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You want to develop those glutes and legs, but you don’t want to pay for several large plate-stack machines to do it. Getting a large set of dumbbells won’t help either because they’re just as expensive and take up even more space.
Purchasing a cable machine offers the chance for a bull body workout. While a pair of ankle straps allows you to train your entire lower half and more for a fraction of the cost.
There seems to be no shortage of straps on the market, so here’s a list of the 10 best ankle straps for cable machines to consider:
- DMoose Ankle Straps – Best Overall
- Gymreapers Ankle Straps – Best for Ease of Use
- Hawk Ankle Straps – Best for Budget
- Rogue Ankle Cuff – Best for Best Premium Option
- FITGIRL Ankle Straps – Best for Women
- IPR Fitness Glute Kickback PRO Ankle Straps – Best for Kickbacks
- Iron Bull Ankle Straps – Best Mid-Range Option
- Harbinger Ankle Straps – Best for Durability
- Fighttech Ankle Straps – Best for Comfort
- Grip Power Pads Ankle Straps – Best for Color Variety
Buying the first, cheap pair of ankle straps you can find may cost you in the long run. Don’t waste money on a product that could break quickly, or even worse, while using them.
This article will guide you through the different ankle straps you can use with cable machines and which one you should choose relative to your training needs. I’ll also provide detailed insights for each product, drawing on my 10+ years of experience lifting and training others.
3 Featured Ankle Straps for Cable Machine
- DMoose Ankle Straps – Best Overall
- Hawk Ankle Straps – Best for Budget
- Harbinger Ankle Straps – Best for Durability
Why You Should Trust Powerlifting Technique
Our team is made up of fitness professionals who have been in the industry for many years. We train real people with real problems.
We understand the importance of having high-quality training equipment. We know because, over the years, we have purchased the same or similar equipment for ourselves and our clients.
How We Reviewed These Ankle Straps
We utilized our decades of experience to provide relevant and meaningful content to help you make the best decision possible for your training equipment. We factored personal experience into our recommendations and give you first-hand data on how some of these straps will look, feel, and perform.
10 Best Ankle Straps for Cable Machines
| Name | Rating | Comfort | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMoose Ankle Straps - Best overall | 4/5 | 5/5 | $$ | CHECK TODAY’S PRICE |
| Gymreapers Ankle Straps - Best for Ease of Use | 4/5 | 5/5 | $ | CHECK TODAY’S PRICE |
| Hawk Ankle Straps - Best for Budget | 4/5 | 4/5 | $ | CHECK TODAY’S PRICE |
| Rogue Ankle Cuff - Best for Best Premium Option | 5/5 | 4/5 | $$$$$ | CHECK TODAY’S PRICE |
| FITGIRL Ankle Straps - Best for Women | 4/5 | 4/5 | $$$ | CHECK TODAY’S PRICE |
| IPR Fitness Glute Kickback PRO - Best for Kickbacks | 3/5 | 4/5 | $$$$$ | CHECK TODAY’S PRICE |
| Iron Bull Ankle Straps - Best Mid-Range Option | 4/5 | 4/5 | $$$ | CHECK TODAY’S PRICE |
| Harbinger Heavy Duty Ankle Cuff - Best for Durability | 5/5 | 5/5 | $$$$ | CHECK TODAY’S PRICE |
| Fighttech Ankle Straps - Best for Comfort | 4/5 | 3/5 | $$$$ | CHECK TODAY’S PRICE |
| Grip Power Pads Ankle Straps - Best for Color Variety | 4/5 | 4/5 | $ | CHECK TODAY’S PRICE |
1. DMoose Ankle Straps – Best Overall
Pros
- Great quality
- Comfortable
- Velcro fastener for quick changes
Cons
- Can be difficult to hook cable attachment if you have bigger ankles
Rating: 4/5
Specifications
- Uses sweat-resistant, breathable fabric, powder-coated steel D-rings, and fast velcro fastening adjustment system
- The material is nylon and neoprene
- One size fits most
- Unisex design
- Length: 10 Inches, width: 4 inches
Using comfortable, breathable materials is just one of the reasons the DMoose ankle cable attachment is at the top of this list. The materials don’t leave your ankles drenched in sweat because they are made of breathable neoprene material. Additionally, DMoose makes sure these ankle straps aren’t going to chafe your leg by adding extra thick padding.
