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Like squat racks or free weights, cable machines are ubiquitous at just about any gym. And for anyone looking to make the most out of leg day, cable machine exercises should definitely be on the list. But wrapping a cable attachment around your leg isn’t exactly feasible — that’s where ankle straps come in.
Ankle straps open the doors to a whole plethora of exercises and the good news is that they’re pretty inexpensive, too. Our team of Barbend experts reviewed some of the most popular products on the market to compile a list of the best ankle straps for all fitness goals and athletes. Ready to take your glute gains or quad strength to the next level? Add one of these to your cart.
The neoprene padding on these is sweat-resistant and breathable, ideal for tough leg workouts.
Thanks to the velcro strap, you can adjust these quickly and easily between sets.
These are available in 11 different colors.
Cons
You can find cheaper options on this list.
Some ankle straps have synthetic shearling padding, which may feel more comfortable.
Although they’re easy to overlook, a solid pair of ankle straps can make or break your leg workout. After all, some exercises, like glute kickbacks, are virtually impossible without them. For a top-rated versatile pair of ankle straps, we recommend this pair from Gymreapers.
Realistically, how often are you really washing your weight belt or wrist wraps? Probably not ever, let’s be real. Likely, the same would be true for ankle straps. But that’s why we love the breathable, sweat-resistant neoprene padding on Gymreapers’ ankle straps. These help sweat dry quickly, so you don’t have to worry about bacteria building up.
As with most other ankle straps, these have a velcro closure, allowing for an adjustable fit. And the padding is comfortable and functional, according to one of many five-star reviews. “[It] didn’t slip and the velcro didn’t even start to undo, unlike the [ankle straps] my gym has.” And for those with smaller ankles, these have a double loop, which means you can secure the excess fabric.
Available in 11 different colors, these run you $19.99 per pair. There are cheaper options out there, but this is a pretty standard price for a high-quality ankle strap. Plus, you get a lifetime warranty.
Best Ankle Straps for Beginners: Iron Bull Nylon Ankle Straps
Iron Bull Nylon Ankle Straps
Iron Bull Nylon Ankle Straps
These Iron Bull ankle straps are double stitched, which means they can withstand daily use and plenty of heavy-weight exercises. They're also easy to adjust mid-set when needed.
The easy-to-adjust hook and loop closure is ideal for beginner athletes.
The nylon is double stitched and durable enough for daily use.
These come in eight different colors.
Cons
Synthetic shearling padding may be softer and more comfortable.
These pads have no mesh, so the nylon may not be as breathable as other options.
Building a new workout program? Or, totally new to strength training altogether? For athletes who love cable machines, a pair of ankle straps is a must-have, and for beginners, we recommend this pair from Iron Bull.
Iron Bull is best known for their high-end home gym equipment but you definitely don’t want to overlook their accessories either. These ankle straps are extra durable, thanks to the high-quality nylon and double-stitched fabric, so beginner athletes won’t have to worry about too much wear and tear. Also ideal for beginners, the hook and loop closure is easy to adjust mid-set until you’re able to find the perfect, most comfortable fit (it takes some trial and error).
Whereas most other ankle straps have a three-inch width, these are four inches, which is another perk for new and experienced athletes alike. The wider the strap, the more comfortable the strap can feel on your ankle, as the weight is distributed across more of your leg. This prevents the material from digging into your skin on a heavy lift.
Using any type of new equipment involves some trial and error, ankle straps included. Luckily, these are easy-to-adjust in the middle of your set until you find the perfect fit for your exercises. You can get these in eight different colors for $20 per pair, which is pretty standard. Unlike some competitors, though, these have no mesh fabric, so they may not be as breathable as other products.
Best Budget Ankle Straps: Harbinger Padded 3-Inch Ankle Cuff
Harbinger Padded 3-Inch Ankle Cuff
Harbinger Padded 3-Inch Ankle Cuff
Harbinger's ankle straps are padded with synthetic shearling fabric, so you get ultimate comfort during your cable machine exercises. And they're cheaper than other ankle strap options.
At $15.99, these are among the most cost-friendly ankle strap picks.
These straps have synthetic shearling padding, which is soft and comfortable.
The three-inch strap width is ideal for heavier lifts, as it distributes weight across more area.
Cons
The shearling is comfortable but not ideal for wicking sweat.
The larger cuff size may feel a bit too heavy for some athletes.
Generally with gym equipment, the higher the price, the higher the quality. But that’s not always the case, especially where these Harbinger Padded 3-Inch Ankle Cuffs. Whereas most ankle straps cost about $20, these are only $15.99 — not a huge price difference, but if you’re building a home gym, every penny counts.
These ankle cuffs are three inches wide, which is ideal for athletes who want optimal comfort. The wider the strap, the more evenly the weight is distributed across your leg. Plus, these also have a synthetic shearling padding, which feels extra soft but, unfortunately, probably won’t dry as quickly as nylon.
