Are you looking for in depth reviews of the best Glock 26 holsters on the market?

Then you’ve come to the right place.

The Glock 26, or G26, is the subcompact little brother to one of the most popular self-defense weapons, the Glock 19. Like the Glock 19, the Glock 26 is great for everyday carry, especially concealed carry, thanks to its small size and 9x19mm chambering.

9mm Luger is, after all, one of the most popular self-defense rounds (if not the most popular) for a reason. 9mm balances recoil and stopping power, though you’ll get more recoil with the little Glock 26 than with its big brothers, the Glock 17 and Glock 19.

All in all, the Glock 26 is a great little gun to carry by itself or as a backup gun for the Glock 17 or Glock 19, especially since all three can use the same magazines.

But to carry your Glock 26, you need the right holster.

Since the G26 is so easy to conceal, most of your readers are probably looking for a concealed carry holster. For that reason, most of the holsters on here are highly concealable. However, they can generally be used for open carry as well, if that’s what you prefer.

Now let’s dive right into the recommendations.

Top 7 Best Glock 26 Holsters Reviews

1. Alien Gear ShapeShift Core Carry Pack

The Alien Gear ShapeShift Core Carry Pack is really more of a set than a single holster, thanks to Alien Gear’s ShapeShift Modular Holster System.

It includes one injection-molded holster shell and four bases to make four different holsters: IWB holster, appendix carry holster, OWB belt slide, and OWB paddle holster. Simply move the shell to the base you want to use.

The IWB holster is great for concealed carry. It’s similar to the popular Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0, with two discreet belt clips that distribute your gun’s weight and allow you to adjust the holster’s cant and ride height without tools. It also has a vented neoprene base for comfort and breathability, and a stainless steel core to provide structure.

The appendix carry holster is another good IWB holster. Like the IWB holster, it has a vented neoprene base, but it also has a single belt clip, an adjustable passive retention system, and an optional thumb release.

On the OWB holster side of the things, the belt slide holster is slender enough for open or concealed carry. The rigid polymer belt slides don’t sag over time like leather belt slide holsters, while the back panel shape helps prevent the holster from catching on your clothing.

Finally, the paddle holster is excellent for open carry. There’s a retention lip on the paddle to keep it in place, so it won’t slide and can’t be taken off your waistband by force. It also has an optional ergonomic thumb release for active retention and features adjustable cant.

All of these bases feature a single mounting point, which minimizes printing and allows the bases to flex to fit your body.

The ShapeShift Core Carry Pack includes the four most popular ShapeShift bases, but you can also buy expansion packs for more carry options. You can pair the same holster shell with expansions for belly band, ankle, backpack, car, shoulder, pocket, MOLLE, and drop leg holsters .

And if you don’t want all four backings, each of the holsters in this pack can also be bought individually, either as a complete holster with the base and shell, or just the base if you already have a shell.

Whichever route you go, the holster shell and backings can be used with any generation of Glock 26.

3. Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster for Glock 26/27/33

The Concealment Express IWB kydex holster is a wildly popular IWB holster, and for good reason: Concealment Express did a great job including features to take this holster to the next level.

For example, it has an undercut trigger guard to provide full trigger coverage, while also reducing the bulk of the holster and making it easier to draw your weapon. A sweat guard protects your gun from moisture and also has a rear sight shield.

There’s a channel along the top of the holster to make room for suppressor height sights, while the open-face allows for threaded barrels. These traits make this holster a great option for modified and copycat Glocks. It also works with all generations of OEM Glocks though.

Another useful feature is the “Posi-Click” retention system. It makes an audible click when your gun is properly holstered, so you know that your weapon is secure. The level of retention is adjustable, as is the holster’s cant.

The belt clip isn’t as discreet as some others, but it’s still easy to hide. It’s fiber-reinforced for strength and accommodates belts up to 1.5 inches wide.

You can also switch it out for a tuckable belt loop or pull-the-dot soft belt loop kit (both sold separately) for a less noticeable alternative. And if you need a wider alternative, Concealment Express also makes 1.75 inch versions of the tuckable belt loop and the belt clip .

Another optional add-on worth taking a look at is the Concealment Express Holster Claw Kit , which helps minimize printing.

