5 Best Ankle Holsters for Concealed Carry Reviewed [2023]

In this post, we’re going to review the best ankle holsters on the market and provide you with some pros and cons for each one. We’ll also provide some tips for choosing the best ankle holster to fit your needs.

What Are the Best Ankle Holsters?

Ankle holsters are a popular choice for gun owners for three main reasons:

1. Discreet Carry: Ankle holsters are a great option for concealed carry. They allow you to keep your firearm hidden under your pant leg, which can be especially useful when you don’t want to bring attention to the fact you’re armed by carrying your holster up higher on your waist, hip, or torso.
   
2. Backup Gun: Often ankle holsters are used to carry a secondary weapon discreetly. This is extremely common among law enforcement officers who carry their primary firearm in their duty belt and carry a smaller backup weapon on their ankle, just in case.
   
3. Practicality & Comfort: Sometimes carrying your sidearm “the old fashioned way” with a waistband holster just isn’t practical or remotely comfortable at all. For example, a construction worker is already loaded with his tool belt for the job he’s on, and a mountain hiker might not enjoy carrying a gun on their for miles and miles uphill.

With those three things in mind, here are our recommendations for the best ankle holster on the market today.

Overall Best Ankle Holster: Galco Ankle Glove Holster

Galco Ankle Glove Holster Review:

There’s a good reason this holster is at the top of everyone’s list. When it comes to the perfect blend of comfort, durability, and security, no other ankle holster does it better.

The biggest standout feature of this holster is how comfortable it is. The saddle leather material is super soft on your skin, and the elastic leg band is padded nicely to help prevent irritation and chafing during periods of extended use.

Plus, this leather ankle holster is meant to last. The leather material is extremely high quality and is stitched together with heavy duty thread to help it last a long under even the most adverse conditions.

As for security, the Galco Ankle Glove Holster doesn’t disappoint there either. The elastic leg band is adjustable so you can ensure it’s extra secure when you know you’ll being lots of strenuous activity or excessive movement. On top of that, the holster itself is actually design for security too, by including a thumb break retention strap to prevent it from falling out when you’re on the move.

The only potential downside to this holster is that it’s not the most discreet option on the market. The saddle leather material it’s made out of is on the thicker side, so it might be more noticeable depending how tight the leg cuff is of the pants you’ll be wearing to conceal it.

But overall, the Galco Ankle Glove Holster is an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable ankle holster that’s super secure and made out of high quality long lasting materials.

Galco Ankle Glove Holster Pros:

• Extremely comfortable to wear
• Durable, high quality, long lasting materials
• Retention straps and thumb break keep it secure

Galco Ankle Glove Holster Cons:

• Drawing the weapon can be difficult for some because the gun is so secure
• Only compatible with a select number of handguns, so be sure to check first

Best Ankle Holster on a Budget: Uncle Mike’s Off-Duty and Concealment Kodra Nylon Ankle Holster

Uncle Mike’s Off-Duty Ankle Holster Review:

First off, let me just say that this product has the best brand name of all ankle holsters on the market. “Uncle Mike’s Off-Duty Holster” paints the perfect mental picture of a holster for everyone that gets the job done without frills, fuss, or fancy.

The big selling point for this ankle holster is it’s affordability. It’s a fraction of the cost compared to some of the more high-end ankle holsters on the market. And if you’re only going to be wearing your ankle holster every so often (like when you’re “off duty”) then this holster might be the best option for you.

It’s made from Kodra nylon which is very durable, and it also features an adjustable elastic leg band for a secure fit, so no need to worry about the holster sliding down as you move about.

But there’s obviously some trade offs for being the best budget ankle holster on the market. It’s not as high quality as some of the more premium ankle holsters available, due to using lower cost materials to help keep the price down.

However, if all you need is a budget-friendly option you can wear every once in awhile, then this holster might be the best choice for you.

Uncle Mike’s Off-Duty Ankle Holster Pros:

• Comes in a wide variety of sizes
• Compatible with a wide range of firearms
• Extremely affordable and budget friendly

Uncle Mike’s Off-Duty Ankle Holster Cons:

• Not suitable for long term extensive use
• Not designed for more tactical operations

Most Tactical Ankle Holster: Alien Gear ShapeShift

Alien Gear ShapeShift Review:

Following in the footsteps of their other award winning holsters, the Alien Gear Shapeshift Ankle Holster uses an innovative design to overcome the problems experienced when using other ankle holsters.

Unlike most ankle holsters, it doesn’t rely on things like garters, calf straps, or ankle bans to stay securely attached. What makes it so unique is that it relies on three distinct pieces to achieve optimal performance and comfort. Those three pieces are the stirrup, ankle wrap, and holster shell.

The rig is almost entirely made of Alien Gear’s CoolVent™ neoprene that helps prevent overheating and irritation while on the move. Plus, it’s a flexible material that can stretch to fit any size user.

The holster works by using a lower wrap to hook around the heel of your foot that goes over the ankle and locks securely into place using an elastic strap.

Then it uses an upper wrap that is designed to form to the shape of your ankle, and this piece hooks into the lower strap to lock the holster into place and prevent it from sliding up and down your ankle while you move about. This unique design completely removes the need for bulky calf straps and uncomfortable garters, which is a major plus.

