{Top 5} Best Glock 17 Holster Reviews{2023 UPDATED}

To be honest, the Glock wasn’t the first company to build the first polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol, actually, it was Heckler & Koch with their Volkspistole or VP70 for short. On the other hand, the Glock 17 was the handgun that started the polymer pistol era and the design that revolutionized the pistol industry.

At 22.04 oz unloaded, the G17 is lighter than most metal framed semi-autos of the time.

Designated as the 17th patent of Herr Gaston Glock, an Austrian engineer, a G17 was released in 1982 for the Austrian military trials. The full-sized Austrian handgun features modified Browning`s single swinging link and barrel locking system and uses double-stacked magazines with a capacity of 17 rounds.

Designed for military and law enforcement the G17 has a 4.49″ barrel and comes with two internal safeties and one external in form of a safe action trigger to help prevent accidental discharges.

Despite being designed as a military sidearm, Glock 17 became extremely popular among the civilian gun community and one of the most popular handguns on the American market.

Over time, the Glock has improved and upgraded its 40 years old polymer-framed semi-auto. Today, the evolution came up to the 5th generation of Glock 17.

The latest-generation variant of the company’s flagship pistol is instantly recognizable by the inclusion of an ambidextrous slide release, making it incompatible with previous generations’ holsters.

What to Consider Before Buying a Holster for Your G17

Without, a doubt, a Glock 17 is one of the most popular firearms for personal and home protection or range shooting. Being the most favorite handgun platform in the United States, there is a sheer quantity of available carrying rigs for the Glock 17.

There are many holsters available in a wide range of styles, but since the G17 is a full-size 9mm handgun, it is perfect for open carry in Outside Waistband holsters (OWB).

Aside from the typical law enforcement-style rigs, there is a number of OWB holsters small enough to work as concealed under a sport coat or even a loose-fitting shirt.

Though Glock 17 might not be the best sidearm for concealed carry, you have a lot of Concealed Carry holster options designed for Inside Waistband (IWB) carry .

While choosing a Glock 17 carrying rig has to do with personal preference, for most CCW owners, an IWB carry is the most popular carry option by far.

The IWB carrying style would allow you to keep the carry holster with Glock inside the belt whereas the shirt should be tucked over it to completely conceal the gun.

The alternative holster types such as belly band , pocket , and ankle holster are less popular due to the G17’s relatively large package and limited draw speed.

The other styles like shoulder holsters would require you to wear a suit every day.

Holster material

The holster materials are the next consideration you should look at. The leather, as traditional holster material, may not be the ideal solution as the Glock 17 is already bulky. You can choose some synthetic materials like polymers, neoprene, or Cordura. From the concealment and durability standpoint, the lightweight polymer or Kydex holsters with slim profiles are a very good choice.

The quality-made holsters from Kydex are perfectly molded to your Glock 17, which results in reliable retention while they will provide the fastest draw speeds.

Comfort and Concealment

When selecting a Glock 17 holster, comfort and concealment should be top priorities. Carrying a firearm can be uncomfortable if the holster doesn’t fit well or doesn’t distribute the weight properly. Look for holsters that are specifically designed for the Glock 17 model and consider options that offer adjustable retention and ride height. Additionally, choose holsters made from materials that are comfortable against your skin, such as neoprene or padded leather.

Retention and Security

One of the primary functions of a holster is to securely hold your Glock 17 in place, providing reliable retention. The last thing you want is for your firearm to accidentally slip out or be easily accessible to others. Look for holsters that offer adjustable retention mechanisms, such as adjustable screws or retention straps, allowing you to customize the level of retention according to your preference. Holsters with audible clicks or retention locks can provide an extra layer of security.

Draw Speed and Accessibility

In self-defense situations, quick and smooth draw speed can be crucial. When choosing a Glock 17 holster, consider how easily and quickly you can draw your firearm from the holster. Look for holsters with an open-top design or holsters that offer easy access to the grip of the Glock 17. Additionally, adjustable cant angles can help optimize your draw speed and accessibility by allowing you to position the holster at the most convenient angle for your preferred draw technique.

