Our top pick for the best ankle ice wrap pack is the ankle ice pack wrap by Vive. This wrap has a versatile non-slip fit that will conform to your ankle. In addition to providing cold therapy, you can heat this wrap and use it for heat therapy as well. Check out our other reviews below for information on some other great ice wraps.
Best Choice - Ankle Ice Pack Wrap by Vive
Vive features three Arctic Flex gel packs that can be used for cold or heat therapy. The ergonomically designed wrap will provide targeted cooling to the ankle and arch.
Buy on AmazonAfter a hard workout or just a long day spent on your feet, it’s common to have some ankle inflammation and pain — especially if you’ve had a previous injury. A familiar acronym to help alleviate these symptoms is RICE: Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. Here we will help you in your search for the best product to ice your ankle and get your back onto your feet in no time.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Vive
Ankle Ice Pack Wrap
Top Performance
Aircast
Cryo/Cuff Cold Therapy
Can’t Count it Out
FlexiKold
Gel Ice Pack
The Eight Best Ankle Ice Pack Wraps
| Product | Brand | Latex - Free | Sizing | Men or Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ankle ice wrap pack | Vive | Yes | One size fits most | Men & Women |  |
| Ankle ice wrap pack | AirCast Cryo/Cuff | No | One size fits most | Men & Women | |
| Ankle ice pack wrap | FlexiKold | Yes | 4 Sizes | Men & Women | |
| Ankle ice wrap pack | Kinetic Labs | No | One size fits most | Men & Women | |
| Ankle ice wrap pack | TheraPAQ | No | One size fits most | Men & Women | |
| Ankle ice wrap pack | NatraCure | No | Three sizes | Men & Women | |
| Ankle ice wrap pack | ActiveWrap | No | Two sizes | Men & Women | |
| Ankle ice wrap pack | Ice It! | No | One size fits most | Men & Women | |
Best Choice: Ankle Ice Pack Wrap by Vive
Buy on AmazonA unique feature of the Vive ice pack is that it can be used for either cold or heat therapy. You can freeze the three Arctic Flex gel packs to cool down your ankle, or you can pop them in the microwave for soothing warmth. Vive has designed it to fit the ankle and foot so it can provide arch pain relief as well. The ankle wrap is constructed with breathable neoprene that is machine-washable to keep it fresh.
Main Features
- Removable Arctic Flex gel packs
- Neoprene material
- Strong Velcro fasteners
Pros:
- Warming or cooling therapy
- Provides some compression
- Wraps around the ankle and foot
- Fits both right and left ankles
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Velcro may wear out over time
Top Performance: Aircast Cryo/Cuff
The AirCast is a gravity-fed cold pack that both cools your ankle and provides compression to help reduce inflammation. The cooler holds ice water, and cold water flows down into the cuff to provide six to eight hours of cold therapy. Velcro straps keep this ankle ice wrap back in place.
Main Features
- Gravity-fed system
- Stays chilled for six to eight hours
- One size fits most
Pros:
- Uses only ice water
- Adjustable compression
- Adjustable temperature
- Can be used on either ankle
Cons:
- High price tag
- Not portable
Can’t Count Out: Gel Ice Pack by FlexiKold
The gel ice pack by FlexiKold features double seams and a nylon construction design to enhance durability. The half-size pack is small enough for ankles, and the proprietary gel is reported to stay colder than some of the competitors’ gels.
The FlexiKold is versatile as you can use it on any aching body part. The FlexiKold gel remains flexible even when frozen to the lowest temperature allowing you to wrap it around your ankle as soon as it comes out of the freezer.
Main Features
- Proprietary gel
- Double seam stitching
- Nylon exterior
Pros:
- Half-size for ankles
- Optional straps
- Versatile
Cons:
- Not specifically designed for the ankle
The Other 5 Ankle Ice Wrap Packs We Reviewed
Reusable Gel Ice Pack by Kinetic Labs
The Kinetic Labs ice pack is a budget-friendly wrap with a long Velcro strap making it easy to apply to your ankle. The gel can be used for hot or cold therapy, and the versatile rectangle shape allows it to be used for just about any sore body part.
