The 12 Best Ankle Holsters

Sometimes, a waistband holster or a shoulder holster isn’t going to get the job done. Maybe you carry a utility belt or other hardware that gets in the way of a waistband holster. Maybe you’re wearing a sleeveless shirt, and a shoulder holster would be painfully obvious. Maybe you already carry a gun, but you want to have another one as a last line of defense. A lot of police officers do exactly that.

Whatever your reasons, you don’t want to just buy any old ankle holster. You want the best ankle holster, because your life may depend on it.

We’ve reviewed some of the most popular ankle holsters online, and selected the best twelve options for in-depth reviews. Some of these are flexible, multi-purpose holsters, while others are specifically designed for a popular pistol. No matter what type of gun you carry, at least one of them will be perfect for you.

Best Ankle Holsters

1. Concealed Carrier (TM)

The Concealed Carrier Universal Ankle Holster is a good solution if you have multiple concealed carry pistols.

Key features

• One size fits all
• Holds any size pistol
• Built-in magazine pouch
• Can be worn on either leg

The Concealed Carrier Universal Ankle Holster is an adjustable holster with one large strap that goes around the top of your calf, and another that goes around your ankle. It’s crafted from neoprene that’s flexible enough to fit almost any leg shape and size. The fabric itself is perforated, so it breathes well, and won’t leave you unbearably sweaty on a hot day.

Your pistol fits into a flexible sleeve that has an open bottom to allow for any length of the barrel. The pistol is held in place with a single elastic, velcro strap which can be adjusted to fit a variety of grips. Because of these design choices, the Universal Ankle Holster holds virtually any pistol and can be worn on either leg.

There’s a pouch on the back for holding an extra magazine. You also get a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty. The velcro on the top strap wears out faster than the rest of the holster, though, so this isn’t the best choice for everyday use.

Pros

• Breathable and comfortable
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Top strap velcro is not durable

This holster isn’t durable enough for everyday carry but works great for people who only need an ankle holster once in a while.

2. Topmeet

The Topmeet Upgraded is durable and comfortable.

Key features:

• Available in 2 sizes
• Fits almost any pistol
• Built-in magazine pouch
• Can be worn on either leg

It’s a flexible, neoprene ankle holster with a second strap that goes around the top of your calf. There’s an additional outer strap that wraps around the top strap for even more security, and an extended flap at the bottom to keep the barrel of your gun from scratching your ankle. There’s also a magazine pouch for carrying extra ammo.

The holster itself is an elastic band that wraps around the barrel, with an open bottom to support any length of the gun. The top restraining strap is also made from flexible elastic, but it has a cheap plastic snap that’s disappointing on an otherwise well-designed holster.

The neoprene straps are breathable, allowing you to stay cool when you’re wearing it. While this holster is advertised for any sized pistol, the fit is a bit loose for extremely small subcompacts like the LCP2 or M&P Shield. It’s ambidextrous, though, so left and right-handed users will be equally pleased.

Pros

• Breathable and flexible
• Extra safety strap keeps the holster from slipping
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Subcompact pistols don’t fit securely
• Snap on retaining strap is flimsy

This is one of the best ankle holsters and is ideal for the everyday carrying of compact or full-frame pistols.

3. ComfortTac

The ComfortTac is a minimalist holster for everyday carry or your backup gun.

Key features

• Available in 2 sizes
• Fits most pistols 6.5” and shorter
• Foam pad behind the gun for comfort
• Can be worn on either leg

The ComfortTac Ultimate Ankle Holster consists of a single neoprene band that wraps around your calf, with a neoprene barrel sleeve and elastic retention strap. There’s a foam pad behind the barrel sleeve, which protects your ankle from getting bruised by any pressure points on your pistol.

This holster is designed to fit compact and subcompact pistols as well as most revolvers. Anything with an overall length of 6.5 inches or less will fit just fine. Larger guns may or may not fit. depending on the size of the grip, so you’ll want to try it out as soon as it arrives. Thankfully, ComfortTac offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for just this purchase.

The Ultimate Ankle Holster is inexpensive, can be worn on the inside or outside of either leg and has a smaller profile than most other ankle holsters. The only downside here is that it tends to slip down your leg, so the tip of your barrel will invariably rest on the top of your boot.

Pros

• Small profile
• Inexpensive
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Tends to slip down your leg

This is a well-designed holster for the price, provided you’re carrying a compact or subcompact pistol.

4. ComfortTac

The ComfortTac Ankle Holster With Spare Magazine Pouch is durable, tough, and comfortable.

Key features

• Fits most guns under 6.5”
• One size fits all
• Extra pouch for magazine
• Can be worn on either leg

The ComfortTac Ankle Holster With Spare Magazine Pouch is designed for compact or subcompact pistols; just about anything shorter than 6.5 inches will fit. The leather restraining strap holds shut with a metal snap that’s strong enough to hold and opens silently when you need it to.