Despite all these features, the Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster is one of the most lightweight, low profile holsters on the market. The Kydex is just .08 inches thick and the holster weighs just three ounces.

This holster is also extremely versatile. It can be used for appendix carry, strong side carry, hip carry, back carry, and cross draw carry.

4. Galco Triton Kydex IWB Holster for Glock 26, 27, 33

Galco is best known for its leather holster, but the Triton Kydex IWB Holster reflects that same level of quality.

It’s a pretty simple, low-profile holster without too many extra bells and whistles, but it does its job well.

The cant and retention are adjustable, and it has a sweat guard to protect your skin from the hard gun and your gun from sweat. The plastic belt clip fits belts up to 1.75 inches wide, so it can accommodate a huge variety of belts.

Other than that, there’s not much to be said about this effective little holster.

But there is one last thing to note: this holster only fits Gen 3 through 5 Glocks, so if your G26 is older, you’ll be better off with a different IWB holster.

5. Comp-Tac I-Ultra Max IWB Holster

I know, I know. Yet another IWB holster?

The Comp-Tac I-Ultra Max is a little bit different from the other ones that we’ve talked about, though, in that it’s a hybrid holster.

The holster body is made out of Kydex, to provide protection for your gun and to make it easier to draw and holster. The back panel is made from two layers of leather so it’s comfortable and flexible.

Basically, you get the best of both Kydex and leather in a single holster.

The single polymer clip makes it easier to put the holster on. It also lets you adjust the cant of the holster, allowing you to choose between a reverse cant, forward cant, or straight drop speed cant. It can accomodate belts up to 1.5 inches wide, but you can also switch it out for a 1.75 inch belt clip.

The shell itself features adjustable retention, but it’s also interchangeable. If you buy a different shell, you can use the same holster for your other guns too.

Comp-Tac makes the I-Ultra Max for all Glock generations, but Gen 5 and Gen 1-4 require different holsters, so make sure you’re getting the right holster for your particular Glock.

6. Galco Ankle Glove Ankle Holster for Glock 26, 27, 33

This next recommendation gives us a break from the iwb holsters.

The Glock 26 is small enough that it’s pretty ideally suited for ankle carry. Ankle holsters are an excellent option for when waistband carry, for whatever reason, isn’t a viable option, or for carrying a backup gun when your waistband is already taken up by your primary sidearm.

As far as ankle holsters go, the Galco Ankle Glove is pretty ideally suited for carrying the Glock 26.

The Galco Ankle Glove is made from the premium leather that Galco is known for. The band, on the other hand, is made from neoprene so it’s comfortable and breathable. It secures around the ankle with velcro. On the inside of the band, behind the holster shell, there’s soft sheepskin to provide padding.

The Ankle Glove stays in place pretty well on its own, but for additional support, Galco also makes a calf strap . The ankle band of this holster accommodates ankles up to 13 inches around. The Galco Boot Extender , however, can be used to accommodate larger ankles or to allow you to wear the holster over boots.

To keep the gun itself in place, the Ankle Glove has a leather retention strap. The noise of velcro closures can give away your position in a tactical situation, so the Ankle Glove has a snap closure for nearly silent unholstering.

The Ankle Glove fits Glock 26 pistols from Glock generations 3 through 5, like the Galco Triton Kydex IWB Holster .

7. Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster 

We do have one last IWB holster recommendation, but this one is for those of you who want an all leather IWB holster rather than a Kydex IWB holster or hybrid IWB holster.

The Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster is another holster with a pretty simple design.

It’s available in three colors, Midnight Black, Whiskey Barrel Brown, and Charred Oak. No matter which color you choose, though, the soft, smooth bullhide allows for a comfortable fit and fast draw.

Since it’s not made of form fitting Kydex, this holster is also more versatile than the others for what guns you can use it with. The Defender fits most 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP handguns, so it’s great if you don’t carry the same gun every day or if you want to be able to switch guns at the range while keeping the same holster.

The steel belt clip is sturdy but discreet.

And that’s about all there is to this simple, but high quality little holster.

8. Galco Classic Lite Shoulder Holster System

Finally, our list wouldn’t be complete without a shoulder holster.