Other considerations

When choosing the best Glock 17 holster, the next few things you need to take into account would be weather, your attire, gun security, and draw preferences.

If you are living in cooler climates, you might prefer the OWB holsters. For gun owners from warmer climates, as you might guess the top choice tends to be iwb holsters.

The carrying style also depends on the type of clothes you like to wear. If you prefer a casual wearing style with baggy shirts and pants, the OWB holster can be ideal. In case you have some type of dress code, then you should look at IWB or similar rigs.

For the active lifestyle, you need a gun holster with some retention device that guarantees security yet allows for a quick draw.

With a ton of different types of holsters for Glock 17 on the market, you should select a proper one that will suit your lifestyle and shooting style while it allows you to carry your Glock 17 in a comfortable, safe, and convenient manner.

Best Glock 17 Holster Reviews and Guides

1. We The People Holsters

Right Hand – IWB Holster Compatible with Glock 17 22 31 w/ Streamlight TLR-1/1S/HL

We the People Holsters is an already established U.S. brand in the arms and ammunition industry. WTP Holsters are specialized in firearms accessories, but their beautiful minimalist holsters made of Kydex are the most popular products.

We The People’s Glock 17 IWB is a compact and specifically designed Kydex IWB holster to fit your G17 MOS. The Glock 17 MOS RDS Red Dot IWB Holster by We The People Holsters has an optics cut making it compatible with micro red dot sights.

This inside the waistband holster is made of .08-inch Kydex material and is formed to snuggly fit your Glock 17, 22 and 31 of Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5.

With minimal Kydex material used and specifically molded to G17, this holster is only three ounces heavy to give you a comfortable fit and maximum concealment.

The We The People holster is packed with features like fully adjustable retention, cant and ride height of your rig.

Unlike cheaper holsters with “loose” clips, the selling point of the We The People holster is its adjustable strong and sturdy clip. Being adjustable from 0 to 15 degrees, it allows you to carry a gun in up to 8 different positions and at different cant and rides.

Like all holsters, the WTP-01A 1000-R is an open-end muzzle design with a fully covered barrel and hand-buffed edges to avoid sharpness.

We The People’s Glock 17 IWB holster has a protective sweat guard to keep the slide of your G17 clean and sweat-free. The WTP holsters retention system provides an audible click when your gun is fully holstered.

These gun holsters are available in 27 unique colors including patriotic, 2A, Camo, and colored patterns.

Reasonable priced and covered by a WTP lifetime warranty, these little holsters are great for civilian discreet self-protection and law enforcement plainclothes officers.

Pros 

• Long-lasting
• Easy to carry
• Various unique design
• Inexpensive 
• Made in America

Cons

• The durability reduces after a year of usage
• Delay in delivery

2. Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster

Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster for Concealed Carry – Custom Fit to Your Gun (Select Pistol Size) – Right or Left Hand – Full Cant and Ride Height Adjustable

For sure, a Glock 17 isn’t the best gun for concealed carry, but you can find some holsters that stand up in the comfort department such as Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5. This inside-the-waistband holster features a hybrid design utilizing a combination of metal, leather and Kydex.

The Cloak Tuck 3.5 sports a completely modern multi-layer holster base consisting of a steel liner placed within the woven ballistic nylon backer.

The combination of a neoprene backer with inserted tough spring steel core provides enough rigidity to create a strong platform on the waist and enhances the strength of the holster itself.

While the edges of the holster are bound with a stitched textile, a perforated CoolVent backer provides ventilation and lets the skin breathe.

Alien Gear’s new Cloak Tuck 3.5 design is famous for offering all-day comfort for concealed carry.

Along with a durable, flexible holster base, the other part of this IWB hybrid holster is a custom-molded polymer retention shell. AlienGear produces these thermoplastic shells for more than 500 handgun makes and models.

