A boot holster is a piece of tactical equipment that, when paired with the proper boots, can transform your feet into an assault rifle. These devices feature high-quality leather uppers and are typically worn on the lower portion of the leg just above the knee. Aesthetically, they look like a part of your uniform.
The selection process for this article was primarily guided by performance and construction material. When buying a boot holster, make sure it has a sturdy material that shields the trigger from accidental exposure. You’ll also notice that steel has attributes similar to leather, even though steel tends to focus more on strength than on appearance, and that leather is a hard material with a long history of supporting law enforcement agents without fail.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Boot Holster
There are a number of things to think about when buying a new boot holster. The specifics of these are examined in the next part, along with an explanation of how they relate to your circumstance.
Intended Use
The first question to ask yourself is what kind of use will my boots see? If you’re looking for a rugged pair of work boots that can withstand heavy machinery or rough terrain, then you might want to look into leather construction and waterproofing. However, if security is more important than durability, then a rubberized steel toe guard could be your better bet.
Also consider whether you’ll need to draw your gun quickly, as this would obviously benefit from a quick-draw holster.
Material
Leather is a tough material with a long history of serving law enforcement officers without fail. It’s been around since the days of King Arthur, when it was used to make armor. Today, many manufacturers incorporate modern technologies to improve on the old style. Aesthetics also play a big part in deciding which boot holster you like best.
Steel has similar qualities; however, it tends to focus on strength rather than appearance. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want their gear to stand out as being different from everyone else’s. There are plenty of high-quality steel options available too, so don’t worry about paying extra for something flashy.
Size Options
Depending on how you intend to use your boot holster, size may matter. For instance, if you’re looking for a versatile option capable of fitting snugly under jeans, then you’ll probably want to choose a larger size than if you only have room for one boot. Also, keep in mind that some holsters include adjustable straps, so you can tailor them to fit perfectly.
Fit
Finding the right fit means finding a balance between comfort and support. Too tight a fit won’t allow for a free swing of the leg, while too loose a fit leaves you vulnerable to falling objects or slipping off rocks. Finding the right fit takes practice, but we’ve included a few tips below to help get started.
- Wear the boots without the shoe inserts (called tongue depressors) and measure your feet. Then consult one of our online calculators to determine what size boot holster you should order.
- Next, put the tongue depressors back in the boots and try them on. Since most boot holsters stretch, you should now be able to move freely without pain.
- Finally, measure your feet again and compare the numbers to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer. Now that you know exactly where you fall on the spectrum of sizes, you can select the appropriate boot holster for your needs.
Quality Construction
As mentioned above, leather is a tough material with a lot of historical backing behind it. Steel isn’t quite as durable, having been created relatively recently compared to leather. However, there are still plenty of high-quality steel products on the market today.
A good leather boot holster will consist of top-notch materials and craftsmanship. Look for features such as double stitching along the seams, a metal loop attached to the front via rivets instead of stitches, and a molded plastic piece that connects the two sides of the holster together. These small details add up to a much safer product that will last longer than other options.
Style
There are countless ways to wear a boot holster, depending on how you intend to use it. Some common ones include riding/dirt biking, hunting, shooting, working, and hiking.
- Riding/Dirt Biking – While not every rider engages in extreme sports, dirt bikes often go fast and lose control easily. Having a sturdy boot holster that keeps your foot secure during hard maneuvers helps prevent injuries.
- Hunting – Whether stalking deer or turkey, getting close to wildlife requires a quiet approach. A quality boot holster allows you to move stealthily, making it possible to sneak within range of a potential target undetected.
- Shooting – Whether you’re sitting in a firing line or just walking the dog, a reliable boot holster saves you a trip to the hospital after accidentally taking a shot to the foot.
- Working – Protects your feet against dangerous machinery, tools, and chemicals while doing yard work or job site work.
- Hiking – Walking across uneven ground or climbing ladders repeatedly throughout the day can wreak havoc on your feet. A well-designed boot holster prevents blisters and bruises while adding stability and protection.
Types Of Boot Holsters
Boot holster is a specialized type of handgun holster designed to be worn while wearing boots. The design considerations are different from traditional pistol belts, which have more flexible construction and can wrap around the waist.
Outside-the-waistband (OWB)
An outside-the-waistband holster or OWB holster means that the gun is not inside your clothes but rather it hangs on your belt like a normal holster would. This kind of carry is very common with law enforcement officers who need to keep their firearm concealed at all times. It’s also popular among people who want to conceal a larger weapon because they don’t have to worry about drawing the gun through their clothing. However, this style of carry has some inherent limitations.