Nevertheless, “the faux-sheepskin inner padding holds up remarkably well, as do the broad velcro straps,” says one five-star reviewer. “These also have not one, but two, thick D-rings per strap.” So, where comfort and durability are concerned, these cuffs certainly check the boxes.
Best Ankle Straps for Durability: Gymreapers Ankle Straps
Gymreapers Ankle Straps
Gymreapers Ankle Straps
These ankle straps are breathable and sweat-resistant for even the toughest leg workouts. Plus, you can get them in 11 different colors.
These have a thick four-inch strap, which can withstand repeated use better than thinner straps.
The nylon padding is sweat-resistant and quick-drying.
You get 11 color options.
Cons
The padding may be a little too wide for people with smaller legs and ankles.
Some athletes may prefer a faux-shearling cushion for extra comfort.
For most athletes, leg days are the toughest and heaviest. So, you need equipment that can hold up to heavy loads and repeated, consistent use. For lifters who love using the cable machine on grueling leg days, we recommend Gymreapers Ankle Straps.
These ankle straps are four inches wide, which is wider than most competitors. The wider the strap, the better it can distribute weight and withstand repeated use. These are also built with reinforced stitching and stainless steel D-rings, so you don’t need to worry about them bending under tension. “[The] velcro is sturdy and well constructed,” writes one five-star reviewer. “Love the choice of colors and functions as intended.”
Gymreaper’s neoprene is breathable and sweat-resistant, so they don’t need to be cleaned too often. The company also offers easy returns and a lifetime warranty just in case these don’t work for you.
Best Ankle Straps for Comfort: Iron Bull Nylon Ankle Straps
Iron Bull Nylon Ankle Straps
Iron Bull Nylon Ankle Straps
These Iron Bull ankle straps are double stitched, which means they can withstand daily use and plenty of heavy-weight exercises. They're also easy to adjust mid-set when needed.
The interior padding has a soft nylon finish, so you get plenty of comfort and breathability.
The double stitching construction is extra durable.
You can choose from eight color options.
Cons
The four-inch width may be a little too much for lifters with smaller legs and ankles.
You may prefer a softer padding, like faux-shearling.
During a set of heavy glute kickbacks or leg extensions, you don’t want a nylon cord digging into your skin. To have the most comfortable lift possible, we picked Iron Bull’s Nylon Ankle Straps.
Iron Bull kept comfort in mind while making these ankle straps. These have a fully-padded nylon interior with a soft finish, so it’s quick-drying and comfortable. Thanks to these details, you can add plenty of weight to your leg raises, kickbacks, or lunges without any chafing.
The four-inch width is also ideal for a more comfortable lift. The pad can distribute the weight across more area on your leg, preventing the material from digging into your skin with heavier loads.
Best Ankle Straps for Women: FITGIRL Ankle Straps
FITGIRL Ankle Straps
FITGIRL Ankle Straps
These FITGIRL ankle straps are built for women specifically or athletes with smaller legs and ankles, thanks to their two-inch strap. Plus, you can choose from a variety of unique colors.
The two-inch support strap is ideal for women, as they tend to have smaller ankles.
The neoprene padding is breathable and adds comfort.
These can support light to medium weight, which is ideal for most ladies.
Cons
Although they’re probably sufficient for most, these can’t support heavy lifting.
Stronger athletes may want a wider support strap for extra durability.
Most women have smaller legs and ankles than male athletes so, a super wide, heavy ankle strap can feel too heavy and clunky for females. That’s why FITGIRL designed a strap with gym girlies in mind.
Whereas most other straps have three- or four-inch support straps, FITGIRL’s straps are two inches wide, perfect for female athletes. The hook and loop closure is easy to adjust as you switch from one exercise to another, too.
These also have plenty of breathable neoprene padding for extra comfort during those high-rep sets. And with more than 11,000 five-star ratings, customers are absolutely in love. “These are so cute and fit great,” one five-star reviewer writes, praising the durability. “[They’re] nice and secure around my ankle and the velcro holds perfectly.”
You can buy FITGIRL’s straps in six different colors, and you can choose to purchase them as singles or in a pair, giving you a little more versatility than other brands. Plus, they’re available on Amazon Prime, so you can have them on your doorstep in just a few days.
Best Premium Ankle Straps: Rogue Ankle Cuff
Rogue Ankle Cuff
Rogue Ankle Cuff
These Rogue ankle cuffs offer several attachment points, so you can hit muscles at specific angles during your workout. They also have a stirrup that sits under your foot for extra stability.
These high-end cuffs have a strap that hooks under your foot for extra stability.
These straps have multiple anchor points, so you can hit different angles of your muscles.
Whereas most ankle straps are 10 inches long, these are 15 inches — which can work well for athletes with larger legs.
Cons
These are high quality, but at $60, they’re more expensive than most alternatives.
Athletes with smaller ankles may have extra strap fabric after they put the cuffs on.
For lifters who want to invest in a next-level pair of premium ankle straps, Rogue’s Ankle Cuff is the way to go. At $60 per pair, they’re definitely pricier than the other picks on this list, but they do come with some useful and unique features.
