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As a garage gym owner, I can attest to the many benefits of owning a home gym. One of the only things I don’t like is not having access to a wide variety of machines to perform isolation exercises (those that work one muscle group at a time). I just don’t have the room to fit any of the best cable machines for home gyms in my garage. Plus, DIY methods like securing a dumbbell to my foot with a resistance band don’t feel very reliable or comfortable.
Enter: the MonkeyFeet Pro. This innovative tool, created by Animalhouse Fitness, makes it possible for anyone to perform weighted donkey kicks, leg curls, high knees, and leg extensions without a large machine.
In this MonkeyFeet Pro review, we’ll discuss whether or not this creative piece of gym equipment is worth adding to your arsenal. (Spoiler alert: They’re pretty neat, but there are definitely a few things you need to be aware of before buying.)
We Don’t Monkey Around When It Comes to Reviews
Our testers include certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, CrossFit Level 1 trainers, and an Olympian. Many of us are home gym owners, and we use fitness equipment every day. Whether we’re trying to find the strongest pre-workout to power us through our training sessions, or performing drop tests to evaluate the durability of the best adjustable dumbbells, we always strive to provide honest, unbiased reviews.
Coop Mitchell, GGR’s founder, tested the MonkeyFeet Pro for several lower-body workouts and evaluated it based on our fitness equipment testing methodology. We then scored it on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following categories:
- Materials and durability
- Weight range and increments
- Adjustment mechanism
- Customer experience
- Customer reviews
MonkeyFeet Pro
MonkeyFeet Pro
Product Highlights
- One-year warranty
- Powder-coated metal weight stacks
- Goes up to 35 lbs
- International shipping available for some countries
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Can adjust weight in just a few seconds
- Compact design
- Doesn't require a separate set of dumbbells
- Weight indicators are easy to see
Cons
- Only goes up to 35 lbs
- One unit costs $300
- Some materials may wear down over time
Bottom Line
The MonkeyFeet Pro from Animalhouse Fitness make it possible for home gym owners to perform lower-body isolation exercises without bulky pieces of equipment.
A Quick Look at the MonkeyFeet Pro
In 2017, MMA fighter and boxer Evan Guberra injured his knee during a training session. When he was ready to start strength training again, he became frustrated every time he went to the gym and found all of the machines occupied. He thought it would be cool if you could lift dumbbells with your feet—and thus the idea of MonkeyFeet was born.
Evan partnered with engineer Paul Jackson to bring his idea to life. They spent years brainstorming, building prototypes, and perfecting their vision. Their initial MonkeyFeet model was inspired by a tool called the York Health Shoe (aka the Iron Boot), which was popular in the early 1900s.
The original MonkeyFeet device looks like a snowboard binding and has a ratchet strap that allows you to get a tight fit on your foot. Its claw-clasp mechanism underneath the heel grasps onto a dumbbell handle so you can perform weighted leg exercises. MonkeyFeet’s popularity grew over the years, and even experts like Ben Patrick (the @kneesovertoesguy on social media who created the ATG training program) have trained with it.
RELATED: ATG Split Squat: A Deep Dive Into This Knee-Strengthening Deep Squat Variation
In 2024, Animalhouse Fitness launched the MonkeyFeet Pro. This upgraded model features built-in, adjustable, trapezoid-shaped weights. With the anodized adjuster pin (which Coop likened to the pin selector system on PowerBlock dumbbells), you can adjust the weight from 5 to 35 pounds.
RELATED: PowerBlock Pro 100 EXP Dumbbells Review
Is it innovative? Definitely. Does it help solve a problem many fitness enthusiasts face? For sure. Should you drop what you’re doing right now and order one? Well…maybe, maybe not.
Before You Buy
- The MonkeyFeet Pro attachment has a universal design, so it will fit on either the right or left foot.
- Animalhouse Fitness says the MonkeyFeet Pro tool can fit nearly any shoe size. However, the original MonkeyFeet only accommodates up to a men’s size 14. If you wear a large shoe size, you may want to contact the company before ordering to ensure your feet will fit.
MonkeyFeet Pro Video Review
Are the MonkeyFeet Pro Worth It?
