S&W M&P Shield Holsters (Full)

1. We The People IWB – Best S&W M&P Shield Kydex IWB/AIWB Holster [Concealed Carry]

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Bottom Line Up Front

We The People IWB (Inside The Waistband) is a beautiful minimalist kydex holster that’s built with comfort in mind. It checks all boxes on safety & protection features and is easy to conceal.

The shape of the holster is custom molded for S&W M&P Shield. It’ll fit your shield like a glove, and fit nothing else. The kydex is sturdy and the hardware is durable.

We The People IWB is our #1 pick because it offers excellent value for money without compromising on safety or construction quality. A good kydex IWB holster is the best choice for concealed carry for most people, so this one fits the bill perfectly.

Note: Last I checked, their prices were still the same as one year ago despite the inflation. I can only recommend getting one before they start raising their prices along with everyone else.

The Nitty Gritty: Features & What’s In It For You

Holster Type: IWB	Carry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Kydex	Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Passive & Active Click Retention	Holster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: Yes	Red Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ America	Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right Handed	Warranty: ✅ Lifetime

Looks, Feel & Durability:

The holster looks and feels good in hand. The finish is matte, edges softened. I didn’t encounter a single sharp edge or corner – it’s all been buffed down.

It’s made out of 0.08″ kydex that doesn’t bend or give in. The thick plastic clip is durable, and the hardware feels like it’s built to last. I wouldn’t expect any issues with durability.

As for the looks, they’ve got few dozen colors & prints you can choose from. Some of them are pretty adventurous – bright pink, neon, gatsby flag, etc. I’m not much into loud designs, so I went with the regular black for this review.

Comfort:

Can I wear it for hours and almost forget it’s there? Well, that’s actually happened a few times with this one. Because for a kydex holster, it wears very well.

I had no issues with sharp corners or anything digging into my skin – both while sitting and standing. The muzzle is open-ended, but didn’t bother me a single time around the thighs. Out of the box it was sitting just right – not too high and not too low. But that’s all adjustable.

I was alternating between appendix & strong side carry and I’m not gonna lie – appendix was more comfortable. But no complaints about the strong side carry. You can also carry it behind the hip, and cross draw.

Retention:

Can I turn the holster upside down without the gun falling out? Yes I can. When the gun it holstered, I can turn the holster upside down and my M&P stays inside. The gun doesn’t budge.

It’s a positive click retention – you’ll hear the holster snapping in around the gun every time you holster. The click is satisfying and easy to hear. It’s a good cue to know when your gun is safe & holstered.

My retention was good out of the box, and did not loosen with time. But it’s also easy to adjust with a tension screw. In case you need to make it even tighter.

Safety & Protection:

Both trigger and barrel are fully covered when the Shield is holstered. The shell material is rigid and doesn’t bend. It’s impossible to manipulate the trigger when the gun is holstered. The protection all kinds of bumps & dirt is good because of the thick shell.

The sweat guard on the inner side of the holster protects the gun from sweat corrosion – and my body from the rough edges of the gun, adding to the comfort. The belt clip is tight and it’s very difficult to accidentally unhook the holster from the belt.

Ease Of Concealment:

I didn’t have any issues with printing while carrying. The holster does not protrude while I’m wearing my jeans and a flannel shirt. It’s pretty lightweight, and has no protruding corners sticking out.

It hugs the gun close, and does a good job of smoothing out the sharp edges underneath the shirt. It also sits low enough for the gun’s handle to be flush with the body. Nothing sticks out.

As always, the ease of concealment will depend on your body type, ccw experience, and clothing. This is a holster that will work for most people though.

Note: If you’re considering carrying in appendix carry position, I recommend getting the claw addon. The claw will keep the handle of the gun closer to your body in appendix carry position, bringing you closer to deep concealment. Not a must-have, but… just get it it’s well worth the money.

Ease Of Draw:

I have no problems getting a proper, ready-to-shoot grip from any position possible. The grip of the gun is easily accessible, allowing for a smooth draw.

As it’s a waistband holster, I can get a sub 2-second draw no issues. Adjustable ride and cant will help you find a position that works with your drawing style and body. The retention doesn’t get into the way of the draw.

Customization Support & Adjustability:

The holster accommodates threaded barrels (open muzzle) and suppressor-level sights. They have models with the most common optics & laser cuts available for most guns, including M&P Shield.

If you need to adjust the holster’s ride (height) or and cant (angle)– you can do so by unscrewing the clip. The holster’s got multiple screw holes for the clip, for different height & cant configurations.

Warranty & Returns:

All We The People holsters come with a lifetime warranty, and have a one year return policy for a refund from the day the order was placed. They’re great to deal with in case you have questions or need extra support. Which is another reason that we’re confident in recommending them over other similar holsters on the market.

Keep In Mind

The available optics cuts & modifications are limited. If you have an exotic mod on your Shield, check Hidden Hybrid and Alien Gear holsters below. They have more mod cuts available, although they do come at a higher cost.

Comfort: 4.5/5 | Retention: 5/5 | Protection: 5/5 | Ease Of Concealment: 5/5 | Ease Of Draw: 5/5 | Adjustability: 5/5 | Value For Money: 5/5

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2. Hidden Hybrid IWB – Most Comfortable S&W M&P Shield Concealed Carry Hybrid IWB Holster

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Bottom Line Up Front

Hidden Hybrid’s Single Clip is a hybrid IWB holster. Hybrid means that it’s made out of a kydex shell, and a leather backer.

• The kydex is custom-molded to M&P shield for perfect fit and retention
• The leather backer is soft, and contours to the body, giving you better comfort

Hidden Hybrid single clip is the most comfortable S&W M&P Shield holster on our list. It’ll be great for you if you’re looking for something more comfortable than full Kydex holster, and don’t mind the slight increase in overall holster weight & size.

It’s also good for beginners. But if you’re completely new to concealed carry and haven’t owned a holster before, starting from a full kydex holster is a safer bet.

The Nitty Gritty: Features & What’s In It For You

Holster Type: IWB	Carry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Kydex & Leather	Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Passive Retention	Holster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: Yes	Red Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ America	Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right Handed	Warranty: ✅ Lifetime

Looks, Feel & Durability:

Everything about this holster is premium. When I touch it, it feels like I’m holding something nice, expensive, and well-made. The materials & craftsmanship quality is right there at the top, if not the best on the market.

• The thick Amish leather is very nice and soft, with suede on the back touching your body. Thin enough to contour to your body, but thick enough to withstand anythign you throw at it.
• Good 0.093″ kydex, thicker than the usual 0.08″ regular kydex for extra durability
• Beautiful stainless steel hardware, well-designed durable clip

Everything’s just pretty damn perfect about this holster in the “looks, feel, durability” department. It’s also objectively the nicest looking and feeling holster on this list.

Comfort:

Can I wear it for hours and almost forget it’s there? Hell yeah. After the initial few weeks it took to wear in the leather, the comfort noticeably better than with full-kydex holsters. I can especially notice it towards the end of the day, especially if I’ve been sitting down a lot. So – when it comes to comfort, this holster just works. Everything’s soft, streamlined, and nothing digs anywhere.

Retention:

Can I turn the holster upside down without the gun falling out? Yes, I can. There is nothing shaking or rattling around when I shake the holster with my M&P Shield in it. It doesn’t feel like there is any risk whatsoever of the gun falling out. The retention loosened a little bit over the first weeks, but then remained at a comfortably tight level.