There are two neoprene straps that wrap around your ankle and your calf. However, the strap connecting the two together isn’t adjustable, so it’s not well-sized for tall people. The neoprene itself is breathable and comfortable to wear.

This is an inexpensive strap, but it’s a very good value for the price. It stays in place, it holds up to everyday use, and it retains your gun safely for when it’s needed. It’s also ambidextrous, with an extra pouch for carrying a spare magazine.

Pros

• Leather restraining strap
• Comfortable and breathable
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Limited adjustability

This ankle holster is a great choice for anyone who needs to carry their backup gun every day.

5. BUGBite

The BUGBite is a compression legging-style holster that fits like a glove.

Key features:

• Available in 5 sizes
• Pouch for extra magazine
• Quick-release zipper
• Made from compression legging material

The BUGBite Concealment Calf Holster is woven from compression legging material. Provided you follow the manufacturer’s size guidelines, it fits snugly, and it stays firmly wrapped around your calf without slipping down over your ankle bone. Your pistol fits snugly in an elastic sleeve that covers the back of the gun as well as the barrel.

The drawback? You can’t use it for a revolver, or for any gun longer than 5.5 inches. The benefit? You can easily draw your subcompact pistol without the need to undo a strap in an emergency. We only wish they’d put as much effort into retention for the magazine pouch; it has a triangular shape, and the magazine can pop out by mistake.

This holster offers excellent concealment and has a quick-release zipper in case you need to remove it in a hurry. While it can be worn on either leg, lefties will have trouble drawing from it, since the pistol will be on the outside when worn on the right leg.

Pros

• Good concealment
• Comfortable and breathable
• Stays in place
• Easy draw

Cons

• Only fits subcompact pistols
• Magazine pouch is not secure

This is an exceptionally comfortable ankle holster that’s perfect for subcompact every day carries or backup guns.

6. CREATRILL

The Creatrill is a budget-friendly model that holds the most compact and subcompact pistols.

Key features:

• One size fits all
• Fits most pistols under 7 inches in length
• Foam padding behind the gun
• Can be worn on either leg

The Creatrill Ankle Holster consists of a simple elastic band that fastens with velcro and can be adjusted to fit almost any size ankle. The barrel sleeve itself is also made of elastic, with an open bottom that allows it to hold most concealed carry pistols. Anything under 7 inches in overall length should fit just fine. Longer pistols are hit or miss but are generally poor concealed carry options, to begin with.

This holster offers excellent concealment and stays in place when you strap it on. That said, it’s a budget option, so there are a couple of issues we should mention. To begin with, it’s elastic, so it’s not breathable and can get sweaty if you’re wearing it on a hot day. It’s also not very durable; the stitching on the velcro starts to come undone after a few weeks of everyday wear.

Pros

• Flexible elastic band
• Adjustable restraining strap
• Good concealment
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not breathable
• Not very durable

This Glock 26 ankle holster is also well-suited for subcompact pistols and short revolvers.

7. Pro-Tech

The Pro-Tech has a minimalist design, but top-tier quality.

Key features:

• One size fits all
• Adjustable restraining strap
• Ballistic nylon shell
• Double stitching on high-stress areas

The Pro-Tech Outdoors Ankle Holster consists of a padded, elastic holster with a nylon shell, and an elastic velcro strap that wraps around your calf to keep the holster in place. The holster has an elastic restraining strap with a velcro closure that can be adjusted to fit any subcompact pistol grip. Longer pistols will not fit, since the bottom of the barrel sleeve is closed.

This holster has an easy draw, and is also extremely durable, with double stitching on all the most vulnerable connections. It’s very comfortable to wear, thanks to the padding and soft, high-quality materials. If you’re left-handed, you’re out of luck; the Pro-Tech Outdoors Ankle Holster is only available for right-handed users.

Pros

• Durable
• Reliable retention
• Easy draw
• Comfortable

Cons

• Only available for right-handed users
• Only fits subcompact pistols

This is a tough subcompact ankle holster that stands up to everyday use.

8. Galco

The Galco is an unparalleled ankle holster – provided you’re carrying a Glock 43.

Key features

• Molded specifically for the Glock 43
• Leather holster
• Genuine sheepskin backing
• One size fits most

The Galco Ankle Glove Holster is designed specifically for carrying a Glock 43. The leather holster is molded to snugly cradle every notch and ridge on the 43’s frame and has a leather thumb break that secures your piece when you’re not actively trying to draw it. When you do release the break, your Glock will come out smoothly and quickly.

This holster is attached by an elastic velcro strap that fits up to a 13-inch ankle and takes just seconds to put on or take off. The strap and holster are backed by sheepskin, which makes it one of the most comfortable holsters on the market.

While the Ankle Glove can theoretically hold other subcompact pistols, we wouldn’t recommend it. This holster is very expensive, and if you’re using it for a different pistol you’re just not going to get your money’s worth.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Stays securely in place
• Easy draw
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons

• Expensive

The Galco Ankle Glove Holster is the highest-quality Glock 43 holster on the market.