A single MonkeyFeet Pro attachment costs just under $300, nearly four times the price of the original MonkeyFeet. A pair costs $540. As Coop points out, there are adjustable dumbbells that are cheaper and offer more weight. The MonkeyFeet Pro tool maxes out at 35 pounds, while adjustable dumbbells go up to 80 pounds or more. We rate them 2 out of 5 for value.
“The price on these is really high. For the vast majority of people, buying the original MonkeyFeet and a set of adjustable dumbbells is much better value,” Coop commented.
RELATED: NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell Review
However, if you don’t already have a set of dumbbells at home and have limited space, the MonkeyFeet Pro attachment is still worth considering. It may also be worth it if you only have PowerBlock dumbbells—their caged design won’t work with the original MonkeyFeet.
Additionally, the MonkeyFeet Pro allow for much faster weight adjustments than the original MonkeyFeet. For anyone who needs to maximize every possible second of their leg day workouts, the MonkeyFeet Pro can still be a beneficial tool.
Great for:
- Fitness enthusiasts who don’t have room in their home gyms for leg extension machines or other similar equipment
- Individuals who do a lot of supersets or drop sets and want a system that allows them to change weight quickly
- Folks who prefer to train with lighter weights
Not recommended for:
- Lifters who primarily train compound movements
- People with tight budgets
- People who already have a full set of dumbbells at home (you can get more strength gains with the original MonkeyFeet)
MonkeyFeet Pro Specs
| Price | $299.95 for a single; $540 for a pair |
| Color | Black |
| Weight range | 5 to 35 lbs |
| Weight increments | 5 lbs |
| Adjustment mechanism | Anodized selector pin |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Using the MonkeyFeet Pro
Coop performed several exercises with the MonkeyFeet Pro, including leg extensions and hamstring curls. While he found them sufficient for those purposes, he didn’t think they totally replicated the experience of using a machine. Rather than targeting his quads and hamstrings, he prefers to use the attachment for strengthening his abs and hip flexor muscles.
“Honestly, if you have the budget and space for it, I’d still recommend a separate leg extension machine,” he said. “But I do like using my MonkeyFeet Pro for knee raises when hanging from a pull-up bar. It really targets the hip flexors and is a killer ab burner.”
While Animalhouse Fitness calls this new model of the MonkeyFeet a “Pro” version, not much has changed from the original iteration. The MonkeyFeet Pro attachment uses a lot of the same materials as the regular MonkeyFeet, and many customers have had issues with long-term, heavy usage.
What did stick out to Coop was how much easier it is to adjust the weight on the Pro model. “The biggest benefit to the MonkeyFeet Pro is that if you train with lighter weights and like to do a lot of supersets or drop sets, you don’t have to take them off to change the weight,” he said.
Materials and Durability
For this category, we give the MonkeyFeet Pro 2.5 out of 5 stars. The updated design has only been on the market for a few weeks, but based on our testing and our experience with the original MonkeyFeet, we have some concerns about the materials’ longevity.
One thing Coop noticed right away was the thin plastic used for the weight indicator tabs. The tabs had some give to them, which made him question how long the plastic would last. He also didn’t like that the weight indicators were printed on rather than laser-etched.
“If you’re not touching these tabs all the time, it may not be an issue. But in products with labels that are just printed on, it’s common for the numbers to brush off over time,” he said.
Coop also had concerns about the foam lining around the heel cup. On his original MonkeyFeet attachment, that same material wore down after a couple of years. The foam is molded onto the cradle, and Animalhouse Fitness doesn’t sell replacement parts. Once that foam deteriorates, the tool essentially becomes unusable. There’s nothing to protect the back of your foot from the hard plastic cradle.
For something that costs nearly $300 USD, we wish it could be repairable if something on it were to break. Animalhouse Fitness may send you a free replacement item if the MonkeyFeet Pro malfunction within a year. After that one-year point, though, you’ll have to buy a brand new one if any part of it breaks down.
An area where Animalhouse Fitness didn’t skimp on quality, however, is the weight stack. It consists of black powder-coated metal, which Coop noted felt sturdy and solid. There was hardly any flex to the weights when he tried to bend them.
