Back in the '90s, ankles were the tattoo location. (Hello, Nicole Richie's rosary anklet tattoo!) Although not everyone is a fan of the dolphin ankle tattoo anymore, we have to admit that we honestly think that ankle tattoos are more than just a trend — we think they're here to stay! Sure, ankle tattoos are typically small by nature, but that doesn't mean they don't pack a big statement. Ankles were made to be adorned!
As far as the perfect tattoo location go, we think ankles can go ahead and just take the cake. They're a covert enough location that a piece of ink can be easily covered or flaunted at will. This means that people can get really creative with how they want to adorn their ankles. From anklet-style tattoos to tattoos that crawl up the leg, we will always love ankle tats.
Sandals have never looked so good!
As far as the pain goes, getting inked on the ankle will cause a little bit of wincing. Of the area, getting inked right on the anklebone is going to be the most painful. But it's well worth it, we promise!
For some ankle tattoo inspiration (that yes, goes beyond that dolphin or star), read ahead. We compiled 50 totally stunning ankle tats for some ink inspiration! These tattoos will satisfy anyone's style, from Disney fans to minimalists and nature-lovers.
Earth & Water
We think the owner of these ankle tattoos has a thing for the great outdoors! What a great way to honor Mother Nature.
Colorful Vine
How pretty is this swirling vine, which features a pink butterfly and red blossoms? It looks like something out of a fairytale!
Sunflower
No one can have a bad day with this yellow sunflower tattoo! It sits perfectly next to the anklebone.
Simple Rose
This rose tattoo is striking yet understated, thanks to the thick black lines. We love how it utilizes the ankle in a more unique way by lying horizontally rather than vertically up the ankle.
Minimalist Wave
Minimalists with a love for the ocean will adore this sweet and simple wave tattoo. The ankle is the perfect spot for such a delicate piece of ink.
More from CafeMom: 23 Perfectly Tiny Tattoos That Can Be Covered or Shown at Will
Cat Face
How adorable is this minimalist cat face tattoo? Cat-lovers will surely appreciate it.
Falling Leaf
Even those who don't like autumn will appreciate the dotwork in this leaf tattoo.
Pineapple
Love the tropics but not into colored tattoos? Then take a gander at this black pineapple tattoo, which has striking detail along the body of the fruit!
Charmed
The owner of this ankle tattoo apparently designed it herself! We love the regality of it.
Compass
Those who have been bitten by the travel bug and have a bad case of wanderlust might be inspired by this compass tattoo. The ankle is the perfect canvas for such a design!
More from CafeMom: 50 Brilliant Tattoo Ideas for Moms Who Want to Get Inked
Music Note
Even those who don't know how to play an instrument will love this teeny tiny minimalist treble clef tattoo, which pays homage to music!
Be Brave
We're not sure what we like most about this ankle tattoo: the blue waves or the quote that says, "Be brave."
Ornate Lotus
This lotus tattoo sits on top of the owner's ankle and it is striking! From the geometric shapes to the dotwork, we love all of the design.
Seahorse
How fun is this tribal-inspired seahorse? We wouldn't mind carrying this little guy around with us everywhere we walked.
More from CafeMom: 50 Majorly Cool & Tiny Micro Tattoos
Nature Landscape
How stunning is the detail on this landscape tattoo? We love how the scene wraps around the entire ankle for a panoramic effect.
Snowfall
If Frozen's Elsa were to get an ankle tat, we think these cute little snowflakes would be it.
Flower Trim
This anklet tattoo looks like a stunning piece of jewelry! We adore the floral detailing.
Feathered Anklet
How realistic does this anklet tattoo look? The feather detailing is absolutely stunning.
Cherry Blossom
How adorable is this delicate cherry blossom ankle tattoo? The lack of black ink makes it extra feminine.
More from CafeMom: 50 Matching Couple Tattoos to Share Forever & Ever
Simba
The owner of this tattoo must be a big fan of The Lion King. This Simba tattoo is a creative and cute little tribute to the classic cartoon.