To summarize – the retention is great. Especially for a hybrid holster. And in case you want it even tighter, the retention is easy to adjust with the screw.

Safety & Protection:

Both trigger & barrel are fully covered while the gun is holstered. There is no chance of getting to the trigger – it’s impossible to push through both the kydex and the rigid leather. The leather part also serves as a sweat guard, protecting the gun from corrosion. The holster provides good protection against bumps and scratches. The clip is well executed, tight, and difficult to pull off your belt even in a fight.

Note: Unlike many hybrid holsters, this one’s safe to use for rapid reholstering. It’s impossible for the leather backer to fold inside of the holster shell (thereby compromising the trigger). It’s both thick, and extremely rounded without any sharp edges. There’s zero chance of it getting stuck anywhere.

Ease Of Concealment:

I found the holster easy to conceal – it does not protrude under jeans and a plaid flannel shirt. The construction is slightly thicker & bulkier than most full kydex holsters. But even though it has that extra layer of leather, the profile is fairly slim and easy to cover up. The height was just right for me, not too high (the grip printing) nor too low. The optional claw kit for deeper appendix carry concealment is highly recommended – and cheap!

Ease Of Draw:

I can get a proper, ready-to-shoot grip from any position. As well as a sub 2-second draw. The leather is cut around the handle, allowing for a full positive grip from any position. Both cant & height are adjustable – for me it was good out of the box. The retention doesn’t get in the way of the draw.

Customization Support:

The holster does accomodate threaded barrels & suppressor-level sights. Hidden Hybrid Holsters have have a holster for every single combination of everything you could possibly have: every gun, every popular laser, light, and optic modification cut you can imagine. Because all of their models are made by hand – if a gun/laser/optic combination exists, they have a holster for it.

Warranty & Returns:

All Hidden Hybrid Holsters come with a lifetime warranty. This covers the kydex and leather parts of the holster breaking due to a manufacturer defect. There’s a 30-Day “One Question Return Policy” where you only have to answer how they could have done better.

Keep In Mind

While they have nearly all possible gun models & modifications covered, the mods come at a cost. At the time of writing this article, getting a laser/light cut was an extra $10 with red dot optics being $30. Ordering holsters with mods might take extra production time. Hidden Hybrid is pricier than most other holsters, but well worth the price.

Comfort: 5/5 | Retention: 4.5/5 | Protection: 5/5 | Ease Of Concealment: 4.5/5 | Ease Of Draw: 5/5 | Adjustability: 3/5 | Value For Money: 4.5/5

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3. We The People Independence – Best Leather Smith & Wesson M&P Shield IWB Holster

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Bottom Line Up Front

WTP Independence is the only full-leather holster we chose to feature on this list. In our opinion, it’s the best commercially-available full leather holster you can buy at this moment.

Here’s why:

• Some of the best leather holster retention holsters I’ve experienced, gives the Shield a perfect fit
• Built to last – thick leather, quality hardware & good stitching
• Adjustable ride & cant for better comfort (highly unusual for a leather holster)

More below.

Note: It’s your best option for a full-leather holster short of getting a custom-designed handmade one made. The waiting times on those are often months. I’m reviewing the IWB version, but this holster also comes as OWB.

The Nitty Gritty: Features & What’s In It For You

Holster Type: IWB	Carry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Leather	Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Passive Retention	Holster Adjustability: Ride, Cant
Light/Laser Compatible: –	Red Dot/Optics Compatible: –
Made In: ✅ America	Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right Handed	Warranty: ✅ Lifetime

Looks, Feel & Durability:

The holster feels good in hand. The leather is thick, well made. The adjustable clips are good, don’t bend much. The contouring is the best I’ve been on a leather holster. Almost like Kydex. Attention to detail is everywhere. And the stitching – if you want your leather to last for 10 years, that’s how you’d stitch it. Comes in brown and black leather, with the WTP logo applied.

Comfort:

This one also wears hours and I can forget that it’s there. Test passed. It took the leather about 2 weeks to fully contour to my body. It was smooth sailing from there on out. The comfort’s about the same level as a hybrid holsters, and better than fully kydex. In other words – as good as it can be. The leather is soft, and protects my sides from the gun’s sharp edges. Muzzle is covered well. Rounded edges throughout the holster.

Retention:

Retention test passed – I can turn the holster upside down with my Shield staying inside. The passive retention is among the best I’ve tried on a leather holster. Keep in mind the retention’s very tight out of the box – that’s on purpose. You need to wear it in a little, and it’ll loosen up.

Safety & Protection:

Trigger, safety mechanism, & barrel are all covered well. The thick leather is hard to bend, and all stitching feels heavy-duty. Good protection from bumps, and then gun doesn’t move while holstered. The clips are sturdy and tight, very difficult to pull off the belt in case of a brawl. Impossible to get through to the trigger when holstered.

It’s got a double-layer leather shell. This means that both inside and outside of the holster have grain-side leather (not flesh-side/suede leather). This protects the gun from wear & tear that would happen against the rougher suede leather (99% of leather holsters use that).

Ease Of Concealment:

My Shield did not print/protrude under jeans and a plaid flannel shirt in both side-carry and appendix carry positions. The holster’s got a small footprint and is slim enough to make for easy concealment (a bit thicker than kydex, though). I’m satisfied. They don’t have a holster claw available for this model at this time.

Ease Of Draw:

I have no problems getting a full positive, ready-to-shoot grip on my Shield in this holster. I also had no trouble getting sub 2-second draws once the leather had worn in. The ride height is about average, but you can adjust that with the clips.

Customization Support:

The holster works with threaded barrels & supressor level sights. It’s the only leather holster on the market that lets you adjust ride & cant. Currently there are no optics/laser cuts available.

Warranty & Returns:

We The People offers lifetime warranty, and a one year return policy for a refund from the day the order was placed.

Keep In Mind

Full leather holsters have a number of downsides compared to kydex and hybrid holsters that you should be aware of:

• Not waterproof (but water resistant)
• Needs slightly more care & maintenance
• No active click with retention
• Difficult to find optics/streamlight/laser models
• Collapsible, might need 2 hands to reholster
• Higher price

None of the above are dealbreakers though. If you want to get a full leather holster for your M&P Shield, then it’ll be difficult to do better than this one.

Comfort: 5/5 | Retention: 4/5 | Protection: 5/5 | Ease Of Concealment: 4.5/5 | Ease Of Draw: 5/5 | Adjustability: 3/5 | Value For Money: 4/5

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4. Tulster IWB – Runner-Up Smith & Wesson M&P Shield IWB Holster Pick

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Bottom Line Up Front

Tulster’s Profile IWB is a full-kydex holster with all the same features as our #1 pick We The People. Except for adjustable ride height. The main differences that you’ll notice when going with a higher-priced kydex holster – like this one from Tulster – are: 

• Better quality control
• Sharper contouring lines & refined edges
• Clean, neat look both inside & outside the holster

Holster Type: IWB	Carry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Kydex	Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Passive & Active Click Retention	Holster Adjustability: Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: Yes	Red Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ America	Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right Handed	Warranty: ✅ Lifetime

Looks, Feel & Durability:

From the 0.08″ Kydex to metal hardware. Everything feels smooth, well-designed, and having that little extra edge over the cheaper ones kydex holsters. The difference is most noticeable when you look at the contoured edges of the holster – there’s just that little extra bit of precision there. Every line and millimeter on the holster thought through.

