Carry Method

Ankle Holsters

The classic spot for a backup gun. An ankle holster straps a small pistol to your lower leg — well hidden and accessible when you're seated, at the cost of a slow draw from standing.

What is ankle carry?

An ankle holster wraps a band around your lower leg, holding a compact or subcompact handgun on the inside of the ankle. A cushioned, sheepskin-lined holster and a wide elastic band keep it comfortable and stop it sliding down as you walk.

Concealment is excellent under any normal-length trousers, and it's one of the few positions that stays accessible when you're seated — in a car, at a desk, or anywhere a belt draw would be blocked. The downside is obvious: drawing from your ankle means bending or kneeling, which is slow and leaves you in a vulnerable posture.

For that reason, ankle carry is best understood as a backup or secondary method — a second gun, or a primary only for people who sit for most of the day.

Concealability

Comfort

Accessibility

Retention

Ease of use

Scores are relative to other carry methods, 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Pros and cons of ankle carry

Pros

Deep concealment under normal trousers
Accessible while seated or driving
Ideal for a backup gun
Keeps the waistline free for other carry
Comfortable with a padded, well-fitted band

Cons

Slow draw — you must bend or kneel
Limited to small, light handguns
Can shift or sag without the right band and strap
Needs boot-cut or straight-leg pants to clear the gun
Adds weight to one leg over a long day

Who ankle carry is best for

Ankle carry suits anyone who wants a backup gun, drivers and others who spend most of their day seated, and people whose clothing or job makes waistband carry difficult. It's a poor choice as your only gun if you're frequently on your feet and need a fast draw.

Tips for carrying on the ankle

Wear it on the inside of your support-side leg. That puts it where your strong hand naturally reaches across.
Add a calf strap for heavier guns. It stops the rig migrating down your leg.
Pick the right pants. Boot-cut or straight-leg trousers clear the gun; skinny jeans won't.
Keep the gun light. Subcompacts and small revolvers ride best all day.
Practice the draw. Drawing from the ankle is a skill — rehearse blading your stance and getting low safely.

Best ankle holsters

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Best ankle holster

Galco Ankle Glove

Galco · Leather with neoprene cuff

Sheepskin-lined for comfort against the leg
Wide neoprene band stays put when walking
Optional calf strap for heavier guns

$70–$95 Check Price

Quick comparison

Holster	Best for	Material	Price	Link
Galco Ankle Glove	Best ankle holster	Leather with neoprene cuff	$70–$95	Check Price

Frequently asked questions

Is ankle carry good as a primary?

Rarely. The draw is slow because you must bend or kneel to reach it. Ankle carry is best as a backup gun, or for situations where you're seated (like driving) and a belt draw is blocked.

Will an ankle holster flop around when I walk?

Not if it fits. A wide neoprene band and, for heavier guns, a calf strap keep it stable. Pair it with a slightly looser boot-cut or straight-leg pant so the cuff clears the gun.

What size gun works for ankle carry?

Stick to lightweight compact and subcompact pistols or small revolvers. Heavy guns drag the holster down and become uncomfortable over a day.

Related carry methods