Best Shoulder Holsters On The Market 2024 Reviews

Over the years, shooters have invented numerous ways to keep their pistols always at hand. In general, this requires a holster, of which there are many different types. One type is the shoulder holster, which has become favored by many shooters for its comfort and concealment.

But, what are the best shoulder holsters on the market today?

To help you narrow down the seemingly endless list of options, we have reviewed the best 12 shoulder holsters currently available. The research has already been done for you, leaving you nothing more to do but scroll. There is even a buying guide below to help you to ensure you choose wisely.

So let’s get you holstered and ready to go!

Top 12 Best Shoulder Holsters Reviews

1 Galco Classic Lite Shoulder System for Walther PPK, PPKS – Best Horizontal Shoulder Holster

Of all the gun-toting legends to grace the big screen, few have done more to make a pistol famous than James Bond. If you have a similar charisma and taste in firearms, then you might need the Classic Lite Shoulder System from Galco. This shoulder holster is designed for the Walther PPK and PPKS. And, it just might make you a ladies man all on its own.

Sometimes the original is still the best…

Galco first started making shoulder holsters back in 1970. Since then, they have become known for their comfort and versatility. In fact, their reputation is so strong that their holsters have become the most knocked-off holster system in the world.

If you are looking for the best part-time carry holster, then Galco recommends the Classic Lite setup. It features the exact same patented and trademarked connectors as the professional rig. This means you get the same great fit from the clover-shaped Flexalon swivel backplate.

Why is the Classic Lite the best horizontal shoulder holster?

For one thing, this beauty is made from premium center cut steerhide. Not only does this provide top-level comfort, but it’s also considerably more durable than cheap nylon options. And yet, it’s still priced aggressively to not break your wallet.

We also like that this system includes the holster, harness, ammo pouch, and some system screws. On the other side of things, the only aspect that we see as a downside is its relatively small size. You will be able to carry many semiautomatic pistols and double-action revolvers. However, this option may not accommodate some full-sized or larger firearms.

Our rating: (4 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

2 Bianchi Gun Leather X15 Shoulder Holster – Tan – Best Soft Leather Shoulder Holster

Bianchi Gun Leather manufactures one of the best vertical shoulder holsters available. Their X15 Shoulder Holster is one of the more versatile options we reviewed. It’s also one of the more beautiful options, in our opinion.

What makes the X15 the best soft leather holster on our list?

For one thing, we love the full grain vegetable tanned cowhide leather. The plain tan finish gives a classic look that will make anyone look like a professional shooter. It’s also incredibly comfortable.

This is in part due to the full adjustability of the harness. In fact, it will adjust all the way out to accommodate a 48-inch chest. The X-style harness keeps the weight evenly distributed across your shoulders, which improves comfort dramatically.

Does it feature a retention system?

Yes, this shoulder holster features a detachable retainer strap. This thumb snap closure will keep your weapon securely in place. There is also a dual spring design, along with the secondary retention strap.

You will be able to quickly draw your weapon without sacrificing speed. We think that this is a rather intelligent design, as it keeps you secure on all fronts. We also appreciate the multiple sizes available for the X15 Shoulder Holster, no matter what size pistol you’re carrying. From pea shooters to hand cannons, there is an option for you.

Our rating: (5 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

3 Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder Harness System – Best Shoulder Holster with Double Magazine Pouch

Galco also makes the Miami Classic II Shoulder Harness System. This is a great option for those who would rather feel like a Miami Vice officer than Bond. It also has a few other advantages when compared with the competition.

How does the Miami Classic II differ from the Classic Lite?

There are a few things that set this holster apart from others. First off, the Miami Classic II features two extra magazine pouches. This means that you will have plenty of spare mags on you at all times. After all, you never know when things might go sideways. If you’re going to go to the trouble of carrying a firearm, it seems wise to ensure you have adequate ammo.

Both your firearm and the spare mags are held in a natural horizontal carry position. This allows you to arm yourself and reload in a hurry. We expect that many shooters will appreciate this configuration.

What about comfort?

Another aspect that we think most shooters will like is the ability to customize this holster. This spider harness features individual pivot points at all four joints. These allow you to move freely, keeping you as comfortable as possible.

You can apply tie downs, cuff cases, and a range of other attachable accessories for a full concealed carry system. There’s simply no need to leave anything behind with this full-size professional shoulder holster system.

Is this the best customer leather shoulder holster?

We also find the materials used on this holster to be some of the best on the market. The holster and spare mag pouches are made from premium steerhide leather. The harness, on the other hand, is full-grain leather. Together these provide a highly durable and yet comfortable shoulder holster.

While the Miami Classic II may not be exactly a custom holster, it certainly does feel like one. This is due to the wide range of sizes available. Not only is there one made specifically for your pistol, but it’s also available in both black and tan.

See on Opticsplanet - $168.49

4 Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder System for Glock 17, 22, 31 – Best Glock Shoulder Holster

When you sell the most imitated shoulder holster system in the world, you must be doing something right. Perhaps that’s why our editor told us to include the Miami Classic II Holster on our list twice. It just needs that much more attention because when you’re this good, everyone wants a second look.