As far as ease of use, DMoose scores high marks again. Instead of using buckles that can be cumbersome to adjust, the easy velcro fastening system makes these phenomenal weightlifting ankle straps. And don’t worry about the velcro coming undone. It’s plenty strong to hold up to 100 lbs of weight to get the leg thrashing you’ve been yearning for.
You can purchase these exercise ankle straps in singles or pairs. I recommend purchasing them in pairs so you don’t have to switch the band for every limb. While the velcro system of the DMoose is efficient, it’s still much easier to unhook one carabiner and attach it to the opposite leg than to undo the whole ankle strap.
2. Gymreapers Ankle Straps – Best for Ease of Use
Pros
- Easy to get on and off
- Great color options
- Lightweight, but great support
Cons
- Inner materials have a tendency to pill
Rating: 4/5
Specifications
- Velcro fastening system and reinforced stitching
- Stainless steel D-rings
- Materials used are nylon and cotton
- Neoprene padding is 7mm thick
- Unisex design
- One size fits most
- Length: 10 inches, Width: 4 inches
If you’re looking for comfort, style, and a good even pull for each rep, the GymReaper ankle attachment for cable machines has you covered. With eight different color options, you’re likely to be the talk of the town while you’re sculpting your legs.
Because these are so comfortable, you are not limited to using the ankle band for cable machine lower body exercises. The one size fits all strap can be used to wrap around wrists for some great tricep extension exercises.
How the D-rings are situated means you get good, consistent weight distribution for every rep. In other words, the strap isn’t going to wiggle around on you because you only have one strap. This also means you won’t get weird chafing at medium to heavy weights.
3. Hawk Ankle Straps – Best for Budget
Pros
- Cheap
- Hand-washable
- Can pull its own weight (pun intended)
Cons
- No color options
Rating: 4/5
Specifications
- Quick-release velcro fastening system
- Can lift up to 220 lbs per strap
- Two stainless steel D-rings
- Breathable, hand-washable materials
- Neoprene padding is 4mm thick
- Unisex design
- One size fits most
- Double stitching for extra durability
- Length: 10 inches, width: 4 inches
The fitness folk at Hawk are looking to be your one-and-done for workout ankle straps. The tote anti-rust D-rings guarantee up to 1000 workouts. Additionally, you can find these ankle straps just about everywhere, including most local department stores.
If you want cheap ankle cuffs for cable machine workouts, but don’t want to skimp on quality, look no further than Hawk Ankle Straps. This young company is hell-bent on ensuring you know who they are and the quality they strive to deliver. Hawk offers a 3-year replacement warranty, if it breaks on you they want the opportunity to make it right.
The neoprene padding isn’t quite as thick as some of the other ankle straps on this list, which means if you’re going for a longer workout session, these may start to rub on you. Nothing some high socks can’t fix, though.
If you don’t need anything fancy but want to get the job done with durable ankle cuffs for cable machine workouts, get Hawk ankle straps.
4. Rogue Ankle Cuff – Best Premium Option
Pros
- The most attachment point options
- Heavy duty
- Includes foot strap for cable machine
Cons
- Expensive
Rating: 5/5
Specifications
- Antimicrobial inner lining
- Includes 4 welded ring attachment points
- Has a .25” thick foam frame
- Unisex design
- A velcro fastening system
- Length: 15”, width: 4”
Like all Rogue products, you get what you pay for, and that is no exception for the Rogue, black, rubber, adjustable ankle cuffs with buckles.
These ankle straps are hands down the most expensive straps on this list. These cuffs were co-developed with World Champion bodybuilder Tim Martin. Meaning they are versatile and designed to blast your lower body from all angles.
Four D-ring attachment options exist, so you don’t have to swivel the strap around your ankle. So instead of rotating your ankle strap around from leg kickbacks to leg extensions, you simply unhook the carabiner from the ring and attach it to another on the opposite side.
