Best Ankle Holster – Top 10 Best Rated Ankle Holsters Review

Ankle holsters are an important type of holster for certain people and situations. Law enforcement and security personnel often use them to carry a backup weapon in addition to the sidearm on their hip or shoulder. 

Concealed carriers who sit for a large portion of the day use them for the increased comfort level compared to other holster styles when in a seated position. Choosing the best ankle holster can be overwhelming, but this list will help you make an informed decision.

If you do not have time for the details, here are our top picks for ankle holsters:

1. Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle Holster
2. Desantis Die Hard Ankle Rig
3. Uncle Mike’s Off-Duty and Concealment Kodra Nylon Ankle Holster
4. UTG Concealed Ankle Holster
5. ComfortTac Ankle Holster with Calf Strap and Spare Magazine Pouch
6. Fobus Ankle Holster
7. DTOM AH3 Neoprene and Nylon Ankle Holster
8. BlitzShot Ankle Holster for Concealed Carry
9. Blue Stone Safety Undercover Ankle Holster
10. Pro-Tech Outdoors Ankle Concealed Holster

Why Should I Use an Ankle Holster?

Ankle holsters, while not for everyone, do offer some benefits that other holster styles don’t. These benefits include increased comfort, superior concealability, and easier access while sitting or crouching. If you need a backup weapon, want to have protection in a very concealed manner, or spend a lot of time working from a seated or crouching position, then an ankle holster could be the best choice for you. If you’re looking for other concealed carry positions, check our this Concealed Carry Holster Review from Alice.

What Are the Drawbacks of an Ankle Holster?

One of the main drawbacks of using an ankle holster is that it makes drawing your firearm much more difficult when you are standing up. Instead of drawing from your hip, shoulder, or belt, you’ll have to crouch down and pull up your pant leg before being able to access your weapon. This drawback is somewhat diminished if you are utilizing your ankle holster as a backup.

Another drawback is that an ankle holster can’t hold large sized handguns comfortably. They are more useful for compact pistols and smaller revolvers. If your preferred carry weapon is a midsize or full-sized pistol, then an ankle holster might not be the best choice for you.

An ankle holster can also clash with your clothing choices. If you don’t want to always wear long pants that can cover the holster, or if fashion is important to you, then you might not be able to use an ankle holster effectively.

Active vs Passive Retention

Ankle holsters are available with both active and passive retention styles. Active retention means that the user must perform an action to draw their weapon and to secure it in the holster. An example of this is a Velcro strap that wraps over the back of the pistol. Passive retention happens without any action from the user. An example of this is an ankle holster with a custom molded hard shell.

The choice between the two mostly comes down to personal preference and other factors that may be important to you such as comfort and concealability.

If you decide that an ankle holster is the right choice, keep reading to get informed on the best ankle holster for you.

Best Ankle Holster on the Market Reviews

 1   Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle Holster

The Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle Holster is one of the best designed ankle holsters on the market today. The custom molded holster allows this ankle holster to accommodate dozens of different pistol models including ankle holster option for Glock 19, Glock 26, Glock 43, Ruger LCP, and the Sig P938. The pistol shells are sold separately which allows you to use multiple different sidearms with this holster. With adjustable retention, this ankle holster also allows you to customize it to your preferences

The strap on this ankle holster is made from breathable neoprene which eliminates uncomfortable sweating and itching. The strap is adjustable to provide a comfortable fit for any shooter. The slim profile and comfort of the Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle Holster make it ideal for all day wear.

 2   Desantis Die Hard Ankle Rig

The Desantis Die Hard Ankle Rig is an ideal choice for law enforcement, police, and security personnel who want to carry a backup sidearm. This ankle holster can fit a range of different pistols including the Glock 43, the Glock 26, the S&W Bodyguard 380, and the Sig P938. The Die Hard Ankle Rig offers a long-lasting and highly durable solution for anyone who needs to wear an ankle holster more often than not.

Made from top grain saddle leather finished with an extremely durable PU coating, the Die Hard Ankle Rig was built for performance and longevity. The holster is also lined on the inside with the same leather to protect your pistol and offer a very smooth draw. The holster is attached to a neoprene strap that is padded with foam and lined with sheepskin for all day comfort. This is one of the most comfortable and best looking ankle holsters on the market today.

 3   Uncle Mike’s Off-Duty and Concealment Kodra Nylon Ankle Holster

If you are looking for the best value among ankle holsters, the Off-Duty and Concealment Kodra Nylon Ankle Holster from Uncle Mike’s is a great choice. This holster is available in a range of sizes that allow it to accommodate small revolvers all the way up to 3-4” barrel medium autos. The slim profile and cinch down design of this ankle holster helps to completely conceal it underneath a pant leg.