Rogue’s cuffs are built with a heavy-duty cordura fabric at a four-inch width for extra durability. The interior is an antimicrobial fabric, too, so you don’t have to worry about bacteria building up. And while these are 15 inches in length (great for lifters with larger legs), they can be tightened down to 10 inches without losing any padding in either direction.
Unlike other ankle cuffs, these also secure under the foot, giving you a little extra support, so they won’t slide up or down your leg as you lift. These also have four different attachment points as well, so you can target specific muscles with more precision.
How We Chose the Best Ankle Straps
Compared to barbells or cold plunges, ankle straps are a pretty simple piece of workout equipment, right? But nevertheless, you should still search for the product that’s best for your personal needs and fitness goals. Here are a few factors we considered while choosing the best ankle straps on the market.
Durability
Legs days are usually the heaviest, most challenging workout day of the week — if you’re doing them right. So your leg-day accessories need to withstand heavy loads, seemingly endless sets, and years (hopefully) of consistent use.
We prioritized ankle straps made with durable, nylon fabrics that won’t tear or deteriorate quickly. For the D rings, we also made sure each strap had a strong steel or welded iron so that they don’t bend under tension.
Comfort
Ankles are teeny tiny joints in your body. And while you don’t technically put the straps on your literal ankles, they sit around the thinnest part of your leg. And the added weight from a cable machine can feel uncomfortable with poor ankle straps.
credit: Viacheslav Nikolaenko / Shutterstock
We chose ankle straps with ample padding to prevent any unwanted rubbing or digging into your skin. We even have pad variety, including sweat-wicking nylon materials and ultra-soft faux-shearling.
Strap width contributes to comfort, too (as well as durability). The wider the strap, the more evenly it distributes weight across your leg, minimizing too much pressure in one spot. We even have a women’s pick – though they’d work great for any athlete with smaller legs.
Cost
Most ankle straps cost about $20, but we still wanted to provide options across the spectrum. Our picks range from $15 to $60, giving every athlete an option that can fit in their budget.
3 Tips for Finding the Best Ankle Straps
Buying ankle straps isn’t as complicated as, say, buying a treadmill, but you should still put some thought into your purchase. Here are a few tips for finding the best ankle straps for your goals.
1. Set a Budget
Ankle straps aren’t the priciest piece of equipment, but they can still cost a pretty penny, depending on the pair you choose. Generally, you can find ankle straps ranging from $10 to $60, so consider how much you’re really willing to spend. The most common ankle straps cost around $20 for reference.
2. Consider Size
You can find ankle straps in several widths, ranging from two-inch to four-inch straps.
Credit: Vershinin89 / Shutterstock
The wider the strap, the more comfortable it can feel, as it helps distribute the weight from the cable machine. However, athletes with smaller ankles may find four-inch straps a little too wide on their legs. You can hold a measuring tape up to your leg to get an idea of width.
Different straps have different lengths, too. Generally, most ankle straps are one-size-fits all, but you can still measure your leg to ensure you find an adequate fit.
3. Pick an Anchor Point
Most ankle straps only have one D clip anchor point at the front. But some higher-end straps, like our Rogue pick above, have several anchor points, which can affect the angle at which you hit a muscle.
Final Word
While ankle straps aren’t a huge investment compared to other home gym machines, you still want a functional, comfortable, high-quality product. The fit, durability, and fabric are all factors (among others) you need to consider to find your best ankle straps. Pro tip: Buy a few pairs and test them out.
Most fitness companies, Amazon included, have pretty flexible return policies. So, test out a few of your favorite pairs before landing on your long term purchase.
FAQs
How much do ankle straps cost?
You can find ankle straps ranging anywhere from $10 to $60 or more. But for the most part, you can expect to pay around $15 to $20 for a pair of solid ankle straps.
What are ankle straps good for?
Ankle straps are best for cable machine exercises, like glute kickbacks or reverse lunges. Ankle straps have a D hook that attaches to the cable machine, essentially, connecting your ankle to the machine.
Do most gyms have ankle straps?
This depends on the gym but most commercial fitness centers don’t have ankle straps you can use. That’s because they have padding on the inside, which can gather sweat and bacteria. After all, you probably don’t want to come in contact with another gymgoers sweaty strap.
What are the best ankle straps?
For us, it’s the Gymreapers Ankle Strap. These are durable with breathable neoprene padding and a D clasp that won’t bend under too much weight.
About Dan Bruhl
Dan Bruhl is a television producer, women's basketball coach, softball manager, and avid strength and HIIT aficionado. Hailing from Chicago, Dan is now in Los Angeles pursuing sports & media production. When he is not busy telling stories of real athletes and real moments, he is coaching the defending-champion Traveling Pants LA Municipal basketball team, skippering Home Pun on the softball field, or working on his push & pull bodybuilding splits. If you see him at LA Fitness on Hollywood Boulevard be sure to say hello.