Many other ankle straps on this list neglect to provide a foot strap. This may not be a big deal if you’re not going heavy on a kickback, but the foot strap prevents the ankle cuff from sliding up your leg once you start moving up to heavier weights. When the co-developer is a World Champion bodybuilder, you know all the nuances will be addressed.
If you have extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, do yourself a favor and splurge on these Rogue ankle straps.
5. FITGIRL Ankle Straps – Best for Women
Pros
- Designed for petite ankles
- Fashion-forward designs
- Super comfortable
Cons
- Not great for the heavyweight
Rating: 4/5
Specifications
- Has two stainless steel D-rings
- Uses neoprene material
- Has Velcro fastening system
- Designed for females and people with petite ankles
- Length: 9.5”, width: 2”
If you have a petite ankle and are tired of slapping on ankle straps that engulf your entire calf, FITGIRL has your back (or ankles). A nice touch that the fitness folk at FITGIRL provide with these ankle straps is a zip-up pouch for traveling and storage. It’s the little things that make a big difference, right?
The fit for these ankle straps is designed with females in mind. The only drawback you may find with these particular straps is that they are not designed for much heavy lifting. In other words, you will want to get more heavy-duty ankle straps if there is anything north of 50 lbs on the cable machine.
If you’re a female or have smaller ankles and are looking to lift light to medium weight, FITGIRL ankle straps are right for you. These are a great option for high volume, lower weight, hypertrophy programs. Animal print options offer These ankle straps for maximum style points.
6. IPR Fitness Glute Kickback PRO – Best for Kickbacks
Pros
- Designed for optimal glute activation
- Comes in 3 colors
- No chafing around the ankle
Cons
- Most expensive strap on our list
Rating: 3/5
Specifications
- Made with nylon material for durability
- Anti-slip closed cell foam design
- Military-grade components
- Unisex design
- One size fits most
- Length: 7”, width: 5.5”
If you’re looking for a high-quality ankle cuff for cable machine workouts, IPR has the goods. The price is high, but that’s because these are hand-crafted and made in a facility that refuses to contribute to issues that promote child or slave labor.
There is almost zero chance of chafing for your ankles when using the IPR Fitness Glute Kickback PRO straps. Why? Because these do not fasten to your ankles, they hook around the back of your shoes. This also means doing other cable machine exercises that would otherwise be easy for any other ankle straps on this list may be difficult.
The IPR Fitness Glute Kickback PRO straps were made for glute activation, and you will not go wrong if that is your intent. Check out some more glute isolation exercises.
If you want to support a company that stands for a good cause, creates a high-quality product, and puts much research into its design, stick with IPR Fitness Glute Kickback PRO.
Here are more options regarding cable kickbacks using different attachments.
7. Iron Bull Ankle Straps – Best Mid-Range Option
Pros
- Lightweight but durable
- Comes in 8 different colors
- Sturdy velcro, even for heavy weights
Cons
- About a ½ inch wider than competitors
Rating: 4/5
Specifications
- Strong nylon construction
- Fast and easy velcro fastening system
- Comes with 2 heavy-duty stainless steel D-rings
- Has double stitching construction
- Uses a breathable and padded interior to prevent chafing
- Length: 10”, width: 4.5”
If you’re needing an upgrade from the cheap pair of ankle straps at your local gym, get yourself a pair of Iron Bull Ankle straps. These may not be the best for the heaviest of weights, but they can certainly handle serious weights for well-trained intermediate lifters.
The D-rings don’t dig into your ankles at heavier weights, making the Iron Bull ankle straps an excellent choice when reaching those mid-level weights.
The ankle cuffs are slightly bigger than some of the other options on this list, which may contribute to the comfort of the strap at heavier weights. The wider strap may help disperse the weight more evenly. For people with petite ankles, this extra width may cover more of your lower limb, but if that doesn’t concern you, take the plunge. Alternatively, if you like a little more material for stability purposes, Iron Bull has you covered.
If you’re a lady and this nylon iteration doesn’t quite have enough padding, but you like the brand, look around the Iron Bull website. They have an ankle strap designed with a shearling inner lining for increased comfort. Bonus, the lining is in pink for maximum style points.
