Best Holsters For M&P Shield And Shield Plus

The S&W Shield has long been one of the most popular handguns in the United States. With the release of the Shield 2.0 and the Shield Plus, that popularity has grown even further. Holsters for these pistols can been found everywhere, but finding a good quality holster takes some understanding and research.

Some holsters fit more than one Shield model, but compatibility depends on the specific holster. Before ordering, confirm that the manufacturer lists your exact Shield model, barrel length, optic or mounted light, and draw hand. Check 3.1-inch and 4-inch configurations separately rather than assuming they share the same fit. This guide compares carry styles and features to help you narrow your choices.

Read Ultimate Guide To Concealed Carry

Best Holsters For The Shield And Shield Plus

Start with your preferred carry style

• IWB without a red dot: Review the Tulster Profile.
• IWB with a red dot or a tucked-in shirt: Review the Tulster OATH.
• OWB under a cover garment: Review the Tulster Contour.
• Behind-the-hip hybrid carry: Review the CrossBreed MiniTuck.

These links take you to the detailed sections below. Before purchasing, confirm your exact firearm and configuration in the manufacturer’s fit list. The remaining options cover leather, belly-band, and off-body carry.

1. Tulster Profile Holster

Save 15% at Tulster.com with Code: CCS15

The Tulster Profile is an IWB option to compare if you prefer adjustable retention and cant. Confirm that the selected version lists your exact Shield model, barrel length, and draw hand. Its suitability depends on your firearm configuration, clothing, and preferred carry position.

For behind-the-hip IWB carry, compare the Profile’s cant adjustment and clip arrangement with your preferred position and clothing. Confirm the exact Shield fit and draw hand before ordering; comfort varies by wearer and setup.

One thing you must know is this holster doesn’t fit red dot optics. If you are choosing to carry your Shield Plus with a red dot, then I suggest the next option on the list…the Tulster Oath.

2. Tulster Oath Holster

Save 15% at Tulster.com with Code: CCS15

The Tulster Oath is a step up from the Profile version. You still get a high quality kydex cut to minimize the edges, and you get a few added features.

The Oath comes made ambidextrous so you can carry right or left handed. You only need to move the clip from one side to the other to change to left handed carry.

You also can use a red dot optic with the Oath. Red dots are becoming more and more popular, and with the Shield Plus having the option to add the red dot is there.

The last two added features are the tuckable clip, which allows you to tuck in a shirt while carrying, and the mod wing that allows the pistol grip to remain up tight to the body to prevent printing.

Compare the current prices for the exact Shield versions you are considering. The OATH’s tuckable clip and the Profile’s wider clip offer different attachment options; choose based on your clothing and carry preferences rather than an assumed price difference.

3. We The People Holster

Save 15% at WeThePeopleHolsters.com with Code: CCS15

Compare the We The People IWB option by its current price, listed Shield compatibility, adjustment options, and attachment design. Confirm that the selected version supports your exact firearm configuration and draw hand before ordering.

One thing that stands out about the kydex holsters that We The People offer is the designs. There are many different designs for a variety of people. You will easily find one that fits your personality and your Shield Plus.

Check the current price for your exact Shield configuration. If you use the listed promotional code, confirm the discount applies to your selected product at checkout; exclusions and offer terms may change.

4. CrossBreed MiniTuck Holster

Save 15% at CrossBreedHolsters.com with Code: CCS15

If you carry behind the hip, this holster is ideal. It offers great comfort, style, and function. The MiniTuck is made from premium leather backers with a molded and mounted kydex pocket.

One of the features that makes the MiniTuck stand out is the ability to tuck in a shirt while wearing the holster. The clips that attach to the belt are made to allow the shirt material to be tucked down into the pants and cover the firearm.

This holster is perfect for 3:30 to 5 o’clock carry for right hand draw or 7 to 8:30 for left hand draw. CrossBreed also offers many other options for concealed carry holsters and belts.

5. Relentless Tactical Defender Leather Holster

If you like the leather aspect of the MiniTuck, but don’t want the kydex…then the Relentless Tactical Defender Leather holster is for you.

Before choosing this leather option, confirm that the manufacturer’s fit list includes your exact Shield configuration. Check that the selected holster fully covers the trigger guard and retains its shape; material and price alone do not establish suitability.

This holster comes in three colors…Charred Oak, Midnight Black, and my favorite Whiskey Barrel Brown. It also comes with a sturdy metal clip to keep it firmly in place inside your waistband. 

6. Tulster Contour Holster (OWB)

Save 15% at Tulster.com with Code: CCS15

If you want an OWB holster that will still allow you to conceal carry, then we recommend the Tulster Contour. This holster is one of the best ways to carry outside the waistband.

The Contour uses the same quality materials and build that other Tulster holsters are famous for, and expands the Tulster line to include most forms of carry.

The “molded-in” asymmetrical wings of the Contour’s Kydex shell angle the firearm’s grip towards your body, eliminating the visible print. The streamlined design features no unnecessary material and a sleek, curved shell, which conforms the holster and firearm to the contour of your waistline for maximum concealment.

-Tulster

For concealed OWB carry, consider whether your cover garment conceals the holster and firearm during normal movement. Fit, belt setup, clothing, and body shape affect printing; no holster guarantees concealment. Confirm the Contour version lists your exact Shield configuration before ordering.

