In 2012, Smith & Wesson’s M&P Shield semiauto pistol was poised to take advantage of a primed concealed-carry market. The first 9mm variants were wildly successful. They would soon become the hottest selling semiautos in the United States.

The Smith & Wesson MP Shield 9mm holster is an internal hammer-fired pistol. It has a striker-fired action and polymer frame.

This semiautomatic double-action pistol has everything you could want. It doesn’t matter if you use it for self-defense and as a home-defense pistol. It comes with manual thumb safety. There is also a reversible magazine catch. Now, there is a standard 2-piece trigger that serves as a safety mechanism.

The M&P Shield is not a real pocket-size pistol. However, it boasts less than a 1″ thin profile. It also has a flush, single-stack seven-round magazine. The design is a balance between double-stack compact pistols and pocket-size semiautomatics.

The M&P Shield mirrors the dimensions of the .380 models. Yet, it is chambered for a duty cartridge. That makes it easy to conceal and shoot. Yet, there is still a lot of knock-down power.

It features smooth and rounded edges. These make the handgun more concealed-carry oriented. The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm with a 3.1-inch barrel is a great concealed carry pistol.

Holster considerations

As with other compact-sized 9mm pistols, you will need a practical holster. The most competent holsters should provide several benefits. These include safety features and a smooth draw.

Additionally, a properly designed holster should protect your firearm.

The holsters may come with different retention levels. But the best safety feature for your M&P Shield is a trigger cover.

Also, you should consider holster style and material. Which style you choose will depend on personal taste and need.

There are a plethora of holster options other than a classic belt holster. These include shoulder rigs , ankle , pocket holsters , or belly band holsters . What type you choose depends on your build, dress preferences, lifestyle, and shooting style.

When we talk about carrying position, there are generally two for concealed carry. These are IWB ( Inside-the-Waistband ) and OWB ( Outside-the-Waistband ). Both types allow you to carry in several positions around the waist. For right-hand shooters, the common positions are 1 o’clock ( appendix carry ), 2 o’clock (right side front), 3 o’clock (right hip), and behind the hip at 4, 5, and 6 o’clock (small of the back).

If you want a holster that is comfortable for prolonged periods, the material is important.

Leather holsters have been the conventional choice for hundreds of years. However, modern materials like thermoplastic synthetics and nylon are more popular today.

All three materials have advantages and disadvantages. Try a holster in each and see which one you prefer.

Best Holster For M&P Shield Reviews {2023 UPDATED}

3. Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster

Another IWB kydex holster comes from a relatively new Texas-based company, Amberide. They are known for gun-specific holsters. Their holsters are custom molded to fit particular firearm models like a glove.

Like all Amberide holsters, the IWB holster for S&W M&P Shield is made of strong, high-quality Mil-Spec .08″ Kydex. This robust and durable material is waterproof. Thanks to the clever design, it is extremely comfortable.

The holster comes with the posi-click audible retention lock system. This standard feature is only found on the best products. Yet, the Amberide product is a budget holster. It even offers adjustable cant from 0 to 30 degrees.

You can attach the Amberide discreet holster to your belt using a 1.5″ standard belt clip made of stainless steel.

In addition, the Amberide Kydex IWB Concealed Carry S&W M&P Shield Holster boasts a sweat guard. It covers the entire length of the slide.

This IWB rig covers the trigger guard. It is also built without sharp edges or corners for more effective concealment under clothing.

4. Galco KT652B Kingtuk

When the hybrid holsters emerged, they were an instant success. They provide CCW carriers with an entirely new level of concealment and comfort.

Galco Gunleather is a highly esteemed brand. They have a hybrid IWB holster called Kingtuk.

The Galco Kingtuk is an all-black combination of leather and Kydex. The backplate protects the body. It is made of premium center cut steer hide. The shell is created from strong and rigid Kydex.

A hybrid design provides comfort. It also distributes the weight by using a wide, smooth leather backer. The polymer holster pocket ensures a fast draw and easy holstering.

The KingTuk KT224B is a tuckable, IWB rig. It has a snug and secure fit. The fit is helped by metal belt clips. These metal clips are removable. You will be able to adjust the open carry height and cant.

The Galco Kingtuk holster uses the finest materials. It is at a higher price point. Still, its quality, traditional design, and flexibility make it very popular with both professional and civilian gun owners.

5. Relentless Tactical The Defender

Relentless Tactical offers high-quality and durable products. They can withstand the test of time.

The Defender IWB holster from Relentless Tactical is the best holster for the M&P Shield. It is proudly manufactured in the USA from genuine cowhide.

The Defender Leather IWB holster is rugged. It is held together with quality stitching. This elegant and attractive leather rig fits snugly yet comfortably against your body.

Unlike some cheap, mass-production holsters, the Defender offers optimum concealment. The Defender holster is available for over 80 different handguns. This holster is specially molded for each specific model. Therefore, it will fit all Smith & Wesson Shield.

The Defender is a tuckable holster. It does not have retention devices. The Defender relies on pressure from the waistband to secure the pistol. This smooth leather holster features a reinforced top. It is thick enough not to bend when the Shield is drawn. That feature aids in re-holstering.

The Defender is available in three stylish color options. You can also choose right- and left-hand models.

6. ComfortTac Ultimate

The M&P Shield can be holstered in many different locations. Belly band holsters have proved to be a great option for Shield owners with active lifestyles.

One of the best M&P Shield belly band holsters comes from ComfortTac. Try their model called the Ultimate Belly Band.

The ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band combines surgical-grade elastic and neoprene backing. It is a very breathable product.

