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Ankle weights can make your walking sessions more challenging and in turn offer more benefits. By choosing the best options even more so.
The most important things to keep in mind for ankle weights you want to use for walking are that they don’t hit each other when walking and that they are comfortable enough for both short and long walks.
Additionally, the pair you choose does not necessarily have to be one of the heaviest ankle weights. Besides that, being able to adjust weights as you progress is a helpful addition.
Best ankle weights for walking top picks
- Best overall: Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights
- Best convenient strapping mechanism: Empower Adjustable Ankle Weights
- Best budget option: KUYOU Ankle Weights
- Heaviest options available: Fragraim Ankle Weights
- Best flashy design: BONA Ankle Weights
What options of these ankle weights for walking are the best for you personally, depends on things like personal situation, training goals, personal preferences, etc.
These are the top picks for walking but one of the benefits of ankle weights is that you can use them for a variety of purposes.
How we selected our top picks
Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of ankle weights for walking. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:
- Material, does it get in the way during walks, weight adjustability, etc.
- User reviews
- Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
- Price
- Brand trustability
If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.
5 Best ankle weights for walking reviewed
The top picks list can help you make a quick decision. You can also look at each of the best ankle weights for walking reviewed more in-depth to confirm that you are making the right decision.
1. Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights
The Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights are the best overall ankle weights for walking. If you don’t have any specific needs these are a great choice for a relatively budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Weight is adjustable up to 2 pounds (0.91 kg) per ankle weight in 5 increments of 0.374 lbs (0.17 kg)
- Circumference adjustable from 5.2″ to 14.4″ (13.2 cm to 36.6 cm)
- Many happy customers
Cons
- Only ankle weights available with a maximum weight of 2 pounds
These ankle weights each have a 2-pound (0.91kg) maximum weight (4 pounds/1.8 kg in total). This won’t be enough for many resistance training exercises but for walking this is enough for most people.
A benefit of good ankle weights like this option for Sportneer is that you can adjust the weight by removing some of the sand pockets.
Additionally, the circumference of the Sportneer model can be adjusted from 5.2″ to 14.4″ (13.2 cm to 36.6 cm). This means it could be a good pair of ankle weights for women or other individuals with small ankles and wrists.
One potential downside is that individuals more experienced with working out may find 2 pounds a bit too light. That being said, this does not stop many happy customers from enjoying their purchases.
2. Empower Adjustable Ankle Weights
Most of the ankle weights for walking use a velcro system in combination with a buckle. These ankle weights from Empower are the exception and stick to the velcro system only.
The benefit of this strapping mechanism is that it becomes easier and faster to put on and take off the ankle weights. Additionally, your ankle weights become a tiny bit less bulky.
You would think this makes the ankle weights less sturdy. However, customers typically tend to find that these ankle weights fit very well. Even if this would be the case, walking does not involve that much bouncing.
Pros
- Convenient strapping mechanism
- Weight is adjustable in four 0.5-pound (0.23 kg) increments in the 2.5 pound (1.13 kg) models and four 1-pound (0.45 kg) increments in the 4-pound (1.8 kg) models
- Many happy customers
- 4 pounds should be enough for walking for more experienced individuals
- Compact
Cons
- A bit picier than the other ankle weights
- Specific circumference range not mentioned
- Individuals with small wrists who want to use the ankle weights there may find them too small
The Empower Adjustable Ankle Weights are available in two main models. First of all, there is the 5-pound set with 2.5-pound (1.13 kg) ankle weights.
Each ankle weight has four 0.5-pound (0.23 kg) weights that you can remove or add to customize the ankle weights to your preferences and capabilities.
The second option is a package of two 4-pound (1.8 kg) models with four 1-pound (0.45 kg) increments.
One downside of these ankle weights is that they are just a bit pricier than most of the other options. That being said, if you like this securing mechanism more and plan to walk a lot with your ankle weights, this is likely worth it.
