Best Ankle Holsters For Concealed Carry In 2022

If you are looking for a way to carry a second firearm discreetly, nothing can beat the power of the best ankle holster.

Let us face it, in the state of the world we are in right now; you can never be too safe. With an ankle holster, you can get that extra firearm security in case you ever get disarmed.

The effectiveness of this type of holster has always been a matter of debate. Some people love it, some hate it, but one thing everyone agrees on is how concealed it is.

You can spend hours talking to a person without even realizing that they have a gun hidden in their ankle. Now, that is true concealment.

In this article, I will give you a detailed walkthrough on everything you need to know about this equipment.

I will also take a look at some of the finest products on the market and help you choose the right one for your requirements. So without further ado, let us jump in.

Top 5 Best Ankle Holster Reviews

When it comes to buying the best ankle holster, you need to prepare yourself for a world of confusion. Finding the best bang for your buck investment is never easy. Considering the grueling amount of research and testing that you need to do, it is natural to feel a little overwhelmed.

However, with our help, you can say goodbye to a lot of these issues. To make things easy for you, I have compiled a list of the top products on the market that you can buy without any regrets.

1. Galco Ankle Glove Holster

First off, I will be looking at an excellent ankle holster by the brand Galco Gunleather. This company has a hand behind many fantastic gun holsters in the market.

So when you look at their ankle holster lineup, you can be sure that you are getting an amazing value out of your investment.

Comfort is a prime factor when choosing an ankle holster. The manufacturers paid critical attention to this aspect when creating this product. It features a durable genuine steer hide leather construction along with a neoprene backing that feels great on the skin.

In addition, the Velcro closure system ensures that you will not feel any discomfort when wearing it. The unit is compatible with Glock 26, 27, and 33, which are some of the most common and efficient handguns available to the general public.

Since the product focuses on a certain type of weapon, you get a better fit and a better overall experience if you own these handguns. Additionally, the product comes with retention straps that allow you to customize how it feels to pull out the gun.

Its reinforced thumb break ensures you have a smooth draw while the trigger is fully hugged by the extended trigger guard providing safe and secure housing for your weapon.

Pros

• Extremely comfortable design
• Durable construction quality
• Features retention straps with reinforced thumb break
• Excellent trigger safety design

Cons

• Compatible with only a select number of handguns.

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

The next product on our list is by a brand known as Uncle Mike’s. This nifty little tool comes in a variety of sizes to house almost any gun you can find on the market. And thanks to the massive number of size options, you can find the exact fit for your ankle that gives you the most comfort.

Its design feature is completely focused on the wearer’s comfort. The soft knit fabric allows you to wear it directly against the skin without facing any irritation or discomfort. Furthermore, it leaves no visible printing as the holster hugs your leg to fully conceal the firearm.

For its closure system, it uses a Velcro hook and loop design that is adjustable to some degrees. Regardless of the circumference of your ankle, you can hope to get the perfect fit by consulting the size chart before buying it. The unit also features closed cell foam padding that prevents moisture buildup and sweating.

Another excellent feature of this unit is that it supports cross draw. The nylon web retention strap in the unit includes a reinforced thumb break that accounts for the secure hold on the weapon. It does not affect your draw and ensures that you can pull out your weapon in an instant whenever you need it.

Pros

• Comes in a variety of sizes
• Compatible with a wide range of firearms
• Comes with sweat and moisture resistant padding
• Excellent nylon construction

Cons

• Not suitable for long time use

3. Pro-Tech Outdoors Ankle Concealed Holster

For all the S&W shield lovers out there, this concealed ankle holster by the brand Pro-Tech is a fantastic choice. Molded specifically to fit this weapon, the unit gives you an excellent experience and supreme comfort when wearing it.

As an added cherry on top, the price is also quite reasonable. It features a durable nylon construction with reinforced stitching on the pressure points.

Although nylon is not the choice material for a lot of people, the Cordura ballistic nylon used in this case ensures durability and comfort at an unprecedented level.

Furthermore, it features adjustable nylon Velcro straps ensuring the safety and security of your firearm. The elastic and Velcro closure system allows you to quickly put it on or take it off without any additional hassle.

As a result, you get quick access to your handgun, whenever you need to without jumping through hoops. It also features a vapor barrier in its layers to prevent moisture buildup when you wear it.

The end result is a product that supports all-day wearing without dealing with excessive sweating. Despite the high level of utility it offers, it has one major setback. This unit is only suitable for righties as they do not have a left-handed model available.