The ComfortTac belly band boasts a universal style holster. It is compatible with most guns ranging from micro to full-size pistols and revolvers.

The ComfortTac belly band holster can be worn high on the torso as a pseudo shoulder holsters. You can also wear it low around your waistline. This flexibility allows you IWB, OWB, appendix, or cross-draw carrying styles.

The belly band has a 4-inch wide belt. The belt’s thickness is 1/8th of an inch. You can secure the belly band using the 2-inch long Velcro strap.

The holster is stitched into the belt. It uses a strap retention system. You can wear the belly band in almost any position. Your Shield must be held in a 12-6 orientation.

For more versatility, the product comes with a magazine holster and a secondary pocket. The extra pocket rests just to the side. It is suitable for spare cash or a multi-tool.

Belly bands are easy to adjust for proper fit. There are even three lengths to choose from: medium, large, and extra-large.

7. Concealment Express IWB

No holster list is complete without a product by Concealment Express. They have the reputation for making the best M&P Shield Kydex holster. Concealment Express offers a simple, minimalist Kydex IWB holster.

Concealment Express IWB holsters are made of strong 0.08 Kydex. They can survive everyday use. The CE holster is perfect and best concealed carry holster at any position along your beltline. This thin rig really shines in the appendix-inside-the-waistband (AIWB) carry.

The rigid holster structure provides a smooth draw and reholstering. There is an audible “click” when the pistol is fully seated in the holster.

The Concealment Express holster is fully adjustable. You can easily customize friction by adjusting a single screw below the trigger guard. Moreover, you can also adjust your cant from -5 to +20 degrees.

CE has improved on the original M&P Shield holster. They have added a “claw” kit. It helps keep the gun close to your body. The Anti Print Wing actually pushes your Shield closer to your body from the grip side.

As a genuine minimalist IWB holster, the Concealment Express Kydex holster provides many configuration options. It allows you to carry your M&P Shield in almost any location on the waistline. This includes appendix, hip, small of the back, cross draw, and anything in between.

The Concealment Express holster features an undercut trigger guard. As you would expect, the trigger is also wholly encased, facilitating safe carry.

Benefits and Drawbacks of IWB and OWB Holster

IWB and OWB holsters are two unique holsters that aid in holding guns or weapons. Nevertheless, they both have their benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explore some of these benefits and drawbacks.

Advantages and Disadvantages of IWB Holsters

Let’s start with the advantages of IWB holsters first. 

Advantages of the Internal Part of Waistband Holster are:

• More Concealable

A massive benefit of IWB holsters is that they are highly concealable. They can hide perfectly under your pants, making only the gun’s grip easily accessible. Likewise, they conceal when you wear a shirt. The ease with its concealability makes it a good choice for hiding your weapon.

• Drawing Ease

Since the gun’s grip is visible enough to ease pull, it is safe to say that IWB holsters give you less stress when you want to draw out your weapon. That is a highly essential feature since it is supposed to help defend yourself in an emergency.

• Stability

IWB holsters offer an excellent level of stability. They have three contact points with the body. It has one at the point where the holster is held close to the torso. While the other two are on the belt. You can rest assured that your gun in the holster will be in a stable position even with your movement. 

• Ease

It makes hiding your weapon so easy and stable that you may hardly remember having a gun.

• Positions

IWB holsters give you the option of carrying your weapon in different positions. You can carry it in various parts such as your back, appendix, or side hip.

Disadvantages of the Internal Part of Waistband Holsters:

• Clothes Restriction

IWB holsters can be incredibly uncomfortable when you wear certain clothes. Since the holster is secured inside your pants, that is a significant reason for the discomfort. Due to this, most people who want to use an IWB

holster

have to wear a bit bigger pants around the waist. That is a way to ensure the gun fits in perfectly. Note that that is entirely dependent on the user’s size.

• Harder Reach

Since the weapon will be inside your pants when you have it on, you may have a tighter feel or find it challenging to get the gun out from deep in your pants. In some cases, you may experience both.

• Skin Contact

With the weapon inside your pants, it will have skin contact for a longer time. If you wear the holster all day, your gun will be pressed against your skin all day. It can cause rashes, red marks, or other kinds of reactions.

Advantages and Disadvantages of OWB Holsters

Naturally, OWB holsters usually serve as the primary alternative to IWB holsters and are similar to them, except that you can only wear them on your belt, outside your pants.

Advantages

• Comfortability

OWB holsters offer a high level of comfortability, even more than IWB holsters. This is because you wear them outside your pants rather than inside. Due to this, you do not have to wear pants more oversized in size in any area. Also, your pants do not need to bulge because of it.

• Speed

You have more incredible speed drawing your weapon from an OWB holster. However, the type of OWB holster

you are using determines this, but naturally, weapons in OWB holsters are way easier to pull out during any emergency.

Disadvantages

There are various opinions about the disadvantages of OWB holsters. We’ve highlighted a popular drawback to help you receive the proper guidance.

• Surreptitious

OWB holsters are more difficult to conceal because the gun is not hidden inside the pants but outside. Using it will make you get creative about how to hide it, like using a jacket. But, in general, OWB holsters have a greater chance of being seen.

Final thought

The Smith & Wesson Shield is very attractive for concealed carry. Therefore, the industry offers tons of holsters for Shield owners. It can be hard to choose between the options.

In this guide, we have looked at just seven of the best current products.

Our picks are simple yet effective holster options with a reasonable price tag. These holsters would work perfectly for any M&P Shield owner, from beginners to seasoned competitors and law enforcement professionals.