The clip is made from plastic, but it’s thick and doesn’t bend. They have metal clips available for extra on their website if you want that extra durability. The holster comes in different colors, not as much variety as We The People though.

Comfort:

The comfort’s good – both sitting down and standing/walking. As good as it’s going to get with kydex. I can feel the holster on me, but it doesn’t disturb me in any way. The edges are rounded and buffed, so nothing’s digging or prodding anywhere. The muzzle doesn’t extend, and feels comfortable on the thigh. No complaints here.

Retention:

The retention is excellent, with an audible click when you holster your gun. It passes the test – I can turn the holster upside down and the gun stays in. It came well-regulated out of the box, and didn’t loosen with time. If you want it tighter or looser, there’s a retention screw you can use to adjust. Again – hits all marks.

Safety & Protection:

The trigger guard & barrel are protected when the gun is holstered. There’s no way to access the trigger, and the kydex doesn’t bend. The Profile IWB comes with a full-sized sweat guard that protects the gun from corrosion. The full sized sweat guard protects the gun from corrosion. The clip’s tension is excellent – it’d be very difficult to pull the entire rig off the belt in a brawl.

Ease Of Concealment:

My Shield is easy to conceal with this one. I had no issues with the holster printing/showing wearing jeans and a flannel shirt. The design is streamlined, minimalist, and lightweight. They have a holster “sidekick” claw available for extra price, which I recommend getting if you’re planning to carry in appendix position.

Ease Of Draw:

No issues getting a sub 2-second draw. I can get a positive, ready-to-fire grip from any position. While the ride height is not adjustable, the holster sits at a comfortable height that does not impede the ease of draw in any way. The retention doesn’t get in the way of the draw.

Customization Support:

The holster accomodates threaded barrels and supressor-level sights. They have most common optics cuts available on their website.

Warranty & Returns:

Tulster offers a lifetime warranty on all of their holsters. They have a 30-day no-questions-asked returns policy. They have different shipping options including free economy shipping.

Keep In Mind

The ride height is not adjustable on this one. It doesn’t sit too high or too low, so you probably wouldn’t be using it either. If you want adjustable ride height, go for the WTP IWB holster over this one.

There are other premium Kydex brands of similar quality on the market – Vedder or Tier 1 Concealment come to mind. We picked Tulster for this list because it’s slightly cheaper than the other two. The quality is roughly the same across the board, you’ll be good going with either one of them.

Comfort: 4.5/5 | Retention: 5/5 | Protection: 5/5 | Ease Of Concealment: 5/5 | Ease Of Draw: 5/5 | Adjustability: 4/5 | Value For Money: 5/5

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5. Alien Gear ShapeShift System – Best Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Modular Holster System

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Bottom Line Up Front

Alien Gear Shapeshift is a modular holster system that allows you to wear it in 4+ different carry positions.

In one package, you’re getting:

• IWB holster
• AIWB holster
• OWB paddle holster
• OWB belt slide holster

Alien Gear also sell different accessories for this system, allowing you to turn it into a drop-leg/thigh holster, ankle holster, and more.

It’s worth checking out if you want a versatile all-in-one package holster that works with different carry styles.

ShapeShift is the right system for you if you want the versatility, or are interested in trying different carry styles before settling down on a particular one.

If you specifically want to concealed carry (ccw), then going for a simple kydex/hybrid/leather IWB holster is probably a better choice.

Same goes for open carry. With that being said, it’s a cool kit with an actually good modular holster that just works.

Really well built. No complaints.

If it was a bit cheaper, the ranking would be higher in the list.

The Nitty Gritty: Features & What’s In It For You

Holster Type: IWB/OWB	Carry Type: Concealed & Open Carry
Holster Material: Polymer & Neoprene	Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Passive & Active Click Retention	Holster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: –	Red Dot/Optics Compatible: –
Made In: ✅ America	Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right Handed	Warranty: ✅ Lifetime

Looks, Feel & Durability:

The holster shell is made out of sturdy polymer and comes custom-shaped for S&W M&P Shield. I’ve tried it out in both IWB and OWB, and everything works as it should.

Unlike many holsters out there, this rig is made out of injection-molded polymer. As opposed to thermal-molded kydex. The difference is not massive, but this one feels a bit more solid.

Comfort:

Being a hybrid holster, it’s softer to wear.

Unlike hidden hybrid they’re using their own proprietary synthetic fabric. The neoprene is soft and pliable, and doesn’t have the long break-in period of leather. So the holster is ready to go right out of the box.

Retention:

The retention is good,

An ergonomic thumb release that the kit comes with gives you the option to carry using active retention in the OWB mode.

Safety & Protection:

trigger & barrel are covered well.

Ease Of Concealment:

The neoprene gives it a slightly larger footprint than more minimalist kydex holsters, but it’s still easily concealable.

Ease Of Draw:

Customization Support:

They do have some special cuts for S&W M&P Shield, including Romeo Zero and P365XL spectre comp model compatibility.

Warranty & Returns:

Alien Gear offers a 30 day test drive of the holster, free shell trades for life and a forever warranty. That’s probably some of the best customer protection in the industry.

Keep In Mind

The whole package can a little bit intimidating at first. With all the parts and screws laid out there in front of you.

But once you get a hang of it, adjusting between different carry styles becomes easy and intuitive. See the video below for more details. But they’ve done a good job of breaking down the compexity here.  

The ShapeShift system is priced higher than other holsters. And while it can do everything, it’s as the old saying goes:

“Jack of all trades, master of none… but oftentimes still better than a master of one.”

Is it better than a master of one?

Only if you need multiple carry styles on your belt.

For the price of a ShapeShift system, you can get yourself a premium holster of your choice (Hidden Hybrid, Tulster, Vedder) or two good holsters for example (We The People IWB + We The People OWB).

It’s up to you to decide if the versatility is worth it in this situation.

Comfort: 5/5 | Retention: 5/5 | Protection: 5/5 | Ease Of Concealment: 4/5 | Ease Of Draw: 5/5 | Adjustability: 5/5 | Value For Money: 4/5

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6. Rounded Gear Concealment Express OWB – Best Smith & Wesson M&P Shield OWB Belt & Paddle Holster

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Bottom Line Up Front

The Rounded Gear (formerly known as Concealment Express) OWB holster is a simple, durable, no-frills-attached outside the waistband paddle holster.

Custom-molded kydex fit

There’s a million of these OWB belt/paddle holsters on the market, many costing you as little as $20.

This one will set you back about twice that amount, but it’s well worth the money.

Concealment Express (Rounded Gear) OWB is the right holster for you if you’re in the market for a simple OWB holster.

And if concealed carry is not too important for you.

There’s really nothing bad to say about it – it’s durable, affordable, and everything just works.

A great option for OWB carry – you don’t need anything more than that.

The Nitty Gritty: Features & What’s In It For You

Holster Type: OWB	Carry Type: Open Carry
Holster Material: Kydex	Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Passive & Active Click Retention	Holster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: Yes	Red Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ America	Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right Handed	Warranty: ✅ Lifetime

Looks, Feel & Durability:

The big, fiber-reinforced paddle is one of the biggest pros of this holster vs. its competitors. As always, the clip/paddle are the most vulnerable parts of a kydex holster prone to breaking. This one won’t.