Pros

• High-quality Cordura ballistic nylon construction
• Suitable for regular use
• Quick and easy access to your gun
• Does not leave any printing

Cons

• Not suitable for left-handed individuals.

4. Galco Ankle Lite / Ankle Holster

Next up, I have another product by the brand Galco Gunleather featuring all the excellent qualities that come with the brand. It has two different versions for the lefties and the righties, so make sure you are buying the one that suits your hand preference.

It uses center-cut steer hide as its primary construction material. As a result, the unit is both comfortable to wear and extremely durable. To further enhance the comfort features, the product comes with sheepskin padding on the interior.

It supports all-day wearing without causing any additional fatigue or discomfort. The ankle holster is compatible with compact handguns like Ruger LCP, Keltec P3AT, and P32.

These models are extremely popular in the market, and if you own one of them, you should seriously consider buying this product for yourself. It is sure to provide the level of comfort that you want from your ankle holster.

To ensure you get the highest draw speed possible, the holster comes with a reinforced thumb break retention strap. It can fit ankle of up to 13 inches of circumference. You can further adjust the fit with the Velcro closure system without sacrificing any of the comforts.

Pros

• Excellent construction quality
• Available for both left and right-handed individuals.
• Features reinforced thumb break retention straps
• Comfortable and lightweight design

Cons

• Comes with a metal backing on the thumb break that might cause some discomfort

5. DeSantis 4007527 Die Hard Ankle Rig for Glock 43

To wrap up our list ankle holster reviews, I will be looking at a compact holster by the brand DeSantis. It might not be the most recognizable brand out there, but this nifty little tool comes with enough features to compete with the big boys.

And it also comes with an excellent price tag making it a great investment. It is one of the only neoprene ankle holsters on our list. Despite the many complaints about the durability of the material, this unit uses it to its highest potential.

The holster also features top-grain leather lining on the outer edges to ensure the cosmetic integrity of your firearms. Furthermore, it features a saddle leather thumb break and sheepskin lining on the interior.

These two additions ensure that you have a smooth draw and can wear this product for extended hours without suffering from discomfort. The addition of soft foam padding further enhances the wearer’s comfort.

When used with a compact gun, the holster fully conceals your weapon and does not leave any printing from under your pants.

The gun retention of the holster feels excellent right out of the box, giving you a smooth draw and secure housing for your weapon. Overall, it is a fantastic investment if you want a truly concealed holster.

Pros:

• Compact and comfortable design
• Affordable price tag
• Excellent gun retention
• Suitable for regular use

Cons:

• The strap might feel a bit short for thicker ankles.

Things to Consider when Buying the Best Ankle Holster

Picking out the perfect ankle holster for daily use is not an easy task. Since most low-quality holsters will deteriorate in comfort over time, you need to know exactly what you are paying for before buying it.

And without knowing about the key aspect to look for, you cannot make an informed decision. An ankle holster is rarely your primary holster. It serves more as secondary storage for your weapon when you cannot get to your IWB or OWB holsters.

So it is essential that your backup weapon does not fail you. Choosing the wrong ankle holster can literally be the difference between life and death.

To ensure you make the right choice, you need to know about the determining factors of the best ankle holster. In the following section of the article, I will give you a thorough rundown of everything you need to know when you want to buy the best ankle holster.

Comfort

The first factor for your consideration should always be the comfort. Without a comfortable wearing experience, you cannot hope to be satisfied with your purchase.

Ideally, you want to wear your ankle holster every day. However, if it is not comfortable, the chances are that you will avoid wearing it whenever you can.

There are a couple of things that contribute to the overall comfort you get out of the ankle holster. The first thing that you need to check is the support band. This element serves the purpose of anchoring the holster to your leg.

And if the support band is not comfortable, the overall comfort with the unit takes a severe hit. The common materials used to make support bands are neoprene, nylon, or elastic bands. If you want the most comfort without sacrificing durability, neoprene is your best bet.

Elastic bands are also a decent option if you are prioritizing comfort. However, the elasticity deteriorates over time, making the product useless after a certain period.

The next essential element that contributes to your comfort is the lining. Some models feature an extra sheepskin or foam lining on the contact point of the holster. As a result, you can wear the holster for longer hours without feeling any irritation or itching on your leg.

You should also check the moisture resistant capabilities of the holster material. Foam, for instance, absorbs the sweat from your ankle, keeping everything fresh and comfortable. If the unit does not provide any moisture absorption capabilities, it will get uncomfortable to wear it for a long period.

