An ankle holster is a go-to option for an emergency situation, and they are a favorite among those who have a concealed carry license. If you’re looking for something small and compact to have on hand, or foot, at all times, then an ankle holster is right for you.
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To find the best ankle holsters we had to do some digging. Because ankle holsters are so popular It’s easy to get lost in the overwhelming amount of options. But, we’ve evaluated the pros and cons of each option and have the top 5 ankle holsters here.
However, knowing what makes a great ankle holster is even more important than just finding the top 5 available. If you’re carrying every day, it’s likely that you’ll eventually need a new ankle holster to fit your preferences. Because of all the variety, you can be as picky as you want about choosing your new ankle holster.
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What to look for
There is the almost endless amount of ankle holster models available. Shopping online quickly becomes overwhelming but, if you’re shopping in a store, there’s the possibility of missing out on an ankle holster for you and your gun.
What you should look for to narrow down your choices are comfort, support, and materials.
Support
The fact that you’re wearing an ankle holster should make you feel like you’re wearing a home detention ankle bracelet or walking weight. An ankle holster should keep its position even through walking and run. A great holster shouldn’t slide or move throughout the day.
Manufacturers have had a few innovative creations to help keep ankle holsters in place throughout the day. The first is neoprene and Velcro. The Velcro strap adheres to the neoprene band and stays in place pretty much throughout the say.
If you’re looking for a holster that uses the neoprene and Velcro support method, you do need to measure your ankle. The neoprene is intentionally designed not to stretch, so if you get a strap that’s too short, the only solution is to return or exchange it.
Nylon straps are another support option, and they’re growing in popularity. Unfortunately, many manufacturers see that they’re unreliable and are hesitant to put nylon straps on their best models. The primary issues with nylon straps are that the nylon cuts into the skin fairly easily. The sharp edges can dig into your calf and lower ankle when walking and running is difficult.
Finally, the last option is a calf strap. This is a simple strap that winds around your calf and connects to the ankle holster. An advantage of the calf strap is that it distributes the weight evenly, so you’re not feeling the weight of your gun in every step.
The downside of a calf strap is that you usually feel your leg tense with every step and flex under the strap which is uncomfortable.
Materials
You have the option of nylon, friction, leather, or a blend of different materials. Overall the materials contribute to the longevity of the ankle holster. Nylon doesn’t always last that long, but leather can stand the test of time. But, leather needs protection from the elements while friction doesn’t.
If you choose leather, you’re choosing long-term quality. The leather is sure to be soft against your skin, and some come with a finish that is meant to repel the natural elements. The leather is losing out in popularity which is actually a good thing if you prefer it because the prices are coming down.
Nylon holsters are regularly used for ankle holsters because of how cheap it is. If you’re looking for something that will get you through a few months, then a nylon holster isn’t a bad option. But, if you’re looking for the best holster, you should probably stay away from nylon.
Comfort
If you’re wearing an ankle holster regularly, you need something comfortable. The single most important feature in an ankle holster is the level of comfort. If you end up with an uncomfortable holster, you are likely to forget to wear it, or all out avoid it. Then it’s wasted money, and you’re without your personal protection.
For prime comfort, you should avoid bands that have elastic because all though they start out as very comfortable they don’t last for long. Then you’re stuck constantly readjusting the strap which means you’re not comfortable as you feel it shifting around all day.
Top 5 Ankle Holsters
1. Galco Ankle Glove
- 100% leather
- Neoprene strap for securing
- Specifically designed for Glocks
What We Liked
- So comfortable you forget it’s there
- Good quality
What We Didn’t Like
- Little expensive but “you get what you pay for”.
Our Final Thoughts
Galco is a well-known brand, and they know they can get away with charging for the quality they deliver. On some models their prices are outrageous, but for the Galco Ankle Glove, you’re still getting a quality ankle holster for less than a hundred dollars. The Galco Ankle Glove is worth the price.
2. DTOM AH3 Neoprene Ankle Holster
- 10-12-inch strap circumference
- Nylon and neoprene
The AH3 neoprene ankle holster hits many handguns. Because it doesn’t use friction retention, there’s no mold for your gun to fit in. Instead, the nylon sort of cradles your gun and the Velcro strap locks it into place. The neoprene strap is very comfortable and secures with Velcro. The strap fits most ankles.
