In BDSM, handcuffs are a must-have for restricting one's movements. It is usually the beginner's way into bondage play. However, as you and your partner gain more confidence, you may want to explore the world of bondage even further. Finding other ways to restrain yourself or your partner can allow you to go deeper into your fantasies and intensify the experience. And you can do this with the use of ankle cuffs.

What are ankle cuffs?

There are many ways to restrict a partner's movement, especially during a BDSM scene. You can use different kinds of ankle restraints like a rope, a tie, or even a long piece of ribbon to tie the legs together. However, the best way to prevent the wearers from moving their ankles and legs is to use a pair of ankle cuffs.

Ankle cuffs are a specific type of ankle restraints designed for your bondage play. They are usually made of leather that is padded for comfort, but they come in other materials like metal, plastic, or cloth.

Ankle cuffs typically have a buckle, Velcro strips, or any other form of locking mechanism to keep them in place. They can be attached to each other or to another object, like a pair of handcuffs, a spreader, or the posts of a bed, depending on the fantasy that you are trying to explore.

Why do people use ankle cuffs?

Just like with handcuffs, people choose to use ankle cuffs for a variety of reasons.

Give or gain power

In BDSM, one gains power, and the other submits to it. You might be a person who has a lot of power in your daily life. But for a short period of time, you can give it up and allow somebody else to take control by allowing yourself to be restrained by cuffs.

Or it can be the opposite. You may prefer taking directions outside the bedroom, but you can feel like a goddess inside the bedroom by taking hold of another person's freedom of movement.

Experience sexual freedom

It is ironic how being restrained can be the key to a person's freedom. Society puts so much guilt and shame into many sexual acts. This may prevent you from exploring your desires. However, once the restraints are in place, it can give you the feeling that there's nothing you can do about it or that you're no longer responsible for whatever can happen. It is at this point of helplessness that you can experience freedom from the dictates of society.

Add some excitement

It can be amazingly exciting to be cuffed by a partner. You don't know what can happen next. With restraints, you don't have to worry about how to move your legs or arms. All you can do is experience everything. This focus on the sensations and the experience can heighten the excitement that you feel during your bondage plays. Will your partner be gentle today? Will you be taken roughly? Who knows?

Get into the role

Playing make-believe inside the bedroom will make every sexual encounter novel. Imagining you and your partner in different scenarios can be like a mini vacation for the mind. And donning ankle cuffs can elevate that fantasy.

How do you safely use ankle cuffs?

Ankle cuffs can be used in all forms of sexual activities, from light bondage to more elaborate plays. But before you bring them out, make sure that you talk about it with your partner. Even before you step into the bedroom (or wherever it is that the fantasy will take place), it is ideal to talk about what will happen. Knowing what to expect ensures that trust is there during the play. Express any concerns openly. Whether you're a beginner or experienced in bondage play, it is still important to establish trust and openness. Talk about the things that you like and dislike. Explore your fantasies together.

Opt for easy-to-remove ankle cuffs at the start of your exploration

If you are still new to bondage, it is best to choose an ankle cuff that has Velcro instead of buckles. You can also try out stretchy cuffs. This type is easier to attach and remove. As you gain more experience, you can move on to the use of buckled and lockable ankle cuffs. The key here is to gain practice and confidence in what you are doing. That way, if something untoward happens, you'd be able to calmly and safely remove the restraints.

Choose with comfort in mind

Choose padded or lined ankle cuffs. The padding reduces the risk of causing injury, such as nerve damage, to the wearer.

Stay away from anything that pinches or chafes unless that's what you're into. Note that you can get wounds from these restraints if they do not fit well.

Unleash your creativity

There are many ways to use and fasten restraints. You can go with the basic restraint where the sub's movements are simply restrained by keeping the legs bound together. Or, you can add straps for a frog tie. You can also use the cuffs with other equipment for a totally different experience altogether. Use it with a spreader bar or any other restraining strap.

Note that the regular ankle cuffs are not meant to be used for suspension bondage. This type of bondage play entails binding and hanging the submissive from one or more overhead suspension points using ropes or cables. If you want to explore this particular play, buy the specialized type of ankle cuffs that are designed for it.

Check in with your partner and watch out for any problems

Make sure that you talk about the safety precautions you will take. Have a way to communicate how you feel. Establish your safe word and non-verbal cues. If the sub is to wear a ball gag or any other equipment that can prevent them from speaking, make sure to agree on a way to communicate if the legs or feet are going numb or experiencing pain. Never leave your partner while they are restrained.

Once the ankle cuff is in place and the scene begins, check the wearer's circulation. Observe the limbs and watch out for any part of the skin that's turning white, blue, or purple. Practice putting the cuffs on and removing them. Always check in with your partner, especially if you're new to this experience. Know that it is all right to slow down or stop whenever you need to.

Top ankle cuffs from NOTI

Ready to buy your first pair of ankle cuffs? We have the perfect pair for you.

Obei Bound to Tease Real Leather Ankle Cuff

The handsomely crafted Obei Bound to Tease is made from high-quality leather that will leave you or your partner quivering with anticipation. These are soft, lightweight, and can be adjusted to fit nicely around your ankles. You won't have to worry about chafing once you have them on. Plus, they are small and easy to store.

Obei Bound to Explore Leather Ankle cuff

Explore power play between you and your partner with the Obei Bound to Explore leather ankle cuffs. This elegantly designed restraint is simply beautiful. The cuffs are made of soft leather with gold accents. They are easily adjustable and come with attachments, making them versatile. They are pretty lightweight, too, weighing only 300 grams.

Obei Guide Me Real Leather Ankle Cuff

This pair of Obei Guide Me ankle cuffs is definitely a showstopper. The black and red color is eye-catching and will look amazing on any sub. They're very soft since they're made of real leather and have adjustable straps so they won't chafe the skin. The cuffs come with a gold metal chain that you can use to connect the cuffs to a collar or a pair of handcuffs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use handcuffs on the ankles?

We don't advise doing so since handcuffs are designed to restrain the wrist. It's best to use ankle cuffs for restraining the legs since these have a larger perimeter for a comfortable fit. A good fit is important to avoid cutting off circulation to your limbs.

How do I bring up ankle cuffs and other restraints in my relationship?

The key to bringing anything new into a partnership is honest communication. Express your desires openly and explain why it is something that is important to you. Talk about the effects it may have on your relationship.

Once your partner agrees to explore your fantasies, make sure to establish boundaries. Talk about consent and safety precautions you want to take.

How do I care for and maintain my ankle cuffs?

Caring for your equipment will depend on its material. For leather ankle cuffs, make sure to clean them after every play. Wipe it dry with a clean, soft cloth. From time to time, "wash" the leather by wiping it with a damp cloth dipped in a small amount of soap. Do this in a circular motion. Once all the residue has been removed, rinse the leather by wiping it with a clean damp cloth.

Allow the cuffs to dry completely before applying a leather conditioner.

For faux leather cuffs, a good wipe-down with a damp cloth will do. You can also use an alcohol-free sex toy cleaner if you have it.

Place your ankle cuff back in its container once you're done cleaning and conditioning it. Store the container somewhere cool, dry, and secure.

Did you know

Ankle cuffs are available in the Philippines, thanks to our sex shop! NOTI.ph puts these sensual restraints within your fingertips' reach. If you want to check out these and other BDSM toys, you can find the famed products under the "Anklecuffs" catalog on our site.

Every package can be delivered directly to your doorstep. We guarantee discreet packaging without reference to the parcel's contents or our brand name. The only one who will be excited about the parcel is you!