Stability and Support System

I have already discussed a bit about the support system of ankle holster in the previous point. Although it plays a role in the comfort of the unit, its primary purpose is to provide stability.

A good support system in the ankle holster will ensure that it does not wobble or move out of place when you wear it.

An ankle holster can feature a number of support systems. To understand which one suits your needs well, you need to have a basic idea about all of them.

• Neoprene and Velcro:

This is the most common combo of materials used in manufacturing the support system for an ankle holster. It is one of the most popular material combos as it is both comfortable and offers decent stability for the price.

Basically, the Velcro holds the neoprene band that wraps around your ankle, keeping the whole holster stable. However, before buying this type of ankle holsters, you should check the length of the neoprene strap.

Any miscalculation on the size might result in you ending up with a product that does not fit your ankle. Since neoprene does not come with any elasticity, you are stuck with the length that you are buying.

• Nylon Straps

You can also sometimes find ankle holsters that use nylon straps for their support system. Although this material is great if you need to wear your ankle holster for shorter periods, they do not offer a great experience for prolonged usage. That is why most manufacturers avoid using this material.

The main issue with this material is the sharp edges that come with it. As a result, when you are running or simply walking down the street, the edges can sink into your skin, causing discomfort. However, when it comes to stability, they rarely move out of place.

• Calf Straps

The best support system that is currently in use might be calf straps. This type of support system connects your calf to the ankle holster using a straight strap. One of the major advantages of this system is the ability to adjust the height. Additionally, they are extremely stable.

Another great thing about the calf strap is how it distributes the weight of the gun across your leg. As a result, you do not feel the weight of the gun at all, which in turn reduces fatigue and improves comfort. However, calf straps are not very pleasant when worn over an extended period.

Construction Material

Finally, you need to consider the material used in the construction of the holster itself. It contributes to a lot of factors that determine the overall quality of the unit.

By looking at the material used in its construction, you can understand the durability, comfort, and the experience you can expect out of the unit.

The two most common materials used in the production of ankle holsters are leather and nylon. Both materials offer a different experience, and which one you go with is completely up to you.

However, you must know the primary differences between the materials to make an informed decision.

• Leather

Leather was once the go-to material used to produce ankle holsters. Although it has fallen out of favor over the years, the best elements of the material still hold true.

The main issue with it is the added cost. However, the level of comfort it provides more than makes up for the extra price.

Leather holsters also do not cause any scratches in the weapon. It is also extremely durable and can resist damage from water and other elements.

• Nylon

Nylon holsters are a cheaper alternative that is quite popular nowadays. It is relatively comfortable, and most models feature reinforced stitches that increase its durability.

Some nylon holsters even come with retention straps that enhance the security and draw speed for your weapon.

Although quite comfortable, some models come with rough edges. These edges can cause discomfort and irritation to your skin. So, you need to be careful to when looking at nylon holsters.

When to Use an Ankle Holster?

Before investing in an ankle holster, you need to know a couple of things about this tool. These are not for everyone; neither are they suitable for every scenario.

It is usually for people who want a backup gun stored away for safety. The major advantages of an ankle holster are:

• It is extremely discreet.
• It is easy to access when you are sitting down or tying your shoes.
• It is perfect when you want to stealth draws your weapon from a seated position.
• It offers an excellent way to carry a backup gun.

There are also a few setbacks about this device that you need to understand before you can make an informed decision.

• It does give you an easy way to draw your weapon when you are standing up.
• You can only use compact handguns.
• Your guns and weapons are not safe from dirt or mud.
• It is not concealed unless you are wearing long pants.

If you are someone who needs a backup gun, an ankle holster makes more sense than investing in another IWB holster.

This lets you keep a different gun at the ready, along with your regular gun. So, if at a certain scenario you get disarmed, you have another weapon tucked away as your ace in the sleeve.

In addition, if you are involved in long desk jobs or taking a long drive in a car, it is a great option. Since you are sitting down all the time, your draw speed with the ankle holster will not be affected. You can quickly get to your gun if you ever get into any trouble with the ankle holster.

However, if you wear shorts in your daily commute, this holster is not very practical. Shorts cannot hide the gun in your ankle, and it makes the whole point of an ankle holster moot.

Furthermore, it does not serve well as your primary holster because of its slow draw speed unless you are sitting down.

The Bottom Line

Nothing beats the concealment level that you get from a high-quality ankle holster. When your primary weapon fails, the ankle holster will make sure that you have another gun at the ready.

I hope you found this article on the best ankle holster informative and helpful. You should now have no trouble figuring out which unit would best serve your purpose.