If you need a great mid-range option for ankle strap workouts, get a pair of Iron Bull Ankle Straps.
8. Harbinger Heavy Duty Ankle Straps – Best for Durability
Pros
- Comfortable inner shearling
- Easy to get on and off
- Made for durability
Cons
- Only sold in singles
Rating: 5/5
Specifications
- It has a synthetic shearling pad to enhance comfort
- Two heavy-duty steel D-rings
- Velcro adjustable fastening system
- Length: 6.5”, width: 3”
If you’ve been playing the fitness game for a while, you’ve heard of the brand Harbinger. They’ve been making fitness equipment for a while now and know what they’re doing.
Nowhere is this more evident than in this heavy-duty 3” ankle cuff. The inner lining is designed to make sure you can work your lower half with little to no chafing. The 3” width is wide enough to offer good support but not so wide that it feels like it’s swallowing your entire leg.
The only downside is that these ankle straps are sold individually and not in pairs. The solution is as simple as ordering two from whichever website you shop, but still, why not just sell them in pairs?
The inner shearling may get gross quickly if you don't wash these occasionally. Besides that, the Harbinger heavy-duty 3” ankle strap will keep you lifting comfortably for many training sessions.
9. Fighttech Ankle Straps – Best for Comfort
Pros
- Easy-to-use fastening system
- Includes foot strap
- Thick neoprene pad
Cons
- Straps are larger than other brands
Rating: 4/5
Specifications
- Nylon and neoprene construction for comfort
- Neoprene padding is 10mm thick for extra comfort
- Comes with a foot strap for kickbacks
- Easy to use velcro fastening system
- Two stainless steel D-rings, good for up to 220 lbs each strap
- Length 10.5”, width 4.5”
Having used these in the past, I can tell you they get the job done well. The addition of the foot strap at this price point is nice too. If you don’t have an ankle strap for each leg the extra foot strap material can be annoying, but that’s an easy fix, just get two.
Fighttech offers both a blessing and a curse with its thick 10mm neoprene inner lining. The thickness translates well to comfort. It also translates well to catching all your sweat. So making sure you air these out and rinse them off from time to time is imperative. Unless you’re trying to set booby traps for ankle strap thieves, just be careful when you open your gym bag.
If you want a good pair of ankle straps with the foot strap and thick padding, you need not look further than the Fighttech ankle straps.
10. Grip Power Pads Ankle Straps – Best for Color Variety
Pros
- Classic, simple construction
- Best options in regard to style choices
- Heavy duty
Cons
- A bit bulky
Rating: 4/5
Specifications
- Fast velcro locking system
- Comes in several different colors and styles
- Two steel D-rings rated up to 220 lbs per strap
- Lifetime guarantee
- Unisex design
- One size fits most
- Neoprene and nylon construction for comfort and durability
- Length: 11”, width: 3.5”
Right out of the box, these ankle straps are a bit stiff, but after a few training sessions, they loosen up. Additionally, the velcro covers the entire strap length, making for a more secure hold when training, meaning heavier weights and more gains.
The ankle straps from Grip Power Pads can hang with the big boys in weight, but they’re as light as the cheaper options. Despite their lack of weight, they cover a bit more surface area regarding the material. This makes the Grip Power Pads Ankle Straps a bit bulkier than their competitors. The extra material works to your advantage, as it helps disperse the heavy weights, making for a more comfortable lifting experience overall.
If you need high-quality, sturdy, stylish ankle straps for your next workout, look no further than Grip Power Pads Ankle Straps.
Buying Guide: What To Look For in an Ankle Strap for a Cable Machine
Weight Range
Not all ankle straps are capable of tolerating heavy loads. If you’re trying to get serious on kickbacks, you must make sure the buckle, sleeve, and rings will tolerate those heavier loads.
Ease of Use
You shouldn’t have to know origami to get in and out of your training equipment. While more complex fastening systems may be more structurally sound, they do not make for a quick and enjoyable training session.
Durability
Purchasing cheap quality will cost you more in the long run because you’ll have to purchase more of the same more frequently. Find materials that you know have a high durability factor.