Comfort:

The holster’s located outside the waistband, minimizing body contact. I forget that it’s there sometimes – which never happens with an IWB. Also worth mentioning – it doesn’t restrict the size of your clothing, meaning that you can wear tight pants or slim shirts if you feel like it.

Adjustable retention, ride & cant

Retention:

The fit and retention have always been great with Concealment Express (now Rounded Gear), and this holster is no different.

Active posi-click retention

Safety & Protection:

Sweat guard

Ease Of Concealment:

OWB holsters are not usually meant for concealed carry. But if you want, you can cover it up with a hoodie or an untucked shirt. That way it’ll funcion as a ccw holster. It’s possible to conceal it, in some situations.

Ease Of Draw:

Finally, because the gun is located outside your draw speed is going to be faster & more consistent than with concealed carry holsters. Comfort and ease of draw are as good as it gets with OWB holsters.

Customization Support:

Threaded barrel & suppressor support

Warranty & Returns:

Keep In Mind

The sweat guard protrudes slightly above the slide of the gun. Personally, it’s not an issue because I’m quite average in my body type. But for bigger guys, it might be slightly uncomfortable. Just a small thing to be aware of.

Comfort: 5/5 | Retention: 5/5 | Protection: 5/5 | Ease Of Concealment: – | Ease Of Draw: 5/5 | Adjustability: 4/5 | Value For Money: 5/5

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7. CrossBreed Modular Belly Band – Best Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Belly Band Holster

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Bottom Line Up Front

CrossBreed makes one of the few belly band holsters with proper gun safety & protection features.

That’s because it comes with a hard kydex shell attached to the band, keeping your gun safe & secure.

Belly bands are good if you can’t use the more regular IWB/OWB holsters for any reason.

Most belly bands are cheap and have zero reinforcement on them. Your gun is usually placed in a reinforced nylon/neoprene pocket.

While they’re usually designed to protect the trigger, they’re not very reliable or durable.

CrossBreed has solved this issue by adding a kydex shell to their belly band. You’re getting all the benefits of a belly band, while still keeping your gun safe from an accidental discharge.

The kydex shell is custom molded for your gun model, and comes with adjustable retention.

I’ll be honest with you – for most people, regular IWB holsters are better for concealed carry. They’re more secure, easy to carry & faster to draw from. 

But belly bands have their uses.

I know a lot of women and bigger guys/gals who swear by belly bands for concealed carry. Because a regular IWB is just too uncomfortable for them, even with a small gun like P365.

Likewise, if you have a specific uniform that you have to wear at work that doesn’t allow you to easily carry an IWB holster, the belly band might be your best choice.

And if that’s the case – CrossBreed’s Modular 2.0 is one of the best ones on the market.

The Nitty Gritty: Features & What’s In It For You

Holster Type: Belly Band	Carry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Kydex & Neoprene	Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Passive Retention	Holster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: Yes	Red Dot/Optics Compatible: –
Made In: ✅ America	Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right Handed	Warranty: ✅ 1 Year

Looks, Feel & Durability:

Comfort:

The belly-band itself comes in sizes ranging from XS – XXL, so no matter your size, you’ll find a good fit with them.

The height & angle of the gun are both adjustable.

The band comes with an anti-slip surface to keep it in place

2 mag pockets & 1 phone pocket

Comfort decent with small frames like P365

Retention:

Safety & Protection:

Ease Of Concealment:

Ease Of Draw:

Draw speed is good, no issues there

The height & angle of the gun are both adjustable via velcro attachment. You can attach the kydex shell with different height and angles.

Customization Support:

Warranty & Returns:

Keep In Mind

Because of their larger footprint and size – you’re essentially having a wide belt around your waist at all times holding the weight of your gun –  I don’t really recommend belly-bands over more traditional IWB holsters.

Sweating, heat & weight distribution will be your biggest problems with this setup. To keep your gun stable, the belly-band needs to be quite tight against your body. This issue is more significant if you live in the southern states.

The band is not that good for bigger frames, either. Bigger gun will be top-heavy, and lean away from your body. Doable, but not recommended.

Comfort: 4/5 | Retention: 4/5 | Protection: 4.5/5 | Ease Of Concealment: 4/5 | Ease Of Draw: 4/5 | Adjustability: 4/5 | Value For Money: 4/5

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8. DeSantis Nemesis – Best Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Pocket Holster, Budget Pick

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Bottom Line Up Front

Pocket carry shouldn’t be your first choice for concealed carry, but sometimes you can’t carry any other way.

If that’s the case, then DeSantis Nemesis is a simple, cheap pocket holster that gets the job done. For something that you put in your pocket, you don’t need more than that.

The biggest pro of pocket carry is that it does not rely on a belt. While still keeping an extremely small footprint & profile. 

If your lifestyle or career doesn’t allow you to have your S&W M&P Shield on your belt – or doesn’t allow you to have a belt at all – then pocket carry with DeSantis Nemesis is worth considering.

But we don’t recommend it if you have any other options for concealed carry that you could use.

The Nitty Gritty: Features & What’s In It For You

Holster Type: Pocket	Carry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Neoprene	Holster Fit: Generic Fit
Retention Type: Passive Retention	Holster Adjustability: –
Light/Laser Compatible: Yes	Red Dot/Optics Compatible: –
Made In: ✅ America	Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right Handed	Warranty: ✅ 1 Year

Looks, Feel & Durability:

DeSantis Nemesis is basically a sleeve that you slip your gun into. Then, you slide the whole system into the pocket.

The fabric on the outside is a little rubbery, it grips real well. It keeps the holster from moving around in your pocket. The fabric on the inside is made out of slick pack cloth, for a low friction draw.

The “wing” of the holster that is under the barrel grips your pocket while drawing, and keeps the holster from coming out with your gun.

Comfort:

Comfort totally depends on where & how you’re going to wear it. 

Retention:

Safety & Protection:

It gives S&W M&P Shield a safe and secure fit and the trigger is covered well. Sure, it’s not as secure as leather or kydex holsters, but it’s the best you can do when it comes to pocket holsters.

Ease Of Concealment:

Ease Of Draw:

One of the less-known upsides of pocket carry is that you can draw more discreetly. Nobody really expects a person with a hand in their pocket to draw a gun – as opposed to having your gun near your belt. 

Customization Support:

Warranty & Returns:

Keep In Mind

Pocket carry has its downsides:

Not everyone can pocket carry – that goes especially for ladies with tighter clothing. You need a nice, big enough pocket to fit the holster in.

Pocket carry severely limits the size of your CCW gun. It’s best for micro-compacts and subcompacts.

Drawing is slow and difficult, and difficult to practice. You need to open the pocket, put the hand in, and pull out your gun. Many steps to execute.

Retention is not as good as kydex & leather holsters, etc.

Comfort: 5/5 | Retention: 3/5 | Protection: 3.5/5 | Ease Of Concealment: 5/5 | Ease Of Draw: 3/5 | Adjustability: 0/5 | Value For Money: 5/5

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9. Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle Holster – Best Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Ankle Holster

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Bottom Line Up Front

Because of its kydex integration, Alien Gear Shapeshift is one of the best ankle holsters on the market. 

The cheaper ankle holsters usually compromise on safety & durability of the holster. This one doesn’t.

