Buying task · Ankle straps and cuffs
Ankle straps and cuffs
How to choose an ankle strap for a cable machine: closure, padding, D-rings, the "one size" claim, single or pair, and the carabiner that joins it to the cable.
We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. How we make money
Short answer
Choose an ankle strap by what its maker states: the closure, the padding, the D-rings that take the carabiner, and whether you are buying one strap or a pair. DMoose, for example, lists a hook-and-loop closure, 8 mm neoprene padding and two stainless steel D-rings, in Single or Pair variants.[1] No maker in our sources publishes an ankle circumference range, so "one size" is the maker's claim, not a measured fit.
What an ankle strap does
An ankle strap, or cuff, wraps around the ankle and clips to a low pulley, so the cable pulls on the leg instead of the hands. It is the attachment for cable kickbacks, leg raises and similar moves. The strap carries the pull through a metal D-ring, and a carabiner joins that ring to the cable.
This is the thinnest topic on the site: makers publish less about cuffs than about anything else. We do not test straps. Everything below is what the maker states.
The checks, in order
1. Closure. DMoose lists an adjustable hook-and-loop closure.[1] Body-Solid's NAS3 page states no closure type.[2] If the maker does not name the closure, you cannot compare it.
2. Padding. DMoose lists 8 mm neoprene padding.[1] Body-Solid describes the NAS3 as heavy-duty nylon lined with man-made wool padding, with no thickness given and no mention of neoprene.[2]
3. D-rings. DMoose lists two stainless steel D-rings.[1] Body-Solid describes metal D-rings on the NAS3 cuffs but does not state the exact count.[2] The D-ring is where your carabiner clips, so it is the one part that must suit your connector.
4. The "one size" claim. Body-Solid sizes the NAS3 as "One Size Fits All" and publishes no wearable circumference range; the dimensions it lists are product and package sizes.[2] DMoose describes its strap as "one size fits most", again with no circumference range.[1] Treat both as the maker's claim. If your ankles are very slim or very large, check the strap length where a maker gives one, or ask the maker.
5. Single or pair. DMoose sells Single and Pair variants.[1] Body-Solid's page does not say whether the NAS3 is one strap or two.[2] Order the variant you mean: one strap does one leg at a time, a pair suits two cables.
6. The carabiner. Neither DMoose nor Body-Solid says a carabiner is included.[1] Carabiner sellers list cuffs among the uses: elitefts describes its 2-pack as built for cable work including ankle straps,[3] and MakeIt sells its carabiner for attaching cuffs and accessories to cable machines.[4] MakeIt states a 12 kN breaking strength and says it must not be confused with a working load,[4] so do not read it as a gym weight. See will my carabiner fit the attachment.
Wrists, not just ankles
Body-Solid says the NAS3 attaches to a low pulley and can be worn on the ankles or the wrists.[2] That is NAS3's own statement. Other makers in our sources do not say their straps are for wrists, so follow each maker's use.
How to choose
- Pick the closure and padding the maker actually names.
- Check the D-ring material and how many there are.
- Choose Single or Pair deliberately.
- Budget for a carabiner whose gate closes over the D-ring.
Approved ankle straps that state their padding and D-rings:
Picks that fit4 products
DMoose: choose Black, Pair for two legs or Black, Single for one; skip the Tube Bands bundle unless you want bands.
More on choosing
Gymreapers: choose Black, Pair or Black, Single. REP Ankle Cuff: each cuff is sold separately, so order two for a pair. Harbinger 3 in: sold as one cuff in one size. None states a carabiner in the box. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or the brand.
Pair with stated padding, closure and D-rings
Every page on ankle straps
Guides
- Ankle straps for cable machines: closure, padding, D-rings and sizing
- Will my carabiner fit the attachment? Eyelet, gate and body size
- Carabiner gates and loading direction
Setups with a low pulley
- Rogue Monster Slinger, Fringe Sport Sidewing Bottom Pulley, Surplus Strength UPS Low, Inspire FTX Functional Trainer
Key terms
Ankle strap, D-ring, carabiner, spring gate, breaking strength, working load limit and maker claim.
Everything in this topic
Guides
- Ankle straps for cable machines: closure, padding, D-rings and sizingHelps you compare ankle straps on what makers actually publish and order the right number for your exercises.
Shortlists
- Ankle straps with published construction and D-ringsHelps you pick an ankle strap by what its maker states, and order one or two as you intend.
Common questions
Do ankle straps fit large or small ankles?
No maker in our sources publishes a wearable range. DMoose says 'one size fits most' and Body-Solid says 'One Size Fits All' for the NAS3, with no circumference figures, so treat sizing as the maker's claim. More in Ankle straps for cable machines: closure, padding, D-rings and sizing
Do I need one ankle strap or two?
One is enough for single-leg cable work on one pulley. Two let you switch legs without moving the strap, or work both sides on a two-pulley machine. DMoose sells its strap as a single or a pair, so check which variant you order. More in Ankle straps for cable machines: closure, padding, D-rings and sizing
Can ankle straps be worn on the wrists?
Body-Solid says its NAS3 can be worn on the ankles or wrists and attaches to a low pulley. Other makers in our sources do not say, so follow your strap's own instructions. More in Ankle straps for cable machines: closure, padding, D-rings and sizing
Do ankle straps come with a carabiner?
Usually it is not stated. DMoose and Body-Solid do not say whether one is included, so plan to buy one. Carabiners from elitefts and MakeIt are listed for cable work including cuffs. More in Ankle straps for cable machines: closure, padding, D-rings and sizing
Will these fit my ankles?
No maker here publishes a circumference range. DMoose says "one size fits most" and Body-Solid says "One Size Fits All" for its NAS3; both are the makers' claims, not measured fits. More in Ankle straps with published construction and D-rings
What do I clip them with?
A carabiner through the D-ring. elitefts and MakeIt list ankle straps or cuffs among their carabiners' uses; see will my carabiner fit the attachment. More in Ankle straps with published construction and D-rings
Can I wear these on my wrists?
None of these makers says so. Body-Solid says its NAS3 can be worn on the ankles or wrists, but that is NAS3's own statement. More in Ankle straps with published construction and D-rings
Questions
Do ankle straps fit all ankle sizes?
No maker in our sources shows that. Body-Solid calls the NAS3 "One Size Fits All" and DMoose says "one size fits most", but neither publishes a circumference range.[2][1]
Do I need one or two ankle straps?
One works for single-leg moves on one cable; two suit both cables of a trainer. DMoose sells Single and Pair variants, so pick the one you mean.[1]
What clips an ankle strap to a cable?
A carabiner through the strap's D-ring. elitefts and MakeIt both list ankle cuffs among their carabiners' uses; see will my carabiner fit the attachment.[3][4]
Can I wear ankle straps on my wrists?
Body-Solid says its NAS3 can be worn on the ankles or wrists. Other makers in our sources do not say so, so follow each maker's stated use.[2]