Though not the smallest IWB holster on the market, Alien Gear’s Cloak Tuck 3.5 attaches to your belt with 2 clips designed to ride low inside your waistband.

Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster is fully adjustable meaning you can adjust the height, cant (angle), and retention.

It can be a little bulky for wearing at the 3 o’clock position, but keeping it at 4 o’clock would be perfect.

Pros

• The Glock holster prohibits anyone except the owner from drawing the gun.
• The button controlling the thumb lock and trigger is placed inside the holster for easy use.

Cons

• Concealed carry is not readily achievable 

3. Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster

Relentless Tactical makes several leather holsters, both IWB and belt slot holsters, but our suggestion for Glock 17 is the Defender Leather Holster, an ultimate “inside the waistband” concealed carry holster.

A combination of ultra-modern polymer striker-fired semi-automatics like Glock 17 and holsters made of traditional, classic materials like leather can be quite efficient and effective. A real prof for that is Relentless Tactical leather holsters.

The Defender is a smooth leather holster crafted from the premium grade bull hide leather and somewhat molded to a specific pistol or revolver. Relentless Tactical offers this sturdy holster in three colors Whiskey Barrel Brown, Midnight Black, and Charred Oak.

This high-quality leather holster doesn’t have any retention device but it relies on pressure from the waistband.

The Defender features a reinforced mouth of the holster that maintains its shape when the pistol is drawn and aids in re-holstering

The Relentless Tactical IWB holster comes with a sturdy, metal J-clip on the back, to allow you to carry your G17 in different carry positions, including hip and appendix.

Like all leather holsters, the rig from the Relentless Tactical requires a short break-in period for perfect fit and comfort.

Relentless Tactical provides a lifetime guarantee on all their leather products.

Pros

• A buckle clip that fits and adjusts to any bad situation.
• It uses core spring metal
• It reinforces more than 500 handguns

Cons

• It is not simple to put on or take off

4. Orpaz OWB LEVEL 2 PADDLE Holster

The Orpaz holsters come from an Israeli manufacturer who supplies the Israeli defense force and police. In other words, the Orpaz holsters are battle-proven designs, which are sturdy and incredibly versatile.

Orpaz OWB Level II Holster is constructed from tough, abrasion-resistant nylon 6 polymer material.

The Glock Level 2 paddle holster is part of Orpaz outside the waistband (OWB) holster C-series. As its name says, this OWB holster comes with a paddle that slides into your waistband. The paddle is like a holster made of rugged, lightweight polymer and it is slightly curved to the natural shape of your body.

The paddle holster comes in a 2-piece design, making it fully adjustable with a full 360-degree rotation.

Whether you carry the Orpaz in a cross-draw, small-of-back (SOB), or strong-side carry style, its thumb release mechanism will provide you perfect retention and prevent anyone but the owner from drawing his/her Glock 17.

A thumb lock and release button located on the inner part of the gun pouch will provide a Level 2 retention and ensure the firearm stays secure in the holster.

The Orpaz Glock Level 2 Holster is designed as an OWB paddle holster, and since it is bulkier than the average IWB holster, it would be more challenging for concealed carry.

Pros

• One of the best Glock 17 holsters that guarantee excellent firmness. 
• Durability
• Safe and secure
• Easy to use

Cons

• Not firm when placed at the back

5. Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster

No one products overview list isn’t complete without IWB Kydex holsters made by Concealment Express.

The Concealment Express kydex holster is purpose-built to allow you comfortably carry the full-sized G17 tucked inside the waistband.

It is a hand-molded holster made of extremely thin Kydex material with holster walls 1/8th of an inch thick. It means that such a small and slim IWB holster weighs only 2 ½ ounces.

The minimalist design means the holster possesses only one, but extremely rugged and well-designed belt clip. The fiber-reinforced stealth belt clip achieves an excellent grip to anchor onto your waistband.

The durable belt clip also provides you fully adjustable ride and carry angle within a range of -5 to 20 degrees.