This reusable ice wrap is approved by the FDA and comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. Read the instructions carefully as this pack may burst if overheated or lose flexibility if frozen solid.
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Foot and Ankle Ice Wrap by TheraPAQ
The TheraPAQ is a neoprene wrap that extends to the base of the toes to provide therapy for your ankle as well as the midfoot. The wrap comes with two removable gel packs that can be used for both hot and cold therapy.
The TheraPAQ is made from breathable neoprene and uses hook and loop straps to keep the brace in place while it cools. While the TheraPAQ is designed to fit the ankle, it comes as a single-size so it may not fit larger or smaller ankles as effectively.
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Universal Cold Pack Ice Wrap by NatraCure
The NatraCure is a versatile cold pack that comes with a long 24-inch strap to keep it securely in place. The rectangular shape allows you to cool multiple areas of the body. It also comes with two gel packs so you can always have one pack chilling in the freezer.
NatraCure uses a proprietary gel and features a thinner exterior to apply the cold gel closer to your skin. However, the NatraCure is not designed to specifically fit the ankle.
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Foot and Ankle Wrap by ActiveWrap
The ActiveWrap comes standard with two dual-layer pouches that can be used for warming or cooling therapy. The patented design is made to fit the ankle and can be used for either the right or left side.
The ActiveWrap also comes in two different sizes for larger or smaller ankles. While this ankle wrap is reusable, it is not machine-washable.
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Ice Pack Wrap by Ice It!
This is a larger cold wrap that covers a big surface area. This ice pack wrap comes with three gel packs that fit snugly and tight to the skin. It features Velcro straps to keep the pack secure, and it is made from comfortable fabric that keeps the skin clean and shielded from hypothermia. However, be careful if you try to heat the gel packs as they may come apart if they get too hot.
Buy on AmazonHow Should You Apply a Cold Pack To Your Ankle?
There are a few considerations that you should take when icing your ankle. The first is that the ice pack should not be applied directly to the skin. The cold pack can irritate your skin, and if left long enough, can cause frostbite. If you use a gel pack that comes with a protective cover this should keep your skin protected from any cold injury.
Another consideration is how long to apply the ice. Many believe that the longer the better, but the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends for ice to be applied for 15-20 minutes every 60-90 minutes (Millar, 2011).
Factors To Consider When Purchasing an Ankle Ice Wrap Pack
With so many great ankle ice wrap pack options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Take a look at what we think makes a great product.
Time to Chill
Considering that the recommended icing time is 15-20 minutes every 60-90 minutes, it is helpful to know how long the ice wraps take to chill. Some products come with a second gel pack so you can keep one in the freezer while you have another on your ankle. The Aircast uses ice water so you are all set as long as you have ice in the freezer.
Is it designed for the ankle specifically? Or universal?
Another important factor to consider is whether the ice wrap is specifically designed for the ankle. Ankles can be awkward to wrap effectively so choosing an ice wrap pack that is designed to accommodate the ankle can be beneficial. But these will not be as helpful in the future if your knee or shoulder hurts.
Universal ice packs can be applied to any body part. They may be more challenging to keep wrapped around the ankle, but many come with a Velcro strap to help keep them in place.
Weighing All the Factors
After considering all the factors, the Vive ankle ice pack wrap gets our vote as the best ankle ice pack wrap. It is well-constructed, versatile, and stays cold to soothe an aching ankle. For a top-quality gravity-fed cooler, check out the AirCast, and for a great choice that soothes your feet as well then the gel ice pack by Flexikold may be for you.
Sources
- Millar, AL. (2011). ACSM Information on Sprains, Strains and Tears. Retrieved from https://www.acsm.org/
Best Choice - Ankle Ice Pack Wrap by Vive
Vive features three Arctic Flex gel packs that can be used for cold or heat therapy. The ergonomically designed wrap will provide targeted cooling to the ankle and arch.
Buy on Amazon