Inside-the-waistband (IWB)
An inside-the-waistband holster or an IWB holster means that the gun is carried in a way where it’s directly against your body. You’ll find these types of carries most often when talking about duty firearms since you’re required by law to wear one for certain jobs. They’re also popular choices for women who may not otherwise feel comfortable carrying an OWB firearm due to concerns over being groped during a struggle.
Shoulder holsters
A shoulder holster is another option worth considering if you want to go OWB. These kinds of carries require special attention to detail to ensure proper alignment and draw comfort.
Thumb break
The thumb break position places the muzzle of the gun behind your ear so that it doesn’t interfere with your vision.
Kangaroo
This is a hybrid between two other styles of carry; it combines elements of both appendix and crossdraw positions to create something new. The kangaroo position keeps your center of gravity low and allows for quick access to your firearm without removing any gear.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
In order to ensure that we don’t ever let you down, we take the time to speak to individuals who have first-hand knowledge, searching reviews on specialized journals and enthusiast blogs for the most up-to-date information.
We looked at a variety of factors when choosing our top picks for the best boot holster. These included price, features, materials, and more. In order to choose our top picks for the best boot holster, we first narrowed down the list of potential options to a manageable number. Then, we had some users test out the different products. After that, we consulted experts in the field and took into account reviews and feedback. Finally, here are our best choices for the best boot holster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boot holsters
What is the most comfortable boot holster?
The most comfortable boot holster depends entirely on your body type and preferences. Some manufacturers advertise their products as “comfortable” or “custom-made,” but those terms are subjective.
How tight should my boot holster be?
Your boot holster’s fit will depend on what you intend to use it with. For concealed carry, you’ll want a snug fit that doesn’t fall off while in motion, but for open-carry at home, you can get away with something looser fitting that isn’t constantly rubbing against your skin. If you plan to wear it with a belt, make sure it fits snugly enough where the buckle sits flush with your backstrap so it won’t move when you sit down or stand up. Otherwise, go with whatever works best for you.
Can I wear a boot holster with a dress shirt?
Absolutely! That said, if you’re going to do this, make sure you practice your draw stroke (safely) in front of a mirror or some other reflective surface before wearing it in public. Also, consider getting a second opinion from an attorney/legal expert before taking any action related to legal matters.
How does a boot holster work?
A boot holster conceals your firearm in a pocket inside your boots. When you put on your boots, the holster pulls out of the top of the boot and holds your gun securely in place. You don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping your weapon when putting on your boots because the holster stays hidden until you pull it out.
Where can I get a boot holster?
You can find boot holsters at most sporting goods stores. They’re available in different styles and sizes so they’ll fit almost everyone’s needs.
Can I use my boot holster if I’m not carrying a gun?
Yes! A boot holster will hold just about anything. It doesn’t matter whether you’re carrying a knife, pepper spray, or even a cellphone. Just make sure that whatever you want to conceal isn’t too big or heavy.
Is there anything special I should know before using a boot holster?
If you plan to keep your boot holster in your boot all day every day, then it’s important to clean it regularly. Otherwise, you could end up with mold growing on your boot or dirt getting into the mechanism that keeps your boot holster closed.
Do boot holsters come in other types of shoes besides boots?
Sure! Most boot holsters are designed to be used with boots but they can easily be adapted to fit other kinds of footwear like sneakers or sandals. If you decide to try something else, just remember that the size of the opening in the shoe must match the width of the holster itself.
How much weight can I stuff into a boot holster?
As long as the weight won’t cause the holster to fall off, you can pack pretty much everything you’d normally carry around in your pockets. There’s no limit to how many items you can store in a boot holster.
Does a boot holster protect against accidental discharge?
Absolutely! In fact, boot holsters are specifically made to prevent accidental discharges. That means that when you remove your boot holster, your pistol won’t fire unless you intentionally pull the trigger.
Will a boot holster interfere with my ability to shoot accurately?
No problem! Boot holsters aren’t designed to restrict your shooting motion. All you have to do is slide your hand down to where the holster sits under your foot and draw your weapon.
It really depends on what kind of boot you own. If you buy a pair of high-top boots, then you probably won’t notice the difference between having a boot holster and not having one. On the flip side, if you own a pair of dress boots, then you’ll definitely feel more comfortable without a boot holster.