Ankle holsters are great if you need to carry a backup gun. They’re also more comfortable these days than they used to be.

More specifically, here’s what sets the Shapeshift Ankle apart from the others:

Compatibility with full-sized guns (not recommended though)

No break-in time

Slip-resistance

Better retention & security

It’s a good pick if you want to carry your S&W M&P Shield as a backup gun.

The Nitty Gritty: Features & What’s In It For You

Holster Type: Ankle	Carry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Polymer & Neoprene	Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Passive & Active Click Retention	Holster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: –	Red Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ America	Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right Handed	Warranty: ✅ Lifetime

Looks, Feel & Durability:

Comfort:

Retention:

Safety & Protection:

Ease Of Concealment:

Ease Of Draw:

Customization Support:

Warranty & Returns:

Keep In Mind

As a main holster, ankle holsters have serious downsides when compared to waistband holsters:

• The holster gathers more dust & dirt than other holster types, because it’s seated so low. You’ll need to clean your gun more often with ankle carry.
• You won’t reach the holster while running.
• Draw speed is significantly slower than with regular holsters.
• Better suited for smaller guns, because you want to minimize the weight.
• Finally, your pants need to be long enough to cover the holster at all times, otherwise you risk revealing that you’re carrying.

Ankle holsters can’t really compete with IWB/OWB or chest or belly-band holsters for carrying your S&W M&P Shield. Unless it’s your backup gun.  If you do want to carry a backup gun though, then an ankle holster is going to be your best bet.

Comfort: 3/5 | Retention: 5/5 | Protection: 5/5 | Ease Of Concealment: 4/5 | Ease Of Draw: 2/5 | Adjustability: 4/5 | Value For Money: 4.5/5

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10. Alien Gear Cloak Chest – Best Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Chest Holster

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Bottom Line Up Front

If you want to try something completely different from belt and paddle holsters for open carry, then the kydex-reinforced Alien Gear Cloak chest holster is worth checking out.

It’s comfortable to wear, offers decent concealment in certain situations, and having that kydex frame means that your gun remains safe & secure at all times.

If you need to have your gun accessible without it obstructing your movement, chest holsters are worth checking out.

Especially if you need it for sitting or moving around.

It checks all the boxes when it comes to safety, and if you’re open to the idea of carrying your gun on your chest, and you think that it’s something that might work for you – go for it.

Good weight distribution makes this holster good for bigger handguns and revolvers, not only S&W M&P Shield. Some bigger guns that you might not be comfortable carrying on your waist.

The Nitty Gritty: Features & What’s In It For You

Holster Type: Chest	Carry Type: Open Carry
Holster Material: Kydex & Neoprene	Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Passive Retention	Holster Adjustability: Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: Yes	Red Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ America	Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right Handed	Warranty: ✅ Lifetime

Looks, Feel & Durability:

Comfort:

Chest holsters are great for having your handgun with you without it obstructing your movement in any way. That includes situations like sitting, riding a motorbike, outdoors, hunting, hiking, being out on a farm, etc.

Retention:

Adjustable retention for perfect fit

Safety & Protection:

Thick kydex shell custom-molded for your gun

Good protection on trigger guard & the barrel

Ease Of Concealment:

Concealed carry is possible, especially with S&W M&P Shield and similar smaller handguns. You’ll just need a good, thick jacket that avoids printing. It’s doable, but not the easiest method to concealed carry.

Gun sits tight and secure against your chest, allowing for deep concealment

They’re are mostly meant for open carry, and are not as popular as waistband holsters.

Ease Of Draw:

The holster is angled (canted) in such a way that the gun is easily accessible when you need it. The angle is not adjustable, but it’s not necessary either – very few ways you can draw while chest carrying.  

While open carrying, I can get a sub-2-second draw no problem.

If you end up wearing the holster under a jacket or similar, then your draw speed will be slower. Add 1-2 seconds to your draw speed. I’ve managed to work it down to about 3 seconds in perfect conditions. Avoid buttoned jackets, go for the zipped ones.

Customization Support:

Warranty & Returns:

Keep In Mind

For obvious reasons, a chest holster won’t work that well for most women. Especially if you’ve got some curves. It might – but not a guarantee. Without a jacket over it, it’s going to be difficult to conceal. Finally, it’s a tad bit more expensive than other holster types. 

Comfort: 5/5 | Retention: 5/5 | Protection: 5/5 | Ease Of Concealment: 3/5 | Ease Of Draw: 4/5 | Adjustability: 3/5 | Value For Money: 4.5/5

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11. Alien Gear Cloak Shoulder – Best Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Shoulder Holster

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Bottom Line Up Front

The pros of a shoulder holster are similar to those of chest holsters:

Easy access to your gun while seated

Good weight distribution on shoulders

Compatible with heavier guns

In addition to that:

It usually comes with a mag carrier on opposite side, housing 2 spare mags

Better suited for concealed carry than chest holster

These days most people who wear shoulder holsters are pilots, drivers, bodyguards & security personnel.

It’s not the best choice for beginners, and far too complicated of a setup for most people.

But if you’re an advanced shooter, or if you have any other specific reason for wanting to carry a shoulder holster – this one’s a good choice.

Note: if you already have the ShapeShift holster from Alien Gear, then all you need to do is buy the expansion pack for the shoulder rig and you’re good to go. You don’t need to buy the holster shell again.

The Nitty Gritty: Features & What’s In It For You

Holster Type: Shoulder	Carry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Kydex & Leather	Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Passive & Active Click Retention	Holster Adjustability: Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: Yes	Red Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ America	Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right Handed	Warranty: ✅ Lifetime

Looks, Feel & Durability:

Alien Gear Chest Holster is an X-harness, with the center of the X being between your shoulderblades.

The harness is a mixture of thick leather and neoprene. The bottom of the harness has two “suspenders” that attach attaches to your belt, keeping the holster fixed in place and stable while you’re moving around.

The leather is good and thick, built to last. Same with the kydex shell – it feels sturdy and doesn’t flex too much under pressure. You get good protection for your gun with adjustable passive retention.

The 2 magazine carriers are easy to use. You can even adjust the retention on them, choosing how tight you want your mags to sit. They come with a super-small allen wrench placed inside so you can adjust them on the go. A nice detail.

Comfort:

You adjust the fit with the leather straps. There’s 4 of them in total, 2 on each side. The adjustment is intuitive – anyone can do it after some practice.

Once you’ve set it up, it’s quite comfortable to carry in it.

Retention:

Safety & Protection:

Ease Of Concealment:

You’ll need a jacket for concealment. Without a jacket – while open carrying – be prepared to feel like Sylvester Stallone with this thing on your shoulders.

Ease Of Draw:

The draw is slower than with belt holsters, although you can practice that. It’s also heavier and bulkier than a belt holster, although more balanced.

Customization Support:

Warranty & Returns:

Keep In Mind

Shoulder holsters are not for everyone.

It usually takes a lot of tweaking and adjusting before you manage to make the shoulder holster work for you. As well as trying out different jackets, etc. It’s more complicated to get a comfortable fit than with other concealed carry holsters.

Concealed carrying in colder weather can be tough, as the shoulder holster will be only under one layer of fabric, and not multiple layers.

It’s impossible to draw when your chest is pressed to the ground. You’ll need to wear something to cover the holster at all times, and it’s less clothing options than with a  belt holster.