Tiny Galaxy
This ankle tattoo of a tiny galaxy is a minimalist's dream. The thin lines make it so delicate!
Baby's Breath
This wispy stem of baby's breath crawls up the owner's ankle, making it one really whimsical tat.
Geometric Sunset
How cool is this geometric sunset tattoo? The abstraction of it makes it so unique.
Flying Birds
We hope this bird tattoo belongs to a free spirit! The foot and ankle was made for this kind of ink.
More from CafeMom: 50 Inspiring Quote Tattoos That Aren't Cheesy
Edgy Abstract
This linework tattoo of a woman's face is edgy and not for someone who would rather fit in.
Mandala-Inspired
This mandala-inspired tattoo is dazzling! Just look at how the shading and dotwork make it so interesting.
Owl
This little owl is perched on the owner's ankle bone and has a pretty curious face on. We don't know if he's trying to be, but he sure is cute.
Sun & Sea
Simple script looks especially elegant when written across the ankle.
Paradise
The owner of this tattoo always has a piece of paradise, thanks to this heart-shaped beach scene tattoo.
More from CafeMom: 20 Heartfelt Tattoos That Make Us Wanna Fall in Love
Geometric Triangles
Who wouldn't fall in love with this eye-catching yet subtle geometric tattoo?
Cactus
How cute is this little hand-poked cactus tattoo? The ankle is the perfect home for the little fella.
Half Mandala
How dazzling is this ankle tattoo of a mandala that has been tucked into someone's ankle. The ultimate ankle tattoo!
Spool
How whimsical is this watercolored spool of thread? The stars don't hurt it either.
Keep On
The owner of these tattoos used the back of the ankles to share an important message with the world: "Keep fighting" and "Keep loving."
More from CafeMom: 24 Hip Tattoos So Stunning We Can't Help But Stare
Bouquet
From the detail to the shading, this ankle tattoo is absolutely gorgeous. We're sure it was well worth any pain.
Paper Plane
This adorable little paper plane flies anywhere the owner goes! It's such a sweet and minimalist tat.
Hummingbird
This watercolor hummingbird provides a splash of color on the owner's ankle. We're obsessed.
Short Anklet
This small floral anklet was hand-poked onto the top of someone's ankle. It looks as beautiful as a piece of jewelry!
Bundle of Flowers
How stunning is this triangle of colored tattoos? The detail on these tiny blossoms are undeniably impressive.
More from CafeMom: 50 Mother-Son Tattoos for Proud Mamas' Boys
Soaring Dove
This outline of what looks like a dove is making us feel zen just looking at it.
Jellyfish
This watercolor jellyfish swims right up the ankle, and looks pretty dang majestic! It's adorned with the words, "Deeper than the oceans."
Harry Potter
For someone who doesn't want to commit to a large piece of ink but sure loves Harry Potter, this minimalist ankle tattoo is the one!
Geometric Kitty
This cat tattoo may be entirely geometric, but it still looks curious and adorable.
World Map
The side of the ankle is the perfect spot for an outline of the world map! Attention all wanderlusters!
More from CafeMom: 15 Tattoos Celebs Got in Honor of Their Kids
Dandelion
This ankle tat of a dandelion blowing away in the wind is the epitome of whimsy!
Bee
As we can see, this bee tattoo is perfectly placed, and pops out from beneath the hem of the owner's jeans! What a cute little guy.
Seashell & Flowers
This vivid tattoo of flowers blowing out of a seashell is making us feel some kind of serene!
Ankle Cuffs
No pair of socks, no matter how brightly patterned, could ever outdo these intricate ankle cuffs.
Rose
This ankle tattoo of a black and white rose is striking and classic choice! Can't go wrong here.
More from CafeMom: 50 Super Fans Who Got a Tattoo of Their Fave Celeb
Bright Fox
This brightly colored fox tattoo sits right on top of the owner's ankle bone. Is it just us or does this fox have more poise than we do?
