the options offered by Empower, see the choices below:

8lb Ankle/Wrist Set (4lb each, 8lb total for pair)
Adjustable 2lb, 3lb, 4lb each (includes 2x 2lb wraps, and 4x 1lb iron bars)
Includes iron bars (2x 1lb bars each, 4x 1lb total for pair)
1x wrap without adding bar weights = 2lb

5lb Ankle/Wrist Set (2.5lb each, 5lb total for pair)
Adjustable 1.5lb, 2lb, 2.5lb each (includes 2x 1.5lb wraps, and 4x 0.5lb iron bars)
Includes iron bars (2x 0.5lb bars each, 4x 0.5lb total for pair)
1x wrap without adding bar weights = 1.5lb

1.5lb Ankle/Wrist Set (1.5lb each, 3lb total for pair)
Note: These weights are fixed and not weight adjustable.

Furthermore, Empower also offers free workout guides and videos you can watch online.

Best Fixed-Weight Ankle Weights:

Last but not least are our fixed weights, meaning the weights offered for each wrap is permanently sewn into the wrap.

#9 Healthy Model Life (Editor’s Choice Award)

The Healthy Model Life comes in 4 different weight increments (1lb, 2lb, 5lb, 8lb) and is a very popular brand. The company claims these are worn by Victoria Secret Angels and are used in top gyms in New York.

These weights can be used on both ankles and wrists, and are highly durable with double stitching and strong and secure Velcro straps.

• Durable neoprene fabric, functional and attractive design, great weight options, and a 1-year Warranty.

These ankle wraps are designed with extra padding and filled with sand to provide maximum comfort.
If you are looking for durability, comfort, and style all-in-one, then the Healthy Model Life ankle/wrist weights just might be perfect for you.

#10 Fitnessery

Highest rated ankle weights!

The Fitnessery come in 5 weight options of 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, 4lb, and 5lb and are designed to snuggly fit both ankles and wrists.

The extra-long leg weights, Velcro and straps provide a snug fit that will prevent the weights from slipping around during exercise and keep you focused on your workout routine.

These provide extra comfort with its anti-chafing neoprene fabric. And with weights positioned in 8 perfectly divided parts offers an equal weight distribution around your ankles or wrists for a better workout experience.

Bonus gifts include a mesh storage bag, a free e-book with “100 Ankle Weight Exercises for a Toned Body” sent to your email, and a lifetime full refund/replacement guarantee.

#11 Nordic Lifting

The Nordic Lifting comes in 2lb, 3lb, and 5lb weight option and is designed for comfort, durability, and safety in mind.

Equipped with large industrial strength Velcro these weights will virtually fit any size ankle or wrist snuggly and securely.

These weights are made with extra padding and ergonomic design for comfort, reinforced stitching for durability, and reflective trim that will provide you with extra safety when using outdoors at night.

This product also comes with one carry bag, instruction manual, and a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Notes: There are many great reviews for this product, however, I have also seen some complaints about the fabric on the 3lb and 5lb weights coming apart. Customer service was however very quick to respond to this issue, and not only did they replaced the defective weights, but also contacted the supplier with these specific issues.

#12 Reehut

The Reehut weights come in 0.5lb, 1.5lb, 2lb, 3lb, 4lb, and 5lb weight options and made with durable mercerized cotton on the outside and soft breathable and moisture-absorbent cloth on the inside.

Each wrap comes with an easy to adjust Velcro strap closure to help custom fit most ankle and wrist sizes for a snug and secure fit. It only takes a matter of seconds to put on or take off these wraps when you’re ready.

Be aware that you can only use the 0.5lb weights for both ankles and wrists. All others are ankles only.

Reehut offers a very generous 60-day money-back and 18-month replacement warranty.

What are the Best Ankle Weights for me?

So what features are most important to you when looking for ankle weights? Are you looking for the most affordable weights? Maybe you would like to review the most popular or highest rated weights. Or maybe you are looking for a specific type, such as fixed weight, adjustable weight, or maybe a waterproof ankle weight for aquatic exercise.

To help you find the right weights for your specific exercise needs we have created a list of commonly searched for criteria below.