This ankle holster is made from highly durable and comfortable Kodra nylon material. This fabric is soft enough to wear directly against the skin. The comfort is further enhanced by closed cell foam padding. Adjustments to size are easy to make with the hook and loop system. Pistol security is also strong with a nylon web retention strap and reinforced thumb break.

 4   UTG Concealed Ankle Holster

The UTG Concealed Ankle Holster is one of the best values among current ankle holsters on the market. It features a simple yet secure design with an adjustable calf strap and a vertical security strap. It is built from black nylon and features padding for increased comfort.

The elastic holster allows the UTG Concealed Ankle Holster to have an almost universal fit. Any compact or subcompact pistol will find a secure home in this holster. This offering from UTG is a great option for people who only occasionally have need for a secondary sidearm or an ankle holster.

 5   ComfortTac Ankle Holster with Calf Strap and Spare Magazine Pouch

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this ankle holster from ComfortTac is one of the most comfortable ankle holsters on the market. If you need to wear an ankle holster for long periods of time, comfort is of vital importance. This holster was specifically designed for comfort with breathable nylon material with padding. The ComfortTac ankle holster will easily fit on up to a 17 inch calf.

This ankle holster can securely hold a wide range of different handguns including the Ruger LCP, the Glock 26, Glock 43, and the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard. Unlike some other ankle holsters with hook and loop retention straps, the ComfortTac features a retention strap with a metal snap. The metal snap allows you to quickly and silently draw your weapon when needed. With a spare magazine pouch, this ankle holster is a comfortable and versatile option.

 6   Fobus Ankle Holster

For the ultimate in concealability, it is hard to beat the Fobus Ankle Holster. This ankle holster is available with a custom molded hardshell for pistols ranging from the ultra compact Ruger LCP all the way up to 1911 model pistols such as the Kimber 1911 or Browning Hi Power. The entire holster measures only 6.4 inches tall which increases both comfort and concealability.

With a ¾ inch thick Cordura nylon and suede lined design, this ankle holster offers the best of both durability and comfort for all day wear. The adjustable Velcro strap allows for a custom fit that will keep your backup pistol right where you need it. The lifetime warranty that comes with this ankle holster will give you peace of mind when you make your purchase.

 7   DTOM AH3 Neoprene and Nylon Ankle Holster

If you carry a compact or subcompact pistol such as a Ruger LCP, S&W Bodyguard 380, or Beretta 3032, the AH3 ankle holster from DTOM might be perfect for you. With high-quality stitching and a durable neoprene and nylon construction, the AH3 from DTOM is extremely comfortable and durable. It can fit any size ankle up to 11 inches in diameter and is secured around the ankle with a Velcro strap.

The part of this holster that rests against your ankle is lined in extremely soft material so it remains comfortable even if you are wearing low socks. This ankle holster will keep your Ruger LCP and other small .380 pistols secure and right where you can reach it all day long.

 8   BlitzShot Ankle Holster for Concealed Carry

The BlitzShot Ankle Holster is a great choice if you are a very active person or in a profession that requires a lot of movement. This ankle holster offers an impressive combination of comfort and on-leg security. Your gun will stay secure and the holster will remain where you attach it to your leg even if you are running.

It can fit a large variety of different pistol models and features a retention strap with a metal snap for a quick and silent draw. This budget-friendly ankle holster is ambidextrous and can easily be attached to either your right or left leg. Not every ankle holster works well for active people and professions, but the BlitzShot ankle holster is an exception.

 9   Blue Stone Safety Undercover Ankle Holster

The Blue Stone Safety Undercover Ankle Holster is perfect for people who don’t like the feel of a calf strap around their leg all day. This option is a true ankle holster that can sit very low on the leg. It can securely hold pistols including the Glock 26, Glock 43, S&W J Frame, and Sig P239. The thing that sets this ankle holster apart is the locking D-ring that utilizes a nylon web strap to keep it right where you want it.

Comfort is also built into this holster that is made in the USA and that comes with a one year warranty. The interior is lined with vegetable tanned sheepskin. That material provides a high degree of comfort while not producing excess heat.

 10   Pro-Tech Outdoors Ankle Concealed Holster 

If you carry a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 with a laser attachment, the Pro-Tech Outdoors ankle holster is an excellent option. It has a very simple design, but is built to last. This ankle holster has a Cordura ballistic nylon exterior. The inside of the holster features a vinyl vapor barrier and padding. Double stitching at pressure points allows this ankle holster to perform at a high level for a very long time and turned under edges prevent any fraying.

Wrapping It Up

While ankle holsters aren’t for everybody, they are very useful for police, law enforcement, and anyone who sits for long portions of the day and still wants personal protection. Choosing an ankle holster that securely holds your sidearm or backup pistol is extremely important. There are plenty of great options available on the market today, so make it a point to find the best ankle holster for your personal needs. Do that and you will gain the peace of mind that comes with having a backup pistol that is easily accessible from a sitting position.