10 Best Donkey Calf Raises Alternatives for Home or Gym

Donkey Calf Raises are done standing. Ranked closest by our scoring: the Lever Standing Calf Raise, the Hack Calf Raise and Smith Reverse Calf Raises.

Donkey Calf Raises

Each substitute is scored on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. Read how we rank alternatives

How to Do Donkey Calf Raises

The steps for Donkey Calf Raises themselves, so you can judge how close each substitute below really is.

Calves · Other · Beginner · Isolation

  1. For this exercise you will need access to a donkey calf raise machine. Start by positioning your lower back and hips under the padded lever provided. The tailbone area should be the one making contact with the pad.
  2. Place both of your arms on the side handles and place the balls of your feet on the calf block with the heels extending off. Align the toes forward, inward or outward, depending on the area you wish to target, and straighten the knees without locking them. This will be your starting position.
  3. Raise your heels as you breathe out by extending your ankles as high as possible and flexing your calf. Ensure that the knee is kept stationary at all times. There should be no bending at any time. Hold the contracted position by a second before you start to go back down.
  4. Go back slowly to the starting position as you breathe in by lowering your heels as you bend the ankles until calves are stretched.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

The 10 Best Donkey Calf Raises Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches Donkey Calf Raises on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Cards with a "How to perform it" link open to show the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

Each link re-ranks the list below for the kit it names. Pick one to hide the substitutes you cannot set up.

  1. Lever Standing Calf RaisePlay demonstration

    1. Lever Standing Calf Raise

    99% match

    Calves · Beginner · Isolation

    Pick this when you want a harder version that still works the calves.

    • Lever
    How to perform it
    1. Adjust the machine to your height and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Place your shoulders under the pads and hold onto the handles for stability.
    3. Raise your heels as high as possible by extending your ankles.
    4. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: raise, the same as Donkey Calf Raises
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as Donkey Calf Raises
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as Donkey Calf Raises
    • Body position: standing, the same as Donkey Calf Raises
  5. Smith Toe RaisePlay demonstration

    5. Smith Toe Raise

    95% match

    Calves · Beginner · Isolation

    A straight swap when you want to keep working the calves.

    • Smith-machine
    How to perform it
    1. Adjust the smith machine bar to a height that allows you to comfortably stand with your feet flat on the ground.
    2. Position yourself under the bar with your shoulders directly below it and your feet shoulder-width apart.
    3. Place the balls of your feet on a raised platform or weight plates, with your heels hanging off the edge.
    4. Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
    5. Engage your core and keep your back straight throughout the exercise.
    6. Slowly raise your heels as high as possible, lifting your body weight onto the balls of your feet.
    7. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position.
    8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: raise, the same as Donkey Calf Raises
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as Donkey Calf Raises
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as Donkey Calf Raises
    • Body position: standing, the same as Donkey Calf Raises
  6. Hack One Leg Calf RaisePlay demonstration

    6. Hack One Leg Calf Raise

    92% match

    Calves · Intermediate · Isolation

    Pick this when you want a harder single-leg version that still works the calves.

    • Machine
    How to perform it
    1. Adjust the sled machine to an appropriate weight.
    2. Stand on the sled machine with one foot, keeping the other foot off the ground.
    3. Hold onto the handles for stability.
    4. Raise your heel as high as possible, lifting your body up on the ball of your foot.
    5. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your heel back down to the starting position.
    6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
    7. Switch legs and repeat the exercise.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: raise, the same as Donkey Calf Raises
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as Donkey Calf Raises
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as Donkey Calf Raises
    • Body position: standing, the same as Donkey Calf Raises

How to Choose the Right Donkey Calf Raises Substitute

Select a substitute based on equipment, target (gastrocnemius vs. soleus), and training goal. For gastrocnemius hypertrophy pick standing variations with a straight knee; cue full ankle extension and a slight knee lock at the top. For soleus emphasis or achilles sensitivity choose seated raises with the knee bent and higher reps. Use unilateral moves (single-leg calf raises) to increase per-limb load and correct imbalances; keep the pelvis level and push through the ball of the foot. Progress with added weight, slower eccentrics, or increased ROM while maintaining forefoot drive and neutral ankle alignment.

Donkey Calf Raises FAQ

What muscles does Donkey Calf Raises work?

Donkey calf raises target the calf complex, primarily the gastrocnemius and the soleus that produce ankle plantarflexion. Knee angle changes activation: an extended knee biases the gastrocnemius, while a bent knee shifts load toward the soleus, so adjust knee position to emphasize one muscle.

What is the best bodyweight alternative to Donkey Calf Raises?

The single-leg standing calf raise on a step is the best bodyweight substitute. Stand on the forefoot of one foot, lower the heel through a full stretch, then drive into full plantarflexion with a controlled 2–3 second eccentric to increase per-limb loading and calf activation.

Can I build muscle without doing Donkey Calf Raises?

Yes. Calves grow with progressive overload, full-range plantarflexion, and sufficient volume whether you use bodyweight, machines, or free weights. Emphasize a full heel drop, strong forefoot drive, and controlled tempo (slow eccentrics) to maximize mechanical tension and hypertrophy.

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