1. Heaviest Ankle Weights for Strength & Resistance Training

If your objective is to build muscle and increase muscle strength you may want to invest in the heavier ankle wraps we have to offer.

The fixed weight Healthy Model Life wraps weigh up to 8lbs per ankle weight. These are the heaviest fixed ankle weights in our review.

As for adjustable weights, I would suggest the All Pro which has 20 removable weights and a maximum weight of 20lbs (this is for a single wrap). My second suggestion would be the weight adjustable iheart Synergee which weighs 10lbs per ankle wrap and is sold as a pair.

2. Highest Rated Ankle Weights

The Fitnessery is a fixed weight ankle wrap and is highly rated by users online. These ankle wraps come in 1lb, 2lb, 3lb, 4lb, and 5lb weight options. The Fitnessery weights are extra comfortable and durable, come with free bonus gifts, and offers a lifetime full refund/replacement guarantee.

3. Most Sold – Best Quality & Design

I have chosen the Healthy Model Life ankle weight as my Editor’s Choice for having the best quality and most attractive design. These were once worn by Victoria Secret Angels and is one of the most sold wraps in this category. It is available as a 1lb, 2lb, 5lb, and 8lb fixed weight ankle wrap.

4. Most Adjustable Weight Increments

The All Pro has very wide weight adjustability, ranging from 1lb up to 20lbs. Basically 20 ankle weights in one! This ankle wrap comes with twenty 1-pound solid iron weights. Definitely, a great choice if you’re looking for weights to support a wide variety of resistance training exercises and intensity levels.

The Gymenist is a lighter choice but still offers a wide range of weight increments. These ankle wraps can be adjusted to 10 different weight increments starting at about 0.5lb up to 5.5lb. It has 10x 0.55lb metal sticks that can be added or removed from the ankle wrap to meet your workout intensity needs.

5. Comfortable

Both the Fitnessery and the Healthy Model Life ankle/wrist weights are ideal choices when it comes to comfort and fit. Both offer a snug fit, are very well padded, and are soft against the skin.

6. Waterproof Ankle Weights

The Gymenist and the All Pro adjustable ankle wraps are the perfect choices if you are into aquatic exercise or water aerobics. These waterproof ankle weights are comfortable to wear and can be machine washed after removing weights.

7. Made for Women

Empower has an ankle weight specifically designed for women. These wraps are weight adjustable and come with removable solid iron bars and offer various weight increments from 3lb, 5lb, and up to an 8lb per set.

7 Best Uses for Ankle Weights

Ankle weights are designed to help increase resistance when performing exercises. This added resistance can help strengthen muscles by increasing muscle activation and is also popular for those looking to burn more calories.

That said, let’s take a look at some of the more popular uses for ankle/wrist weights and the different ways they can benefit you.

Resistance Training for Legs & Glutes

Ankle weights are mostly used for lower body exercises to strengthen and tone the legs and glute muscles. The more popular ankle weight exercises you can perform on yoga mats include donkey kicks, fire hydrants, leg lifts, and side leg raises, to name a few.

Resistance Training for Arms & Shoulders

Most ankle weights can also be used as wrist wraps to perform various upper body exercises to strengthen arm and shoulder muscles. A few of the many great resistance exercises you can do include arm circles, arm curls, triceps extensions, shoulder side laterals, and boxing punches.

Ankle Weight Exercise for Abdominals

Using ankle weights for exercising your abs is an excellent way to strengthen and tighten up your core muscles. My personal favorite when it comes to using these weights is working out abs. Adding these weights to your abdominal exercise routine will give you a burn like no other. Some of my favorite exercises include bicycle kicks, high knees, and lying and seated leg raises.

Walking or Running

Ankle and wrist weights can be used for slow-paced, moderate, or brisk walking to help add resistance and thus increase cardiovascular intensity to help strengthen your heart and burn more calories.

Aerobics or Cardio Exercise with Ankle Weights

Adding ankle/wrist weights to your aerobic or cardio exercise routines is a great way to easily add cardio load and quickly increase the number of calories burned during a workout.

Physical Therapy

Ankle and wrist weights are often recommended and used by physical and occupational therapists, chiropractors, athletic coaches and trainers for rehabilitation after injuries, or even sports training exercises to improve balance.