Weight Range and Increments
The MonkeyFeet Pro ranges from 5 to 35 pounds. This is much less than the maximum weight of a functional trainer, cable machine, or leg extension machine. However, it’s heavier than most ankle weights on the market, which typically only go up to 10 pounds. You likely won’t experience the same strength gains with the MonkeyFeet Pro that you would with a machine, but you’ll still be able to train with heavier weights than if you relied solely on ankle weights.
RELATED: Best Ankle Weights
“Thirty-five pounds for certain movements and certain people is great. But some people can do leg extensions and even leg curls with a lot more weight,” he noted. “It would be nice if the company someday offers an expansion kit for the MonkeyFeet Pro. I think they can theoretically go up to 70 pounds while still keeping it compact.”
Despite the low maximum weight, we rated the weight range and increments 3 out of 5 stars. We do like the 5-pound increments, which can allow you to make smaller jumps in weight when needed. These gradual increases can help you safely practice progressive overload and reduce your risk of injury.
With a bit of DIY handiwork, smaller 2.5-pound jumps in weight are possible. I contacted Animalhouse Fitness to find out how to do this, and here is what they said: Each main MonkeyFeet Pro attachment has two plates mounted on either side. You can use an Allen wrench to unscrew the bolts and remove those plates. This allows you to start with 2.5 pounds and go up to 32.5 pounds in 2.5-pound increments.
Adjustment Mechanism
The MonkeyFeet Pro features a pin selector adjustment system, similar to the PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells or kettlebells. To change the weight, you simply line up the cradle with the weight stack, remove the pin from the current selection, and slide it into the desired weight.
RELATED: PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell Review
In his full video review of the MonkeyFeet Pro, it took Coop less than 20 seconds to put the device on his foot and select his desired weight. He noted that the anodized, bright green adjuster pin felt sturdy. He didn’t have any concerns about it sliding out of place. For this reason, we give the adjustment mechanism 4.5 out of 5 stars.
MonkeyFeet Pro vs MonkeyFeet
MonkeyFeet
MonkeyFeet
Product Highlights
- Supports dumbbells up to 160 pounds
- Easily transportable
- Ideal for people with small home gyms
- Ratchet-style adjustment allows for a secure fit on your foot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Cushioned forefoot
- Fit securely
- These seem to be the easiest way to secure a dumbbell to your foot
- Provide a way to work legs typically reserved for machines
Cons
- Not as smooth or efficient as a machine (i.e. leg extension)
- Can feel awkward at first
- Weight you can attach is limited
Bottom Line
MonkeyFeet are an effective way to securely attach weight to your feet allowing you to do a wide variety of exercises. They are an affordable and potentially worthwhile purchase of at-home training equipment.
The most obvious difference between the MonkeyFeet Pro and the original MonkeyFeet is that the Pro version comes with built-in weights. The original MonkeyFeet requires you to already have a dumbbell with a handle that is at least 5 inches long and no more than 1.45 inches in diameter.
Having built-in weight stacks means adjusting the resistance is much more seamless with the MonkeyFeet Pro. With the regular MonkeyFeet tool, you have to take the entire thing off your foot to swap out the dumbbells. But with the MonkeyFeet Pro attachment, you can keep it strapped to your foot and quickly slide the adjuster pin from one weight to the next.
One last important callout: The original MonkeyFeet model can hold up to a 160-pound dumbbell, while the MonkeyFeet Pro version has a max weight of 35 pounds. Coop recommends that most people opt for the original MonkeyFeet model and use it with a set of affordable adjustable dumbbells. This will give you access to a much larger weight range and provide more opportunities to progress.
For a full review of the original version, check out Coop’s MonkeyFeet review video on YouTube.
| MonkeyFeet Pro | MonkeyFeet | |
| Price | $299.95 for a single; $540 for a pair | $79.95 for a single; $159.90 for a pair |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Weight range | 5 to 35 lbs | Can hold up to a 160-pound dumbbell |
| Weight increments | 5 lbs (2.5 lbs with tools) | Varies depending on which dumbbells you have access to |
| Adjustment mechanism | Anodized selector pin | Claw clamp design secures a dumbbell in the boot |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Customer Experience
Animalhouse Fitness offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the MonkeyFeet Pro. To return them, you’ll have to email the company to get a return shipping label. Original shipping costs (and any duties required for international orders) are not eligible for refunds.
