This tattoo uses stipple shading and a variation in dot density to create this ankle wing that is reminiscent of hand-etched lithographs.

There are dozens of different designs that can be utilized in ankle tattoos, although one trend that is growing in popularity uses wings as the focal point. Images of winged ankles are a reference to Hermes. 

In ancient Greek mythology, Hermes was the fastest of all the gods, thanks to his winged sandals, and as such was designated as the messenger of the gods. Hermes was also the only god permitted to visit all three realms — Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld — and his penchant for stealing earned him the patronage of thieves and cheaters.  

Whether the wearer uses ankle wing tattoos as an ode to this Greek god or as a broader dedication to the tenants of light-footedness and speed is of no consequence; these are great ankle tattoos for both men and women.  

2. Palm Tree Ankle Tattoos

The unmistakable silhouette of a coconut palm is perfectly recreated in this simple, black ankle tattoo design that represents the wearer’s love of all things beach.

This is beautiful tattoo art that uses black and gray ink to create a moonlit beach scene, which brings to mind swaying coconut palms and gently lapping waves, all framed by a bold black outline that ties everything together.  

In this piece, the tattoo artist uses a limited design scheme and color palette with a simplified composition to create a palm tree tattoo that is reminiscent of new-wave sticker art. 

Here is another ankle tattoo idea that uses stipple shading, this time with a more cartoon-like approach that applies a variation in the density of the dots to create depth while a circular outline frames the piece and improves overall composition.

People have been tattooing palm trees on their bodies since the earliest days of Western tattoos. Sailors would often get island scenes complete with palm trees to carry a bit of land wherever they went, and these interesting trees are still popular elements today. These trees bring to mind tropical islands, tiki drinks and lazy days spent swinging in a hammock; however, palm trees hold significance other than just symbols of a beach bum’s way of life.