As for the holster shell itself, it’s designed to snuggly fit your firearm without any added bulk or excess material. This makes the ankle holster a perfect choice for concealed carry and keeping a low profile.

And the open-mouth design of the holster pocket allows for a lightning fast unobstructed draw when you need to get your weapon out in a hurry.

With so much added value to this holster, what’s not to love?

Well, it is a bit pricey compared to other more affordable options on the market. Although, since this is a high-end holster with an innovative design made of premium materials, the extra cost is worth it for many gun owners.

Overall, the Alien Gear ShapeShift is a top-of-the-line ankle holster for those looking for a premium option for comfortable concealed carry. It’s unique design and higher-quality materials make it a standout option in a crowded field of mediocre ankle holsters. So if you’re willing to pay a little extra to get the best, then this holster is definitely worth considering.

Alien Gear ShapeShift PROS:

• Innovative design and premium materials
• CoolVent™ neoprene prevents overheating and discomfort
• Compatible with other OWB & IWB ShapeShift holsters

Alien Gear ShapeShift CONS:

• Stirrup can be uncomfortable for some wearers
• Multi-piece design takes longer to equip and set up

Most Comfortable Ankle Holster: Desantis Apache Ankle Rig

Desantis Apache Ankle Rig Review:

As an outdoor and gun expert, I’ve tried lots of the best ankle holsters on the market, and the Desantis Apache Ankle Rig is one of my favorites (along with their Die Hard Ankle Rig, too!)

The most standout feature of this ankle holster is its comfort. The holster is designed to be worn on the inside of your ankle opposite to your hand that you use to draw with. This makes for a natural draw motion that is easy and comfortable to perform.

In addition to that, the genuine sheepskin lining makes this holster an absolute joy to wear. It’s so comfortable that often times you’ll forget you’re wearing it! This makes it a great option for those of you who plan on wearing your ankle holster for long periods of time.

The spandex design allows this holster to accommodate small, medium, and large frame semi-automatic pistols, as well as small frame revolvers.

The semi-auto models come with an adjustable Velcro thumb break, and the revolver holsters have an adjustable strap with a hook and loop closure to ensure a secure fit.

These features help prevent the holster from rocking back and forth while you walk that you might experience with other ankle holsters on the market, making it a great option for regular wear and use.

The only real downside to the DeSantis Gunhide Apache Ankle Rig it is size. It’s a little bulkier than some other ankle holsters, so you’ll need to wear pants that have a looser fit around the cuff if concealed carry is important to you.

Overall, this is an excellent choice for gun holster for those who value comfort and security. Another great ankle holster from Desantis is their Die Hard Ankle Rig that’s worth checking out as well and almost made this list!

Desantis Apache Ankle Rig Pros:

• Sheepskin padding is extremely comfortable
• Easy to draw with a natural motion
• Very secure with no rocking back and forth
• Reinforced thumb break for extra security

Desantis Apache Ankle Rig Cons:

• A little bulkier than some other ankle holsters

Most Secure Ankle Holster: The BUGBite Ankle Holster

BUGBite Ankle Holster Review:

Are you tired of ankle holsters that are uncomfortable to wear? Do you worry about losing your sidearm due to your holster not being secure and wobbling when you walk?

If so, then the BUGBite Ankle Holster might just be the perfect choice for you!

Forget traditional ankle holsters, this is more like a calf holster. Unlike other strap on holsters, it doesn’t rely on a calf strap to secure the holster to your leg. Instead, the entire holster platform surrounds your calf and moves the gun up to a higher draw position. This greatly reduces the likelihood of loss or wobble, and is actually very comfortable to wear.

The entire holster is made out of a lightweight, breathable neoprene material and has more flexibility than leather holsters you might have tried to ankle carry with in the past. So if you live in a really hot or humid environment down south, you can comfortably wear this ankle holster without worry of sweat causing this holster to slip.

The holster is also designed to hold your firearm securely with a thumb break retention strap to help prevent it from falling out. But do note that the BUGBite Ankle Holster does not have an adjustable calf strap or leg band like other holsters on the market.

This means you’ll need to rely on the fit of the holster itself to ensure it stays in place. This is why the holster comes in five different sizes, and getting the right one is critical to secure operation.

Overall, the BUGBite Ankle Holster is a comfortable and unique option compared to the rest. While it may not be the most comfortable or discreet because of its larger size, it makes up for it with added security for those of you putting it through heavy use or strenuous activity.

BUGBite Ankle Holster PROS:

• Unique design increases security
• Comfortable sleeve distributes weight of the gun
• Stretchy pouch allows a wide range of firearms to be holstered

BUGBite Ankle Holster CONS:

• Have to get the fit right for it work
• Need to remove shoes to put it on or off

Ankle Holster Buying Guide

When choosing an ankle holster, there are a few different things you need to consider to find one that will fit your individual needs perfectly for your unique situation.

First and foremost, you need to consider what your goal is and what you will be using the ankle holster for most of the time.