9. Depring

The Depring is a basic elastic holster for carrying compact and subcompact pistols.

Key features

• One size fits most
• Fits most compact and subcompact pistols
• Can be worn on either leg
• Built-in pocket for an extra magazine

The Depring consists of a wide elastic band that wraps around your ankle, with an elastic sleeve for your gun barrel, and a smaller sleeve that’s large enough for a spare single stack magazine. The barrel sleeve has an open bottom, and the velcro restraining strap is easily adjustable. As a result, this holster will fit any pistol with an overall length of 6.5 inches or less.

The design is ambidextrous, so left and right-handed users will have an equally easy time drawing from it. Because the restraining strap is easy to remove, the draw is smooth and effortless. This holster fits most size ankles, and the elastic construction gives you good concealment with minimal printing.

While the Depring Ankle Holster is inexpensive, it’s also uncomfortable, with no backing whatsoever to protect your ankle. Ideally, it should be worn on the outside of a boot to avoid this.

Pros

• Easy draw
• Good concealment
• Affordable

Cons

• Uncomfortable on bare skin

This is a solid budget ankle holster for your everyday carry or backup gun.

10. Fobus S & W

The Fobus S&W J-Frame is one of the few reliable J-frame holsters on the market.

Key features

• Molded polymer holster
• Suede lined polymer band
• Fits any Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolver

It’s hard to find a holster that’s designed for revolvers. Since the Smith & Wesson J-frame is one of the most popular varieties of revolver on the market, we thought we’d give this holster a shot.

The holster itself is engineered from molded polymer, and it holds your pistol like a glove. This is just as well since there’s no restraining strap. It doesn’t seem necessary, but it would make us more comfortable if this holster had one.

Other than that, the Fobus S&W J-Frame Holster is top-tier. The polymer band is lined with suede for comfort and stays where you put it. It releases your pistol with a quick tug, which should present no problems if you need to draw in a hurry. Fobus also offers a no-questions-asked, lifetime warranty to US customers.

Pros

• Smooth, easy draw
• Comfortable
• Stays in place
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• No restraining strap

This gun holster is well-suited for carrying any size and caliber of a J-frame revolver.

11. DeSantis Die Hard

The DeSantis Die Hard was originally designed for Federal law enforcement and has the durability to match.

Key features

• Top grain leather holster
• Designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson Shield
• Padded neoprene leg band
• Sheepskin backing

The DeSantis Die Hard S&W Shield Holster is a top grain leather holster with a polished leather inner shell that cradles your gun securely and draws smoother than silk. It’s molded to fit a Smith & Wesson Shield, so even similar pistols may not fit securely.

The ankle band is made of breathable neoprene, with an adjustable velcro catch that fits most ankle sizes. It’s backed with sheepskin for added comfort and breathability, and once you’ve put it on it will stay where you’ve put it.

This is a pricey holster, but you get what you pay for. Left-handed users, beware; it’s designed for right-handed use.

Pros

• Durable
• Comfortable and breathable
• Smooth draw
• Excellent retention and concealment

Cons

• For right-hand use only
• Pricey

This is a top of the line gun holster for your top of the line pistol.

12. Fobus Ruger LCR

The Fobus Ruger LCR is comfortable and well-designed for that particular pistol.

Key features

• Molded polymer holster
• Adjustable retention screw
• Suede-lined Cordura ankle band
• One size fits most

This is the second holster we’ve reviewed that’s specific to a particular model of a revolver. There’s a reason for that – revolver holsters are hard to find!

The Fobus Ankle Holster For Ruger LCR will hold any version of the LCR other than the Judge. The holster itself is engineered from molded polymer, with a Cordura ankle band that’s backed with suede for comfort. It fastens with velcro, so it can be adjusted to fit most people’s ankles.

There’s no restraining strap, which makes us a bit nervous. That said, it has an adjustable retention screw so you can choose how you want to balance ease of draw versus security. It’s designed for right-handed use, so lefties will need to look elsewhere for an LCR holster.

Pros

• Good retention and draw
• Comfortable, secure ankle band
• Fits most Ruger LCR pistols

Cons

• No restraining strap
• For right-hand use only

This ankle holster will hold any Ruger LCR except the Judge and is easy to draw from.

Bottom Line

No matter whether you’re a civilian or law enforcement, you’re counting on your ankle holster to keep your gun concealed and to work as intended. While we’ve chosen the highest quality holsters on the market, we don’t have a crystal ball to find out what type of pistol you’re packing. Before you buy, check carefully to make sure the holster you’ve chosen is the right fit for your firearm.

You’ll also want to hold on to your receipt until you’ve tried the holster on. While most of these options are advertised as “one size fits all”, they should really say “one size fits most”. Try it on, with your pistol inside, so you know it’s going to stay in place.