Finally there’s minor safety concerns, as when you’re pulling your gun you’re essentially sweeping the bystanders. To properly pull the gun from a shoulder holster you need proper training.

Comfort: 4/5 | Retention: 5/5 | Protection: 5/5 | Ease Of Concealment: 3/5 | Ease Of Draw: 4/5 | Adjustability: 4/5 | Value For Money: 4.5/5

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12. We The People Freedom System – Best Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Holster With Mag Holder [Modular System]

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Bottom Line Up Front

We recommend WTP Freedom System if you want to have an extra mag carrier on you with your P365. It’s similar to the Alien Gear Shapeshift above in that it’s also a modular holster. Except this one comes with an integrated magazine carrier.

You have the following configurations available:

• IWB belt & paddle carry (side, back & appendix carry)
• OWB belt & paddle carry
• Modular mag carrier for both attached/detached carry

If you do want a mag carrier with your holster AND you want flexibility, then there’s no better system that I can recommend.

If you’re not sure, you can always just go for a simple kydex IWB holster and purchase the mag carrier later if you feel that you need one.

But for flexibility & modularity, this rig is difficult to beat even at premium price that it retails for.

The Nitty Gritty: Features & What’s In It For You

Holster Type: IWB/OWB	Carry Type: Concealed & Open Carry
Holster Material: Kydex	Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Passive & Active Click Retention	Holster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: –	Red Dot/Optics Compatible: –
Made In: ✅ America	Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right Handed	Warranty: ✅ Lifetime

Looks, Feel & Durability:

The Freedom holster system comes with all the benefits of a regular kydex holster. You’re good on security, safety, and comfort. It’s got adjustable ride and cant, and it’s good for both IWB and OWB carry.

What makes this one stand out from others are its modularity and the attached mag carrier. You can carry it in different setups, with the carrier either attached the the holster, or placed separately on the other side of your waistband.

Carry configurations for this holster include:

• Appendix IWB 1 (2 tuckable clips outer edges)
• Appendix IWB 2 (1 tuckable clip center)
• Appendix IWB 3 (1 classic IWB clip)
• IWB tuckable (Tuckable)
• IWB Classic Clip
• OWB Loop
• OWB Paddle

Comfort:

The comfort is good. The adjustability of the platform will allow you to play around with different configurations and carry styles. With time, you’ll find one that works the best for you.

Retention:

Safety & Protection:

Ease Of Concealment:

Ease Of Draw:

Customization Support:

Warranty & Returns:

Keep In Mind

Having the mag carrier makes the holster a bit heavier than usual. It’s especially noticeable if you have both the mag carrier and holster attached to each other.

You can always distribute the weight around by detaching the two parts, and having the mag carrier on your side. That will make the carry lighter.

If you have limited experience concealed carrying, starting out with both the holster and a mag carrier might complicate things.

But since the mag carrier is detachable, you can just begin carrying the holster part of the platform. Attach the mag carrier once you’ve found a comfortable carry style for the holster.

Comfort: 5/5 | Retention: 5/5 | Protection: 5/5 | Ease Of Concealment: 4/5 | Ease Of Draw: 5/5 | Adjustability: 5/5 | Value For Money: 4/5

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Compare Best S&W M&P Shield Holsters

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S&W M&P Shield Holster Brands: Competition & Honorary Mentions

• Vedder LightTuck – Similar to Tulster, they really go hand-in-hand. Because we could only pick one, we picked Tulster. But Vedder makes great holsters and you won’t go wrong with getting one from them.
• Tier 1 Concealed Xiphos V2 – Same story as with Vedder, T1C is another premium kydex holster maker and we only had space for one premium kydex pick in the list. Likewise, if you go with T1C holsters you won’t regret it.
• Dara Holsters – Same as the above 2, DARA is a well-known premium kydex holster manufacturer that we couldn’t include because of limited space in this review at this time.
• Sticky Pocket Holsters – Great pocket holsters, really nothing wrong with them. We found DeSantis Nemesis a little bit stiffer than Sticky Holsters, even though it’s also a little heavier. Which is why it made it to the list in the end.
• Craft Holsters IWB Concealed – Craft is a catch all for a number of brands that build holsters in Slovakia, Italy, and a few other places in Europe. Their leather holsters are good, but not as good as WTP’s Independence. We only had one spot on our list for a leather holster, so we decided to include the better one.
• Versacarry – Versacarry is another popular holster brand. They have different models both kydex and leather, but the lackluster trigger guard on some of them and a dubious reputation (them recommending you to carry your gun unloaded) makes this brand difficult to recommend.
• Sneaky Pete – Sneaky Pete makes small holster “boxes” or “bags” that you put your gun into. They have their place, but can’t compete with IWB holsters for draw speed and convenience/concealability which is why we didn’t include them in this list.
• Galco Gunleather – Probably the most well-known leather holster manufacturer on this side of the ocean. Their holsters are good, but WTP independence and Hidden Hybrid are simply better. Nothing wrong with Galco, but we couldn’t fit them in this list.
• Crossbreed – Crossbreed holsters are “decent”, not quite up there with Vedder/Tulster/T1C, they’re more on the We The People / Concealment Express level. Since we only had one spot for that price range on the list, we didn’t include them. Especially considering they make many different types of holsters. But it’s a decent mid-range holster brand, nothing bad to say about them.
• Urban Carry – We took a look at the new Urban Carry G3 holster while researching this article. It’s basically a BWB – below the waistband – holster with the gun being located below your waistline. Slow & dangerous draw is the main reason why we can’t recommend it, see more downsides in the BWB holster section above.
• Boraii – Boraii are known for their minimalist kydex pocket holsters. The issue we encountered with them was printing, because of the unusual holster design. It actually makes your gun bigger, instead of staying the same shape of the gun. They’re more secure, but we still recommend DeSantis for most people.
• JM4 Tactical – JM4 has done some innovations with their magnetic holsters, but because of the contradictory reviews, we chose to not include them in this list at the time.
• Bravo Concealment – Known for affordable kydex OWB & IWB holsters, we can’t recommend them at this time because our research revealed some durability issues on certain models.

How To Choose A Good S&W M&P Shield Holster – Buyer’s Guide

When choosing a holster for your S&W M&P Shield – or any other firearm – a good holster will check the following boxes:

• Keeps your gun safe while you’re not using it
• Protects your gun from being dropped, bumped, and scratched
• Makes an accidental discharge impossible
• Allows you to quickly draw your gun when the situation calls for it

Here’s all you need to know about choosing a good holster.

Holster Comfort

If the holster that you buy is not comfortable enough to wear consistently… then what’s the point of having it in the first place?

Holster comfort in concealed carry depends on carrying position & the shape of your holster:

• Prefer minimalist holsters, as there’s less bulk
• Hybrid & leather holsters are softer on the body
• Appendix carry is the most comfortable carry position for most people

Unfortunately, there is no way to know whether a particular holster is going to be comfortable to wear over a long period of time before actually using it for everyday carry.

This is why we only recommend holster brands that have a good returns policy. So that you can buy it, try it, and return it if it doesn’t work for you.

Holster Concealment & Printing

If you’re concealed carrying, you don’t want your gun to be visible and “print” through your clothes.

Whether your gun prints or not will depend on your body type, clothes, holster type, material, and the activities that you do during your day.

It’s easier to conceal the gun if you wear baggy clothing.