If you primarily want to use your ankle holster for concealed carry, then you should prioritize more low profile discreet options that will help you keep your firearm hidden and unnoticed.

But if you just want one to carry a backup gun instead or don’t like carrying guns on your waist, then you can trade those features for things like a better fit, more comfort, or added security.

Because after all, there’s no sense in getting a well-reviewed holster if it’s not going to be a good fit for your intended use and needs. Which is why we tried to include a variety of recommendations for you to match every situation.

Below are a few other things you need to consider when buying an ankle holster.

• Material and Comfort
• Security and Support
• Concealment
• Drawing Motion
• Gun Size and Fit

Ankle Holster Material and Comfort

The material the ankle holster is made out of is a major contributing factor to the overall quality and performance of the holster. It has the most effect on the level of durability and comfort you will experience while weaning the holster.

The three most common materials used in manufacturing gun holsters are leather, nylon, and neoprene. Each of them have their own unique advantages and disadvantages described below.

Leather Ankle Holsters

Leather has long been the go-to material for producing gun holsters ever since the days of colt revolvers and high-noon shootouts. 

Although it’s fallen out of favor in more recent years, there’s a reason this material has stood the test of time when it comes to making holsters.

It’s the highest quality material you can use, and the level of comfort and durability you’ll experience more than make up for the added price you’ll pay. 

Expect to find this material in more high-end options on the market. It’s a sign of quality.

Nylon Ankle Holsters

Nylon holsters are quite popular nowadays, and it is a far more affordable option than holsters made out of leather and cowhide.

It’s relatively comfortable, but some models come with rough edges that might cause some pain and irritation over longer periods of use. 

This doesn’t make it a deal killer, it’s just something you need to consider when looking at nylon holsters and whether or not the specific model you’re looking at has this problem.

Neoprene Ankle Holsters

Neoprene is a flexible, elastic-type material that’s used in holster straps and even entire holsters in some cases. The main benefit is the flexibility to fit different sizes and shapes of guns you might want to carry in your ankle holster.

Plus, it’s a very breathable fabric, which can make the holster more comfortable to wear if you’ll be equipping it for hours at a time. 

Ankle Holster Security and Retention

Really, this is the most important factor to consider when buying any holster, not just an ankle holster. Because what good is it if it doesn’t keep the gun in place so it’s there when you need it?!

But this is especially important to consider when buying an ankle holster, because since the holster is attached to your leg it’s going to experience a lot of movement while you walk. 

Some holsters that are poorly designed will wobble and shake with each step you take, and if you’re not careful, your gun might fall out while you’re on the move and you won’t even notice until it’s far too late to trace your steps back and find it.

You want to choose an ankle holster that won’t slide or rock while you walk, won’t disengage the safety features of your firearm when drawing, or cause accidental trigger movement due to flaws inherent in the design of the holster.

Most of these issues can be avoided by getting a holster that’s the right size and using retention straps and thumb breaks to adjust for a perfect fit on both your leg and the firearm itself.

Ankle Holster Concealment

One of the main reasons people consider buying an ankle holster is for concealed carry. So it stands you should be able to wear the holster discreetly without anyone knowing that you’re carrying a firearm on your leg.

This is where the design and materials of the holster play a big factor. Some materials are naturally bulkier and stiff than others. And designs that are optimized for security are naturally going to be bigger and more noticeable than designs optimized to keep a low profile.

We’d tried to include recommendations that gave you options at both extremes, as well as options that try to give you the best of both worlds.

Ultimately, it depends on how important concealed carry is to you, and if it’s a big deciding factor, you want to choose a holster design optimized for it.

Ankle Holster Drawing Motion

When it comes time to actually pull your piece out, the last thing you want is an extremely uncomfortable or hard to execute motion to draw your gun.

So a big consideration is the way the ankle holster is designed for you to draw your gun. It can be on either leg, with the gun holstered either inside or outside.

To find out the most natural drawing motion for you, pretend you have an ankle holster on right now and reach to draw your gun.

Did you reach cross-body? Such has reaching your right hand down to the inside of your left ankle? Or did you draw on the same side of your body with the gun holstered on the outside of your leg? That’s what we mean by taking the drawing motion into account.

You want a drawing motion that feels comfortable and natural to you so you don’t have to think about it in a time of crisis when you need to get your gun quickly.

Ankle Holster Size and Fit

Lastly, you should consider what kind of gun you plan on using with your ankle holster, and how well the holster you’re planning on buying is going to fit it.

In general, ankle holsters aren’t meant to carry full size firearms. The added weight of a larger sidearm can cause lots of problems for ankle carry holsters because of the constant movement of your leg while you walk, let alone run or jog.

Conclusion: How to Buy the Best Ankle Holster

In conclusion, ankle holsters are a great option for those who want to carry a backup weapon, value concealed carry, or simply need added comfort or practicality compared to other carrying options.

While there are dozens on ankle holsters on the market, and choosing one to fit your needs can feel a little overwhelming at times, we’ve provided some great options for you to consider.

You really can’t go wrong, and many sellers have a return policy in case you get one and it just isn’t a good fit. So don’t be hesitant to make an ankle holster part of your carrying setup.