The band doesn’t change or pull on leg hairs. But, best of all you can wear the strap right against your skin without any issue. The Don’t Tread on Me AH3 is a well-made product, and the stitching holds up to a lot of daily pressure.
What We Liked
- Well-made product
- Great price
What We Didn’t Like
- Isn’t meant for any particular model
Our Final Thoughts
The strap and holster together are fairly thick items. In fact, they so think the AH3 won’t sit under standard straight cut pants and remain concealed. You’ll easily be able to tell that someone is wearing the AH3 because of its thickness and size.
If you’re planning on using an ankle holster for a conceal carry, this isn’t your best choice. But, if you just want an ankle holster for convenience, it’s a quality option at a great price.
3. Uncle Mike’s Nylon Ankle Holster
- Abrasion-resistant
- Water resistant
- Calf strap
The nylon retention strap has a thumb break and securely fastens your gun into place. The cinch-down design is quickly becoming a favorite with the hook and loop adjustments.
All in all, Uncle Mike’s ankle holster has a lot of great features.
What We Liked
- Calf strap
- Price
What We Didn’t Like
There’s really nothing we could find that wasn’t great. The price is right, the nylon edges are smooth, the strap adjusts easily, and it has a long lifespan. Although an all leather holster will last longer, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one in this price range.
Our Final Thoughts
This ankle holster fits a number of small and medium type handguns. It conceals the guns entirely in water-resistant nylon. On the inside of the gun holster is a soft fabric to help prevent rubbing. The soft fabric also helps prevent the stitching in the nylon from digging into your skin.
You can wear this ankle holster directly against your skin without issue. The foam inside the strap is a closed cell foam that is of pretty good quality. The padding also helps keep moisture off your gun, as a bonus!
4. Pro-Tech Outdoors Concealed Ankle Holster
- Nylon straps and outer layer
- Double stitching over pressure points
- Right hand only
This ankle holster stays in place with a Velcro strap. It’s easy to adjust the strap for a secure fit too. The holster is nylon but has a Velcro strap that acts as a form of retention and secures your gun down into the holster.
What We Liked
- Secure in place
- Double stitching to extend lifespan
What We Didn’t Like
- Nylon strap
- Right hand only
Our Final Thoughts
Pro-Tech is going to miss out on many shooters if they don’t offer ambidextrous or left-hand options. They offer high-quality products and many shooters who prefer left-handed use are missing out on a great product.
The outer layer is a sturdier form of nylon, so it is substantially more durable. This model is resistant to water and offers double stitching over areas that are known to be under high pressure.
5. DeSantis Ankle Rig
- Made in the USA
- Designed for the Glock 43
The holster itself is leather that is saddle grade so that it can take not only daily wear but also a variety of natural elements. The inside of the holster has smooth leather to protect your gun’s finish. Regardless of how often you draw or holster it, the gun finish will remain unscathed.
What We Liked
- Designed with comfort in mind
- Easily adjusts position
What We Didn’t Like
- Short strap
- Price
Our Final Thoughts
Overall there’s nothing particularly exceptional about this ankle holster other than it’s sheer quality. It attempts to throw in features for comfort like a sheepskin lining, but the sheepskin is difficult to clean which makes it more of a burden.
This model does have the availability of both boot extenders and calf straps, but they are considered accessories that are only available for purchase separately from the ankle holster.
The Clear Winner…
Although it is the most expensive option on this list, the winner is the Galco Ankle Glove. Because of its leather build, you won’t be replacing this ankle holster anytime soon.
The Velcro strap helps it stay in place, and the whole unit is so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing an ankle holster. The Galco Ankle Glove is made for the Glock 26, 33, and 27. However, you can use the Galco Ankle Glove for similarly designed small revolvers and pistols. This model isn’t trying to make a mid-sized handgun easy to conceal.
Instead, the Galco Ankle Glove delivers only what you expect from an ankle holster. But it does it with a focus on security, and comfort.
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