3. KUYOU Ankle Weights
Pros
- Very budget-friendly
- You can choose between two 1.1 lbs (0.5 kg), two 2.2 lbs (1 kg) models, or two 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) models
- Compact
Cons
- Weight is not adjustable
- Specific circumference range not mentioned
- Individuals with small wrists who want to use the ankle weights there may find them too small
These next ankle weights from KUYOU are a good example of giving up on certain features, here the ability to adjust the weights, in return for a lower price.
Individuals who know what weight of ankle weights is ideal for walking for them personally can save a bit of money with this option.
4. Fragraim Ankle Weights
Pros
- A lot of different weights available from 0.5 pounds (0.23 kg) to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) each
- Many happy customers
Cons
- Weight is not adjustable
The lower weight options from Fragraim are great too but where this option really stands out is how heavy certain options are.
You can get a feel for the design of the Fragraim ankle weights by walking and if you like them enough, invest in a heavier pair for certain resistance training exercises.
The main downside of all of these ankle weights from Fragraim is that they are not adjustable. If you are not sure how much weight is ideal for you or you plan to improve a lot, adjustable options are likely a better choice.
5. BONA Ankle Weights
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Relatively visible design
- You can choose between two 1 lbs (0.45 kg), two 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) models, two 2 lbs (0.9 kg), or two 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) models
Cons
- You will still need additional reflective gear if you plan to walk in the dark
- Weight is not adjustable
- Not waterproof
The BONA Ankle Weights mainly stand out (literally) in their flashy design. Besides choosing these because you like their design, these ankle weights can also make you a bit more visible to the people around you.
That being said, if you plan to walk in the dark you will likely still need other reflective gear too.
Overall, the BONA Ankle Weights are a budget-friendly option for walking. Two things to keep in mind are that the weights are not adjustable and that these ankle weights are not waterproof.
How to choose ankle weights for walking
Choosing the right ankle weights for walking for you personally can be relatively straightforward but you may want to make extra sure you are choosing the right model for you. Some of the following details can be important:
- Bulkiness: For a workout like walking you definitely want to make sure the ankle weights don’t hit each other in every step when your feet pass each other. When doing resistance training exercises at home this is not as relevant but for walking it is very important to keep bulkiness in mind.
- Comfort: In a short session of resistance training you may not care as much if the ankle weights don’t fit perfectly or if the material is not as comfortable. On the other hand, walking sessions tend to be longer and involve more bouncing around. That means comfort, both in material and how the ankle weights fit, becomes extra important.
- Size: The circumference of ankles can vary from person to person. Make sure you pick ankle weights that fit your ankles and if you plan to use them in that area, your wrists.
- Weight: Different individuals have different physique levels. You want to choose ankle weights that are within your skill range. If you are not sure what this is there are some very rough general guidelines. Relatively inactive individuals like want to start at around 1 pound (0.45 kg) per foot. Moderately active individuals 2 pounds (0.91 kg) per foot. Lastly, more experienced individuals can try 3 pounds (1.36 kg) per foot.
- Weight adjustability: In combination with different weight options, some ankle weights have the option to adjust the weight instead of having to buy new ones every time you get stronger.
By thinking about and checking the things below into account you can be even more certain that the model you are considering is the best pair of ankle weights for you personally.
That way you get the benefits of walking with ankle weights without any issues.
FAQ
How heavy should ankle weights be for walking?
How heavy ankle weights should be for walking varies from person to person but there are some rough starting point estimations. Relatively inactive individuals can start with 1 pound (0.45 kg) per ankle weight or less. Moderately active individuals 2 pounds (0.91 kg) per ankle weight. And lastly, very active individuals could consider walking with 3-pound ankle weights (1.36 kg).
Are ankle weights good for walking?
Ankle weights can be good for making walking just a bit more intense. If you really want to step things up you can also consider weighted vests that are suited for walking.
Will walking with ankle weights tone my legs?
Walking with ankle weights will not have a lot of impact on leg muscles besides your hip flexors. On the other hand, they can help you burn a few extra calories which can ultimately help a bit with losing fat in your legs.
Is it a good idea to walk with weights?
Walking with extra weights can be a good idea to get more health benefits compared to walking without weights as long as you don’t overdo it.