The company also offers a 1-year warranty on all of their products. If the product malfunctions within the first year, you can email them to file a claim and see if you qualify for a free replacement.
Even though we haven’t returned a product or filed a warranty claim with Animalhouse Fitness, I still rate the customer experience 4 out of 5 stars. I emailed them a question about the MonkeyFeet Pro, and a staff member replied within a couple of hours. Even though she didn’t know the answer to my question, she passed my inquiry on to someone else, and that individual sent me a thorough response the next business day. I appreciated their quick follow-up.
The company’s willingness to offer free replacements for malfunctioning items is also nice to see.
Ordering and Assembling the MonkeyFeet Pro
The MonkeyFeet Pro attachment isn’t available through third-party sellers like Amazon or Rogue Fitness. You can only order it on Animalhouse Fitness’s website. The regular price of one item is around $300; for a pair, it’s $540. During checkout, you can pay in full or in installments of about $89 every two weeks.
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout. For reference, I live in New Jersey, and when I went through the checkout process, it showed that shipping would cost me $35. According to the company’s website, standard shipping takes 3 to 10 business days.
The website also claims that expedited shipping takes 2 to 5 business days. However, I didn’t see that option on the checkout page. International shipping is available for select countries and takes anywhere from 6 to 20 business days.
Customer Reviews
As the MonkeyFeet Pro is a brand new product, there is only one review on Animalhouse Fitness’s website. The customer left a 5-star rating and appeared to be happy with their purchase.
Final Verdict of Our MonkeyFeet Pro Review
For garage gym owners with limited space, finding ways to isolate certain muscle groups can be a challenge. The MonkeyFeet Pro tool aims to provide a solution for that problem. This unique attachment that you strap to your feet comes with a built-in weight stack and allows you to perform hamstring curls, leg extensions, and other lower-body isolation exercises. But there are a few key takeaways you should know before you buy one:
- The MonkeyFeet Pro offer a weight range of 5 to 35 pounds with 5-pound increments.
- Since one attachment costs around $300, you may be better off buying the original MonkeyFeet for about $80 and some adjustable dumbbells with a higher max weight.
- Animalhouse Fitness may replace your MonkeyFeet Pro attachment for free if it breaks within the first year. But if it becomes damaged after that point, you’ll likely have to buy an entirely new one.
Full Rating
MonkeyFeet Pro
The MonkeyFeet Pro from Animalhouse Fitness make it possible for home gym owners to perform lower-body isolation exercises without bulky pieces of equipment.
Product Brand: Animalhouse Fitness
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 299.95
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.5
MonkeyFeet Pro: FAQs
Do MonkeyFeet really work?
Yes, MonkeyFeet do work. They offer a unique, affordable way to isolate your lower-body muscle groups without expensive, bulky equipment.
What muscles do MonkeyFeet work?
MonkeyFeet primarily work the lower-body muscles. Depending on which exercises you use them for, you can target your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. You can also use them to strengthen the smaller muscles in the lower body, such as the hip flexors and adductors (inner thighs).
Can you use MonkeyFeet without shoes?
You can use MonkeyFeet without shoes, though it will depend on your comfort level.
What dumbbells work with MonkeyFeet?
With MonkeyFeet, you must use a dumbbell whose handle is at least 5 inches long and less than 1.45 inches in diameter. Adjustable dumbbells with a caged design, like PowerBlock dumbbells, won’t work. The claw clasp of the MonkeyFeet won’t fit around the cage to attach to the dumbbell handle.
Further reading
As a garage gym owner, I can attest to the many benefits of owning a home gym. One of the only things I don’t like is not having access to a wide variety of machines to perform isolation exercises (those that work one muscle group at a time). I just don’t have the room to fit any of the best cable machines for home gyms in my garage. Plus, DIY methods like securing a dumbbell to my foot with a resistance band don’t feel very reliable or comfortable. » Read more about: MonkeyFeet Pro Review (2024): Is This Innovative Training Tool Worth It? » Read more
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