7. We The People Independence OWB Leather Holster

Save 15% at WeThePeopleHolsters.com with Code: CCS15

If you like leather and want an OWB holster, then you probably want a quality product. The Independence OWB Leather holster allows you to carry outside the waistband and do so in style.

If you prefer leather for OWB carry, confirm that the Independence option is available for your exact Shield model and draw hand. Evaluate its listed retention and belt-attachment design rather than assuming leather construction guarantees a snug fit.

Designed by a master leather craftsman, 20 year Navy veteran, and IDPA competitive shooter, our premium leather holsters are hand-crafted in the USA using the highest quality vegetable-tanned leather from patriotic cows. Each leather holster is custom-tailored to your specific handgun for perfect fit and strong retention. The Independence uses a proprietary design to maximize retention, comfort, and ease of use.

We The People

While the kydex holsters that We The People offer will fit any budget, this leather holster is understandably a little higher in price. However, you can still use our coupon code to save some money. This holster is a great investment for anyone wanting to carry OWB.

8. CrossBreed The Reckoning Holster

Save 15% at CrossBreedHolsters.com with Code: CCS15

Like the CrossBreed MiniTuck, the Reckoning offers a great combo of leather and kydex. This holster is a smaller package than the MiniTuck and allows you to carry at any IWB position including appendix carry.

You can also convert this to OWB with simple hardware from CrossBreed. This makes this holster one of the most versatile on the list. If you are not sure which way you want to carry your Shield Plus, this may allow you to try them all out and see for yourself what works.

9. ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster

A belly band is a beltless carry option to compare when your clothing does not accommodate a conventional gun belt. Suitability for exercise depends on the specific holster, firearm fit, retention, and stability during movement; do not assume this option is appropriate for running or jogging.

Before choosing this belly band, verify its current construction and compatibility with your exact Shield configuration. Do not assume that a “hard plastic trigger guard” description establishes complete trigger coverage or adequate protection. Confirm fit, retention, and attachment security before use.

10. CrossBreed Holsters Small Purse Defender

Save 15% at CrossBreedHolsters.com with Code: CCS15

For those of you that carry your Shield Plus in your purse, you still need a holster. The CrossBreed Small Purse Defender holster is built for purse carry. There are many concealed carry purses out there that come with a holster, but this allows you to turn your current purse, or one of your choosing, into a concealed carry purse.

If you haven’t checked out our article Best Purses for Concealed Carry, I recommend doing so. We give you some great options, as well as advise on what to look for in a purse.

M&P Shield Plus Holster Buyer’s Guide

The Smith and Wesson Shield Plus is one of the best concealed carry handguns on the market, and it deserves a great holster. In this section we will let you know what to look for while shopping for your holster. Using this quick guide, you will find something to live up to the greatness of your firearm.

Choose a holster whose manufacturer explicitly lists your Shield model and configuration. Brand reputation alone does not establish fit. Compare trigger-guard coverage, retention, attachment security, and suitability for your intended carry position before purchasing.

Concealable

If you are going to conceal carry, then finding a holster that is built to function that way is a must. The Shield Plus is a very small firearm for the amount of rounds it will carry, so lets make sure we use that to our advantage.

Find a holster that offers features that keep the firearm up against the body. You also want your Shield holster using as little of material as possible. This will keep the weight down, keep the draw smooth, and allow very little printing.

Safe and Functional

Material and brand alone do not establish whether a holster is suitable. Confirm that the specific holster fits your firearm configuration, fully covers the trigger guard, retains the firearm securely, and attaches securely for your intended carry method.

What I usually look for in a holster is that my firearm locks into it firmly, but also allows me to draw smooth. I also want to avoid any holsters that don’t protect the trigger area of the gun. If you get those two qualities in a holster, you should be on your way to safe and functional concealed carry.

Carry Position

If you are going to being carrying concealed, then you need to decide what your carry position will be. Most carry inside the waistband (IWB). However, appendix carry (AIWB) is becoming extremely popular and may require certain holsters.

There is also outside the waist band (OWB) carry. If you plan on carrying your M&P Shield Plus OWB then we have listed some options on our list, but there are many others out there that can work as well.

Off body carry is a little controversial. Many experts advise to avoid this type of carry as it takes much longer to get to your gun and allows for more ways to lose your firearm. However, I would rather someone carries off body than not at all. The most common off body carry is in purses or packs. We have articles on each of these if you are interested.

Read our article Best Concealed Carry Holsters!

M&P Shield Plus Holster FAQ

Conclusion

Congratulations you own a M&P Shield…one of the most popular, and effective concealed carry guns. You also have been researching holsters and now have a good idea of what you need to carry safe and comfortable. The last piece of equipment you need to complete your setup is a quality concealed carry belt.

But you are not finished. It is important to get training and practice with your carry gun and equipment. When you practice, be sure you also use your self defense ammo for a portion of the time. It may cost a little extra, but you need to make sure your gun works well with your ammo.

With all of the above, you will be all set. Continue training, practicing, and carrying your firearm. As we like to say…Carry Safe, Carry Smart, and Carry Daily!