That feature enables you a variety of carrying styles allowing you to wear G17 in almost any location on the waistline, including Appendix Carry (strong or weak side cross draw) as well as behind-the-hip or small of the back.

The Concealment Express Tuckable IWB Kydex Holster features Posi-Click retention which notifies you when your gun is securely holstered, thanks to an audible click sound.

The Concealment Express was one of the first to introduce the Claw Compatibility mechanism with new CE IWB holsters. The claw eliminates any printing and brings you significantly closer to deep concealment.

Pros

• Easy to carry
• Features for safety
• Its design pattern is unique and very firm on the belt.
• Warranty for Life

Cons

• Exposes the magazine release of guns

What Gives Rise to a Decent Holster For a Glock 17?

Below is what makes a weapon’s best holster: 

1. Strong Material

Select the best holsters that will stand the test of time. Leather has been used for holsters for some time now, but it’s not the most affordable or eco-friendly choice. A holster made of polymer materials like Kydex is a solid fit for stability and durability.

2. Easy to Carry and Convenient

Since the Glock 17 is weighty, you also need a less heavy holster to make it easier to move. Think about holsters that fit your body structure, so the gun doesn’t poke you. Most of the time, Kydex holsters are not heavier than leather ones. But they tend to be stiff, making them more likely to cut than leather holsters.

3. Pull the Gun With Ease

Lastly, a good Glock 17 holster should make it easy to draw your gun quickly. Having a holster that makes it hard to get the weapon out goes against the primary reason for carrying it. 

Best Glock 17 Holster Material

1. Kydex

Kydex holsters do not get scratched or leaked. Their surfaces cause a little friction, and they keep their shape better than holsters made of other materials. This material doesn’t wear down over time as leather does. The biggest problem with Kydex is that it doesn’t bend, so it’s not as convenient as leather.

2. Leather 

One of the most basic materials used to make gun holsters is leather. It fits well and holds the gun securely, and there’s no denying that it looks stylish. Leather can be used in various ways in a holster. It is the best material to use for concealed carry holsters.

3. Synthetic

Besides leather and Kydex, another most popular material for holsters is synthetics. Synthetic holsters are made of hard and strong plastic. Not all synthetic holsters are the same quality, so it’s wise to check to find the product that fits your requirements best.

4. Nylon

Even though it’s cheap, it’s not secure, dependable, or long-lasting. Nylon holsters are too soft and easy to bend to carry a gun safely. Depending on the brand you want, other materials work better for this kind of holster.

5. Hybrid

One of the most well-known hybrids is leather and Kydex. Because leather is smooth, it is often used for the inside lining and the back of the holster. If you genuinely don’t know which material and advantages are best for you, a hybrid might be the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How do I Keep a Glock 17 on Me?

You should do two important things:

• Get a license to carry a gun.
• Pick one of the best holsters for concealed carry from the list above.

If this is your first time carrying a Glock 17 concealed,  go for either the Concealment Express or the Orpaz OWB level 2 paddle holster.

2. Should the Best Holster be Canted or Angled?

There is no right or wrong way. This is because people have different tastes regarding angles or cants. Most holsters have a cant or tip that can be changed, so the easiest way is to attempt it out for yourself and see how comfortable you are with a Glock pistol using a Glock 17.

3. Are there any Differences in the Glock Holsters From Generations Three Through Five?

There is no unique difference. The Glock 17 has been around for a long time, but its shape hasn’t changed much. Gen 3 and Gen 5 look the same as Gen 4. Despite this, any holster produced for a Glock 17 will work with any version.

Final thought

If you intend to carry concealed Glock 17 , consider a holster with an adjustable carrying angle (cant) and a decent draw speed. No need to say, the best holsters have to be specifically molded to your gun, G17 in this case.

Compared to standard military sidearms, you’ll be able to carry a Glock 17 in a proper concealed holster without visual printing under your clothes.

Of course, your preferred holster type will depend on your lifestyle and your carry intentions.

In the very end, reading guides like ours should help you to make a better-informed decision.