Is this exactly the same listing as just above?

Well, not exactly the same, no. Here we are looking at the model specifically designed to hold the Glock 17, 22, and 31. Because we all know that Glocks are some of the best firearms on the market.

This particular model is used by law enforcement, military personnel, as well as your everyday ordinary citizens. It’s been tested for quality and durability and features the Galco unique clover-shaped Flexalon swivel backplate.

The perfect fit…

This shoulder holster also employs Galco’s patented spider harness shoulder system. It pivots independently at all four attachment points, providing a perfect fit that won’t restrict your movements. All of this is constructed from premium saddle leather.

We also like that this is a fully modular system. While the accessories will cost you extra, it’s nice to have the option to add cuff cases and the like. All in all, this is easily one of the best Glock shoulder holsters on the market 2024.

Our rating: (4.1 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

5 Barsony New Brown Leather Shoulder Holster – Best Shoulder Holster Under $100

While it’s not obvious by the items reviewed above, you don’t have to spend a lot for a quality shoulder holster. Luckily for those of us on a budget, Barsony produces a rather good leather shoulder holster.

What pistol do you wish to keep on you?

One thing that we like most about this shoulder holster is the long list of sizes available. They make an option for just about every pistol we could think of. Plus, the harness is highly adjustable and can accommodate chests up to 52 inches.

We found the stitching to be rather precise, especially for a budget shoulder holster. There is a reinforced and adjustable thumb break retention strap to keep your firearm secure. Plus, Barsony has designed in a sight protector channel to keep your draw smooth and uninterrupted.

But wait, there’s more…

If all of that wasn’t enough to sell you, then keep reading because we aren’t finished yet. This holster also features a four-way size adjustment to help you find the perfect fit. It even has a two-way height adjustment for your pistol, which provides you with the perfect draw.

It also is lightweight, weighing in at only six ounces. We find the belt loop tie down on the bottom of the holster to be another excellent feature. Considering all of this, we think this is one of the top shoulder holsters for under $100.

Our rating: (4 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

6 Gould & Goodrich B804-G17 Gold Line Shoulder Holster – Best Glock 19 Shoulder Holster

Gould & Goodrich makes one of the best black leather holsters. The model #B804-G17 is better known as their Gold Line Shoulder Holster. As might be obvious, it comes in black.

Are you looking for the best Glock 19 shoulder holster?

Glocks are some of the most trustworthy firearms available. They are known for their dependability, straight-shooting, and solid grip. Luckily, Gould & Goodrich has created a shoulder holster that measures up to the high standards Glock owners are known to look for.

This particular shoulder holster will hold a wide range of Glock firearms securely in place. This is part of what makes it one of the finest genuine leather holsters in the world. Well, that and the top-grain genuine leather that has been treated with a vegetable tanning by the worlds’ best tanners.

Is the harness adjustable?

Yes, this holster is held by a fully adjustable harness for ultimate comfort. The back swivel allows the straps to stay flat against your body for better concealment. This alone makes it one of the best conceal carry shoulder holsters available.

We also quite like the double ammunition carrier and the horizontal carry style. The black non-glare hardware is another plus, as it helps to keep things inconspicuous.

Our rating: (4.3 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

7 Uncle Mike’s Black Kodra Nylon Shoulder Holster – Best Budget Nylon Shoulder Holster

If you are on a tight budget, but still want a decent shoulder holster, you may need to talk to Uncle Mike’s. They make their Sidekick Vertical Shoulder Holster at a stupidly low price. This leaves us with one major question…

Can you really get a good shoulder holster for under $50?

We will get to the drawbacks of this holster in a minute, but first, we’d like to cover the features we liked. This harness is made from 1.5-inch Nylon webbing, which comes with a self-centering backpiece. It’s fully adjustable, which allows it to fit everyone.

In fact, it will fit anyone with up to a 48-inch chest. It also features a retention strap, and an adjustable snap buckle to keep the firearm securely in place.

So, what are the downsides?

As you would probably expect from such a cheap product, this holster doesn’t have a professional level design. We found the retention strap difficult to release with our shooting hand. It’s a touch too far over, so you will likely have to use your other hand to release it before being able to draw the pistol.

We also take issue with the onside belt loop. While it’s nice to be able to secure the holster to your belt to keep your gun close by, this design isn’t ideal. At least, not if you want to conceal carry. The belt anchor is simply too high, causing the bottom of the holster to sit below the shirt line.

Our rating: (3.8 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

8 Linixu Deep Concealment Shoulder Holster – Best Budget Deep Concealment Shoulder Holster

If you’re looking for the best shoulder holster for working out, then you’ll want to pay special attention to our next two options. The first one we will look at is produced by Linixu. Their Deep Concealment Shoulder Holster has a completely different fit than those we reviewed above.

Are you looking for a concealed carry shoulder holster for summer use?

The design of this holster is ideal for those who don’t want to wear a suit or jacket. It’s also perfect for running, working out, or tactical drills. This is thanks to the unusual design that keeps the firearm and the holster tight against your chest.