Water Aerobics and Aquatic Exercise

Using waterproof ankle/wrist weights is a great way to perform low to zero impact exercises in water. These types of exercises are ideal for seniors with weaker muscles and aching joints. But also helpful for those performing rehabilitation exercises after an injury.

Top Benefits of Using Ankle Weights for Exercise

Research has shown that adding 1 to 3 pounds of weight using ankle or wrist weights while performing aerobic activities such as walking can increase your heart rate by up to 10 beats per minute and increase calories burned by as much as 15%.

Let’s take a closer look at some more benefits ankle and wrist weights have to offer.

Muscle Toning

Using ankle or wrist weights with any resistance training and aerobic exercise will challenge your muscles to work harder. Adding any type of resistance to your exercise routine will activate more muscle fibers while at the same time increase cardiovascular capacity. The end result being more toned muscles.

Burn More Calories

Increasing your heart rate with added resistance will increase how many calories you will burn at any given time. That said, adding ankle or wrist weights to your workout routine will effectively accomplish that and help increase calories burned by as much as 15%.

Strengthen Muscles

Adding resistance to any exercise challenges our muscles to work harder and get stronger over time. You can find weights from 1lb up to 20lbs. Thus, more than enough to stimulate muscle growth and strengthen the upper body, lower body, and core muscles.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

The added resistance that ankle and wrist weights provide easily help raise your heart rate while exercising. That said, twenty to thirty minutes of aerobic exercise will not only help strengthen your heart but also help improve stamina and cardio endurance.

Best Ankle Weights FAQ

The following is a list of some of the most often asked questions by customers. These questions are provided to help answer some concerns you may have regarding ankle and wrist weights.

Is using ankle/wrist weights safe for aerobic exercise?

Weights greater than 3 pounds is generally not recommended for aerobic activities as it can cause undue stress on the shoulder muscles and arm muscle and joints.

Will one size fits most fit my large ankles?

When the manufacturer lists there product as one size fits most it means that is will indeed fit most sized ankles. However, most does not mean all! If you have super small or rather large ankles, which is only a small percentage of users, I would suggest first reading through the reviews. You will almost always find someone who is sharing their experience on this subject.

Additionally, my other suggestion would be if you have very small ankles and it is nearly impossible to find a size that will snuggly fit around your ankle, use a small towel to wrap around your ankle first. On the other hand, if your ankles are larger than normal, you could roll up a small towel or washcloth to fill in the space that is not covered. This will prevent the Velcro straps from touching and rubbing against your skin and help create a better fit.

Is it safe to use ankle weights for running?

Ankle weights are ideal for resistance training and low impact exercises, but not necessarily for running. You can use light and snuggly fitting weights for low paced, moderate, or brisk walking.

However, due to the higher impact caused by running, wearing these weights can result in various injuries.

For running purposes, I would highly suggest using a weighted vest or weighted belt over ankle or wrist weights.

Can I wash my ankle weights?

Unfortunately, most wraps are not machine washable. Especially those that have non-removable sand-filled weights. A few of the weight removable ankle weights are machine or at least hand washable.

Therefore, my suggestion would be to read the product label or contact the manufacturer. I would personally never machine wash any ankle wrap and always handwash to be on the safe side.

Closing Remarks

In this review, we have listed some of the best ankle weights for exercise and rehabilitation purposes. You can use ankle weights for many different exercises. However, you can use most of these weights as wrist weights to provide you with an even larger array of workout possibilities.

There are many great benefits to using these weights that include muscle toning and strengthening, improving cardiovascular health, rehabilitation exercises, and burning extra calories to name a few.

These weights come in many different designs and weight categories and are safe to use with most resistance and cardio exercises when used properly.

Adjustable ankle weights provide for a more versatile workout experience by providing more weight options for a wider range of exercises and workout intensity levels.

We hope this review was helpful and wish you all the best and much success in your fitness journey.

Related Topics

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Best Workout Sandbags for CrossFit and resistance training.

Mark LaRue

With over 30 years of experience in strength training and fitness, Mark LaRue is the founder of Fitness Mastered, a blog to help educate fitness enthusiasts of all fitness levels, ages, and gender. We write topics that range from weight training tips and exercise routines to home workout machine and fitness related product reviews, to name a few.