If you like wearing tighter clothes, then a minimal IWB holster carried in the appendix (AIWB) position is your best bet to avoid printing.

If you’re carrying openly, then printing is not something you need to worry about.

Ease Of Draw, Positive Grip, Accessibility

A positive grip means that you should be able to draw your gun with one hand into a ready-to-shoot combat grip at all times.

It’s easier to achieve a positive grip with OWB and IWB waistband holsters. They require the least practice compared to shoulder holsters, for example.  

A rule of thumb is that the more concealed your holster is, the slower your speed of draw will be.

Holster Safety: 4-Point Checklist

The #1 job of your holster is to keep your S&W M&P Shield safe and secure from an accidental discharge.

Fortunately, there are 4 easy safety rules that apply to each and every holster:

1. Trigger coverage & protection
2. Stiff holster material
3. Good retention & custom holster design
4. Avoid SERPA & small of back holsters due to safety concerns

Holster Safety Rule #1: Trigger & Safety Mechanism Protection

Trigger coverage is the most basic and important part of safety for any holster. If a holster doesn’t fully cover and protect the trigger of your P365, you’re risking accidental discharge. And you’re legally responsible for every bullet that leaves your gun.

The holster should also protect the safety mechanism of your gun & prevent any movement of the hammer or the slide when the gun is holstered.

Holster Safety Rule #2: Your Holster Should Be Made Out Of Stiff Material

To properly protect both (1) your gun and (2) the trigger, your holster should be stiff & made out of rigid material. You should NOT be able to push through the material with your finger to manipulate the trigger.

That’s why we recommend kydex, polymer, and thick leather holsters above nylon/fabric ones. They’re stiff and rigid, and don’t bend. They’re also not collapsible, meaning there’s less risk of something getting into the holster and accidentally touching the trigger when you’re reholstering.

Nylon and fabric holsters are hit-and-miss, and can be dangerous. We don’t recommend them unless you have specific needs for concealed carry (e.g. pocket holsters).

Holster Safety Rule #3: Prefer Customized Holsters With Good Retention

Retention is the friction that keeps your gun secure inside of the holster. The way to test retention is by turning your holster upside-down. If your gun stays in place, then you’ve got plenty of retention. Even if you get knocked over, your gun stays safe.

The easiest way to get the best retention is to buy holster custom made for S&W M&P Shield. Generic ones will fit many different guns, but not a single one of them properly.

For concealed carry, we’re usually talking about level 1 and level 2 retention:

• Passive retention (level 1): The friction between the holster and your gun. The tightness of passive retention is adjustable on most holsters.
• Active “click” retention (level 2): You’ll hear a “click” when holstering. There’s an additional mechanism inside the holster keeping your gun in place.

Retention Level 3 and level 4 are usually reserved for law enforcement and open carry:

• Duty Holster Retention (level 3 and level 4): Holsters that come with retention devices, such as manual straps, covers and thumb breaks for extra security. Holsters with retention straps are mostly used by police and law enforcement, which is why they’re called duty holsters. They slow down your draw speed, but keep someone from using your own gun against you. 

Holster Safety Rule #4: Avoid Blackhawk SERPA & Small Of Back Holsters

Blackhawk SERPA holsters are notorious for accidental discharges, in addition to having a shabby build quality. There’s a high risk of shooting yourself in the foot – or worse – if you decide to use one of those.

Serpa’s active retention system is the problem – the small button that you press to release the gun is located in line with the trigger. Many people have shot themselves while applying pressure in line with trigger while drawing.

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center has already banned the holster, as have most large police departments, LAPD etc. But it’s still available for anyone to buy on Amazon. So if you see any of your friends using it, please do them a favor and tell them about this.

S&W M&P Shield Holster Types & Carry Styles

OWB (Outside The Waistband) Holsters [Belt, Paddle, Pancake]

OWB holsters are carried outside of the waistband mounted on your belt, or between your belt and your body.

Usually carried in the 4 o’clock position (side carry) but there are other options available (cross-draw, small of the back). 

OWB holsters are usually carried openly, although you can concealed one under a long shirt or a jacket.

The pros of OWB holsters are better durability (made out of thicker material) and a faster draw speed.

IWB/AIWB (Inside The Waistband / Appendix) Holsters

IWB is the most common type of holster for concealed carry. You can carry most IWB holsters in two positions:

• Side carry (4 o’clock, also known as hip carry)
• Appendix carry (1 o’clock, front of your body where appendix is located)

If you’re just getting started with concealed carry, getting a simple minimalist IWB holster is the best choice you can make. They’re reliable, easy to conceal, lightweight and easier to access than most other concealed carry holsters.

Appendix Rigs (AIWB Holster With A Mag Carrier)

Appendix rig is a type of an IWB holster with a mag carrier attached to it that is meant to be carried in the appendix position.

Shoulder Holsters

Shoulder holsters are usually made of leather and can be difficult to set up right. If you want to ccw with a shoulder holster, you need to keep your jacket on at all times. They’re difficult to get right, and aren’t a good concealed carry option for most people.

Pros of shoulder holsters include:

• Comfortable to wear, weight distributed on shoulders
• Good for both sitting and standing
• Most fit 2 spare magazines along with your handgun
• Fast draw speed with appropriate clothing
• Suitable for many different handguns

There are two types of shoulder holsters – vertical for bigger guns (barrel pointed to the ground) and horizontal for smaller guns (barrel pointed behind the wearer).

Chest Holsters

Chest holsters are similar to shoulder holsters, but the gun is located on your chest instead of under your shoulder. A chest holster is easier to set up than a shoulder holster, but more difficult to conceal. They’re good for having access to your gun without it obstructing your movement – while motorcycling or hiking, for example.

Belly Band Holsters

Belly band is basically a wide neoprene belt that you attach your gun to that goes around your body. They might look comfortable, but:

• It’s difficult to get a belly band tight enough to keep the gun secured in place.
• Carrying a belly band can get sweaty real fast.
• Slower draw speed when compared to a waistband holster. 
• Cheaper belly-bands don’t secure or protect your gun properly.

Small Of Back Holsters (Outside The Waistband)

A small of back holster is carried on the back of your belt, placing the gun directly behind you. We didn’t include any small of back holsters in our list because there are serious safety & comfort issues with them that include:

• Spinal injury risk if you slip and fall on your gun
• Drawing is extremely difficult to execute safely
• Uncomfortable when sitting
• Difficulty reholstering the gun, accidental discharge risk higher (as you don’t see the holster)
• Slower draw speed

Small of back holsters have been banned by many police departments across the U.S. because of the above points.

Thigh / Drop Leg Holsters

Similar to the traditional OWB hip holster, a thigh (drop leg) holster is an open carry holster carried on your thigh.

The gun is easy to access, the draw speed is good. The weight of the gun is also moved away from your waist to your thigh.

Drop leg holsters are preferred by the law enforcement and the military. Their body armor (plate carrier) obstructs the hip, so the gun has to be moved down to the thigh.

Ankle holsters

Ankle holsters are popular in movies for concealed carry scenes. But they come with many downsides that make them a bad choice for carrying your main gun:

• Slow draw speed
• Impossible to draw while running/moving
• Gun gets dirty because of dust, needs more cleaning
• Need to wear loose & long pants at all times

Ankle holsters are good for carrying a backup gun, if you think that you need one. They’re better suited for smaller handguns.