The Galco Classic Lite Shoulder Holster System is made out of the high quality leather, including both the straps and the holster body.

The holster body positions the gun horizontally, allowing for a fast and easy draw. You can have the holster body positioned on either the right or left side, so it doesn’t matter if you shoot with your right or left hand.

To keep the holster balanced and make sure you have plenty of backup ammo, the other side of the holster system has a pair of magazine pouches.

This is especially advantageous with the Glock 26 because its subcompact size means a limited number of rounds compared to the compact Glock 19 and full-sized Glock 17. The magazine pouches will fit up to full size OEM mags, too.

Speaking of fitting other things, you can use this same holster for more than just your Glock 26. It will also fit a variety of other Glocks, including Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 pistols.

As for the harness, it has 1.5 inch wide straps, so the straps shouldn’t dig into your shoulders. The harness accommodates chests up to 54 inches around, but has no chest strap to help with concealment. The Flexalon back plate ensures that the harness flexes with your body for a comfortable, secure fit.

The holster is compatible with a wide variety of Galco shoulder holster accessories. In particular, we recommend pairing it with Galco tie-downs to help keep the harness in place and, if you’re practicing concealed carry, well hidden.

Like the other Galco Glock 26 holsters, the Galco Classic Lite Shoulder Holster fits Glock generations 3 through 5.

8 Common Mistakes Newbies Make with Glock 26 Holsters

There are several mistakes many newbies make when they buy their first Glock 26 holster. To avoid learning the hard way, read through the entire article to examine eight of these mistakes. This list will be highly informative, leading to a safe and stress-free experience with all the best concealed carry holster you will buy.

The list of these common mistakes includes:

1. Lack of the Right Mindset and Inspiration

Before owning a weapon, you must maintain a high level of responsibility. You will be accountable for any shooting and need to have the right mindset, which entails the right attitude and belief set. Belief and attitude are responsible for our behavior and how we deal with circumstances. When you carry a firearm, you must not induce conflicts. Undoubtedly, disciplines come with owning a firearm!

2. Inadequate Firearm Training

You have to undergo all necessary training meant for firearm carriers. It is also crucial for your training to be current so you can be updated with new trends. The essential areas to receive training on concerning firearms include correct gun handling, marksmanship, and moral and legal aspects. 

3. Lack of Complete Handgun Laws in Your Jurisdiction

Understanding your jurisdiction’s laws on shootings is crucial if you intend to use a gun. You need to know where you can take your gun and holster and the restricted areas for your firearm. Knowing the laws will help you avoid breaking any laws in your jurisdiction that might result in jail terms.

4. Limiting the Extent you Use your Holster

Since you got your firearm for a particular reason and have licensed it, you need to take it along with you as often as possible to protect yourself from any harm. In the event of an emergency- when you are attacked-you will be glad to have one for your defense! Get a holster and gun that gives you total comfort.

5. Constantly Rearranging your Holster

Once you buy a good holster with all the essential features, you can relax and allow it to rest on your body. Do not constantly check and adjust it as it could draw attention to you. Before leaving your house, ensure you correctly place the holster on your body, so you do not have to adjust it constantly.

6. Halting Practice with your Gun and Holster

Irrespective of the type of gun you decide to carry in your holster, do not stop practicing with them. Learn new fundamental tricks to improve your performance during an emergency. Also, without constant training, you may be out of touch, causing you not to operate as efficiently as you should. Since you carry your gun whenever you go out, it only makes sense to practice with it constantly.

7. Using the Wrong Holster

Whenever you want a holster, ensure that you settle for a quality one. A trusted and reputable manufacturer has to make the holster you buy for your gun. Also, it has to be the holster that fits your gun perfectly. Finally, the holster should allow you to quickly draw and secure your weapon, ensuring secrecy is retained. 

Buying the perfect holster will also protect your gun trigger, preventing a misfire. A nylon or Kydex material is excellent, so you can begin looking in that direction.

8. No Proper Gun Belt

It is one thing to use a gun belt and another to use a proper one. An appropriate gun belt can adequately support your firearm. Gun belts are primarily helpful when it is time to draw out your gun and reholster it.