Ankle Holsters
An ankle holster is a backup gun's natural home, and the right one disappears under boot-cut jeans. These are sized for snub revolvers, mini autos and compact pistols, from padded nylon with an adjustable thumb break to top-grain leather on a sheepskin-lined leg band. For primary carry, see IWB holsters or the full gun holster collection.
Shop more holsters
- All gun holsters, the full collection
- Revolver holsters for J, K, L and N frames and single actions
- Glock 19 holsters in IWB, OWB, optics-ready and light-bearing cuts
- IWB holsters, inside the waistband and appendix
- OWB holsters: belt, paddle and scabbard
- Leather holsters from DeSantis and 1791 Gunleather
- Shoulder holsters and chest rigs for long barrels
- Women's holsters, belly bands and off-body carry
- Holsters for big dudes, comfortable carry on a bigger build
- Holsters for guns with lights or lasers
What fits on an ankle
Small, light guns only. A snub revolver, a micro 380 or a subcompact 9mm is about the limit before the weight starts to drag the holster down and change the way you walk. Bulldog makes its ankle holster in four sizes: mini autos, sub-compact autos with 2 to 3 inch barrels, compact autos with 2.5 to 3.75 inch barrels, and revolvers with 2 to 2.5 inch barrels.
Nylon or leather
The Bulldog ankle holster is padded nylon on an elastic band with a hook-and-loop closure and an adjustable thumb break. It is light, easy to adjust and inexpensive. The DeSantis Die Hard is top-grain leather with a smooth leather lining and a thumb break, attached to a neoprene leg band padded with foam and lined with sheepskin. It is cut for specific guns, including the Sig P365, the Glock 43 and the S&W J-frame.
The Sticky Holsters Anklebiter
The Anklebiter is a leg rig, and the holster is sold separately. It takes a Sticky Holsters IWB or pocket holster, so if you already own one for your gun, you can move it from your waistband to your ankle without buying a second holster.
Carrying on the ankle
Most people wear it on the inside of the leg opposite their drawing hand, though some prefer the strong side. The Bulldog ankle holster is made for the right ankle, so check the product details for which leg each one fits. Boot-cut or relaxed-fit pants hide it best, and many women's holster shoppers use one with dresses and skirts that leave no waistband to work with. Expect it to take a week or so before the weight stops feeling strange.
Frequently asked questions
Which leg should an ankle holster go on?
Most shooters wear it on the inside of the leg opposite their strong hand, which lets them draw by kneeling and reaching across. Some holsters are made for one ankle only, so check the product details.
Can I carry a 9mm in an ankle holster?
A subcompact 9mm, yes. The DeSantis Die Hard is cut for the P365 and Glock 43, and the Bulldog compact autos size takes barrels up to 3.75 inches.
Is an ankle holster good for primary carry?
Most people use it for a backup. It is slow to draw from standing and hard to reach while moving, but it is excellent when you are seated, such as driving. For a seated carry that is faster to reach, consider a shoulder holster or an OWB holster at the hip.