Materials
While some materials, like leather, may last a long time they will cost you more. Additionally, some materials, while cheaper, may end up causing a massive amount of chafing that will not feel good. Choose materials that will last, are easy to clean, and withstand the weight you plan on lifting.
Price
Ankle straps are definitely on the cheaper end of fitness equipment, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on price. If you cannot afford the higher-end options, choose any of the other ankle straps on the list to get the best bang for your buck.
Read more: The Best Cable Assisted Pull-Up Bands
Benefits of Using Ankle Straps for a Cable Machine
Versatility
One piece of equipment and several exercise options. Ankle straps do not limit you to any particular muscle group on your lower body. You can train your leg's anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial sides; you only need to turn a little.
Space-saving
Ankle straps can fit into a gym bag with ease. They take up even less space than your training shoes. Even when hauling two straps, most can be laid flat to take up even less room.
Cost-effective
Not all straps are made the same, and if you purchase cheap straps, you may buy several pairs due to premature degradation. If you want the most bang for your buck, purchasing one of the high-quality items on this list is best.
Convenience
Easy to use, easy to carry, and easy on the wallet. Ankle straps save you the trouble of having to work with other people at the gym and from having to take up several different pieces of equipment at your local gym.
Rehabilitation
Ankle straps allow you to train your lower body when you need to isolate specific muscles around your hips and legs to get your body back up to speed. For example, if you have to put your leg in a knee brace but can still do lightweight, straight-leg kickbacks, an ankle strap would allow you to do that at an appropriate weight to help you recover quickly.
Adding to your cable collection? Be sure to check out this list of the best cable attachments.
How To Use Ankle Straps for a Cable Machine
Ankle straps must be attached to your legs via velcro or buckles. You must add the external resistance once you have affixed the strap to your leg. All straps will have rings to attach a carabiner connected to a weight stack in a weight tower or another cable pulley apparatus. Once the strap is connected to your leg and the cable machine, you can blast those legs with cable machine exercises.
When To Use Ankle Straps on a Cable Machine
A good example would be when you do not have access to high-end equipment, like reverse hyper machines, but still want a great glute workout. Ankle straps are great for rehabbing lower body injuries by allowing you to target those muscle groups that are awkward to isolate with free weights or machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Do Cable Kickbacks Without Ankle Straps?
Yes, but you will need to proceed with caution. Ankle straps are designed for exercises like kickbacks and other leg exercises. Additionally, they offer great safety, meaning ankle straps are less likely to fly off your leg mid-rep.
Do Gyms Have Ankle Straps for Cable Machines?
Most commercial gyms will have ankle straps. Keep in mind, they are up for community use. While sharing is caring, not everyone is as conscious about cleaning up equipment after they are done. Best to have your own set if you’d like to know who left your equipment a little damp.
Final Thoughts
Here are the best ankle straps for cable machines you can get on the market right now.
- DMoose Ankle Straps – Best Overall
- Hawk Ankle Straps – Best for Budget
- Harbinger Ankle Straps – Best for Durability
The DMoose Ankle Straps and many others are at the top of this list for a reason. They are made well, priced fairly, and look great. If you need an all-around great ankle strap option to help blast your glutes and legs on your next leg day, DMoose has you covered.
The Hawk Ankle Straps are some of the best ankle straps if you are on a budget. They provide many, and sometimes more, of the same great qualities as some of the more expensive options on this list. What’s even more impressive is this young company’s desire to get it right. If you have a problem, they want the opportunity to fix it. If customer service, high-quality materials, and a price that won’t break the budget are what you need, choose Hawk Ankle Straps.
Harbinger has been around for a long time, and it’s no wonder they have produced a great product. If you need stability and comfort from a well-known company, you owe it to yourself to get a pair of Harbinger heavy-duty ankle straps. You’ll pay a bit more for the quality, but it’s worth every cent.
About The Author
Trevor Bridges has a BS in Health and Exercise Science and has been training folks how to move pain-free and get stronger for over a decade. He is currently experimenting with different training programs that will make him most like Captain America. When he is not running his gym or creating content, you can usually find him playing with his dogs and praying for shorter summers and longer winters.