Holster Materials: Kydex vs. Leather vs. Fabric vs. Hybrid

Kydex, Polymer, Boltaron Holsters

Kydex, polymer and boltaron are different forms of hard plastic. It’s the best holster material for beginners.

These hard holsters are more durable, affordable, and customizable than leather & fabric. They’re usually custom-molded to the gun, and come with most features available.

Since the hard-material holster doesn’t collapse when you draw your gun, it’s easier to reholster safely with one hand.

Depending on your body type, they can be less comfortable than leather or nylon. Usually this can be fixed by moving the holster into appendix position.

Leather Holsters

Leather is softer than plastic and changes shape with time. For that reason, leather holsters can be more comfortable than kydex holsters.

Downsides of leather holsters include:

• It’s not waterproof
• Less adjustable & customizable
• More difficult reholstering, as the holster doesn’t keep its shape as well as kydex
• Usually limited to level 1 passive retention
• Will take a bit more maintenance with cleaning, washing, etc.
• You’ll need to make 100-150 draws to fully break in a leather holster

With that being said, the good expensive leather holsters will also last you years. If not longer.

Fabric Holsters [Ballistic Nylon, Polymer]

They’re cheap and convenient, but unless you specifically need your holster to be made out of nylon or cordura, we don’t recommend using them for the following reasons:

• Often generic, not molded to individual gun models (less retention)
• Collapse when pulling out the gun (more difficult to reholster)
• Trigger protection lacking in some cases (if the fabric is thin)

When buying fabric holsters, prefer verified brands like DeSantis. Fabric thigh holsters are often used in the military.

Hybrid Holsters

Hybrid holster is a holster that is made out of 2 different materials. Usually, it’s a kydex shell to house your gun with leather or polyamide around it.

The idea is that you’re getting all the security features of kydex, while still having a softer fabric touching your body for comfort. 

The downside of holsters is that they’re usually more bukly and heavy than full kydex or full leather models. The increase in weight is there, but not noticeable when the gun is holstered.

Note: On cheaper hybrid models, retention and draw issues are possible because of the softer material stretching out, or getting in the way of a draw. That’s not the case with the holsters we included in this review.

Different Holster $$$ Price Points: What To Expect

It’s difficult to put holsters on a price scale. Different types of holsters end up being at different price points. Still, here’s a rough scale that I came up with. Along with what you can find at that price, as well as the sweet-spot when it comes to quality & value.

Prices Ranging $0 – $20

• What you’ll find: Cheapest of the cheap nylon holsters – pocket, waistband, chest, belly band, ankle.
• Recommendations: Avoid everything, these holsters don’t protect your gun and are dangerous to carry. DeSantis and similar pocket holsters the only exception.

Prices Ranging $20 – $50

• What you’ll find: Many cheaper kydex and polymer holsters in this range.
• Recommendations: Avoid unless from a reputable brand (usually on discount) and pay a little bit extra to jump to the next tier.

Prices Ranging $50 – $70

• What you’ll find: Sweet spot for kydex waistband holsters when it comes to quality & value for money. Many premium brands around this range – we the people, vedder, tulster, rounded gear, etc.
• Recommendations: Good range for purchasing holsters, you should be targeting this price range to begin with.  

Prices Ranging $70 – $100

• What you’ll find: Sweet spot for hybrid holsters., more premium kydex holsters, leather holsters. Brands like hidden hybrid, crossbreed, etc.
• Recommendations: Good range for a hybrid holster, or a starter leather holster.

Prices $100 +

• What you’ll find: Specialist holsters – chest, shoulder, etc. Premium handmade leather holsters. Custom-made holsters. Ultra-premium kydex models – Tier 1 concealed, etc.
• Recommendations: Probably anything you’ll buy at this price range will be good, so you’re set. Premium product all around. Very difficult to go wrong.

S&W M&P Shield Concealed Carry Tips

Concealed carry is not easy. You will need an adjustment period unless you want your license to get revoked for some stupid stuff.

You’ll need to:

• Review the clothing that you wear day-to-day
• Find a holster that works for you and your lifestyle (IWB for most)
• Get used to having your gun on you in public places
• Review the activities you do while carrying

Note: Here’s a short list of F.A.Q.’s to give you the rundown on concealed carry.

You might even have to get a new gun, if your current one is too big for concealed carry.

Then there’s practice. To use your gun effectively when the need arises. That includes:

• Regular maintenance of your gun and ammunition. Many folks carry the same magazine for 2 years, not realizing that primers and powder are susceptible to extreme heat, cold, and moisture. Changing carry ammo every 6 months is a good rule of thumb.
• Proper grip while drawing
• Practicing basic extraction and reholstering
• One-shot drills
• Accuracy practice
• Speed draws
• Threat focusing

F.A.Q.

Is S&W M&P Shield Good For Concealed Carry Gun?

S&W M&P Shield is a micro-compact 9mm pistol that is probably the most popular concealed carry gun in the United states. It’s a polymer frame striker-fired design with a stainless steel slide assembly.

Is it a good concealed carry gun?

Without a doubt, S&W M&P Shield or one of its variations is one of the best guns you can use for concealed carry. I’m not the only one who thinks that way – last I checked the P365 was still holding top rankings in most concealed carry gun lists.  

Because of its small size, every holster type will work well with S&W M&P Shield. That includes holsters meant for smaller handguns – such as ankle or pocket holsters – that you would have a hard time carrying with full-sized guns.

S&W M&P Shield comes in the following variations:

• P365 Micro 9
• P365 XL
• P365-380
• P365 SAS
• P365 X
• P365 XMACRO

Because of their size differences, the same holster won’t fit different variations of the P365. So make sure that the holster manufacturer supports your specific model of S&W M&P Shield before buying.

What Are A Holster’s Ride & Cant? Which Cant Is Best?

To keep things short:

• Holster’s cant is the holster’s angle.
• Holsters’s ride is the holster’s height.

The below chart shows different cant and ride combinations of most waistband holsters:

As you can see, there are three main cant types you can use on most waistband holsters:

• Neutral Cant: The holster is pointing straight. There is no angle. The top of the holster is directly above the bottom of the holster. This cant is great for carrying on the side of your hip and on your strong side. Drawing from this position is a natural movement and is comfortable.
• Positive/Forward Cant (also known as the FBI cant): The grip of the holster is angled forward. This is best used on your strong side, usually in the 4 o’clock or kidney postion.
• Negative/Reverse Cant: The grip of the holster is angled backward. This position makes gripping your gun easier when carrying cross-draw or appendix. The grip will be shifted toward your hand for easier drawing.

In most cases you’ll be using either neutral or positive cant.

As for which one’s the best –

You’ll have to experiment with both to see which one you find more natural. When starting out, you can’t go wrong with a neutral cant.

And the same goes for the holster’s ride (height):

Experiment and see what works best for you. You will notice differences with draw speed, concealment, and comfort.

• Higher ride will usually give you a faster draw. The downside is that it potentially compromises on comfort & concealment. Not always, though.
• Lower ride can be better for concealment and comfort. Especially with appendix carry. But again – no way of knowing it without trying out first.

Most of the holsters on our list come with adjustable ride and height.

Parting Shots & Loose Rounds

Whew.

We really went overboard with this one.

So I’ll be brief here.

Hope we helped you find the right holster for your S&W M&P Shield.

… Did we, though?

Let us know what you think in the comments.