This helps to distribute the weight fairly well. However, the single shoulder strap puts all the weight onto a single shoulder rather than split across them.

Is it comfortable?

For the most part, we thought this setup was fairly comfortable. It will cause you to sweat a lot more than other, loose-fitting designs. However, it is fully adjustable and available in a range of sizes to ensure a proper fit around your chest.

There is also extra padding to keep your gun protected from perspiration. We should note that the construction shows some cost-cutting in production. While we didn’t experience the issue, a number of other shooters reported the stitching failing.

Our rating: (3.9 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

9 Yeeper Deep Concealment Shoulder Holster – Best Budget Shoulder Holster for Running and Working Out

Yeeper also makes a tight-fitting holster that looks a lot like the option just above. Their Deep Concealment Shoulder Holster is designed specifically for right-hand draw. It’s another great option for those in search of the best holster for running and working out.

What’s the best feature of this holster?

This holster will accommodate a rather wide range of pistols thanks to its design. This means that you can purchase one and use it for all of your handguns. After all, why have a different holster for each firearm if you don’t need to.

Like the unit reviewed just above, this option is highly adjustable. It also is available in a selection of sizes, so it should fit you perfectly as long as you order the right size.

What features is this holster equipped with?

This is one of the best chest holsters due to the fully adjustable Velcro straps. There is a soft lining to protect your firearm’s finish, and a web belt for optimal holster and pouch tension.

However, as with the unit just above, this is an extremely cheap option. We mean that in both terms of the price point and the overall quality. It’s an excellent option for occasional use, like when you’re going to the gym or track. Over time though, the elastic is known to lose its stretch.

Our rating: (4 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

10 NcSTAR CV2909 VISM Ambidextrous Shoulder Holster – Best Synthetic Ambidextrous Shoulder Holster

NcSTAR makes an entry on our list of the best shoulder holsters with their CV2909. This holster is better known as the VISM Shoulder Holster, and it features a double magazine holder. It’s the perfect option for those looking for a more traditional shoulder holster that isn’t leather.

What is this holster made from?

NcSTAR has done away with leather and created their shoulder holster from a tough PVC material. This means that you won’t need to worry about your sweat, causing the holster to rot away over time. We like this option as we realize not everyone is a fan of leather.

The design of this holster allows for ambidextrous use. We especially like this feature, as it keeps the inevitable miss-order from happening. We also like the horizontal pistol hold, as it feels far more comfortable when drawing your weapon.

What built-in features does it have?

The VISM Shoulder Holster features a double magazine holder that clips nicely onto the harness. There are tie-down straps on both sides, which help keep your pistol against your hip. We always prefer these on shoulder holsters as they offer a huge advantage for concealed carry.

There is also a double thumb break snap to keep your firearm securely in place. We found this option to be highly adjustable and more comfortable than expected for a PVC harness. All in all, it’s one of the best synthetic shoulder holsters available.

Our rating: (4.1 / 5)

☞ Check Price on Amazon

11 DeSantis New York Undercover Shoulder Holster Rig – Best EDC Shoulder Holster for Smith and Wesson

One of the best professional shoulder holsters to ever be produced is the New York Undercover Shoulder Holster Rig. It’s produced by DeSantis and has been around since the early 1970s. We love this option for anyone who owns a Smith & Wesson Governor pistol.

Is this the best S&W Governor shoulder holster?

We think so, and we bet you will as well, especially if you’ve ever had one of these in the past. Unlike many things these days, this holster has only improved over the years.

It’s crafted from premium top-grain cowhide, giving it both a beautiful look and that long-lasting toughness you need in a holster. This is one of the best EDC shoulder holsters we reviewed. Especially for the price.

What are the options available?

This holster is sold in both black and tan colors, and there is an option for both lefties and righties. Beyond that, everything is standard because there’s no need for options when you get the original design right the first time.

We like the built-in ammo carrier. It holds six rounds of .45 Colt, or .410. We also like that it adjusts out far enough to accommodate a 54-inch chest. For comfort, it pivots at all four points where the harness comes together on the back.

See on Opticsplanet - $118.19

12 BlackHawk Vertical Shoulder Holster – Best Tactical Shoulder Holster

The final product on our list of the best shoulder holsters is made by BlackHawk. Known for their tactical gear, these guys make an outstanding Vertical Shoulder Holster. It’s one of the best options if you own any BlackHawk accessories that you might want to attach.

What is it made from?

This holster is constructed from 1000 denier Cordura nylon. This makes it exceptionally durable, which is exactly what we’d expect from this manufacturer. There is also waterproof closed-cell padding that has been designed to keep your firearm protected from the weather.

We always appreciate holsters that are available for a wide range of firearms, and this is one such holster. There are right and left-handed options covering just about every pistol we could think of. All of them come in matte black.

What about additional features?

As is expected with BlackHawk Tactical gear, this holster allows you to attach additional accessories. The included offside tie down features a dual Picatinny rail platform for doing so.

There is also an adjustable retention strap with a molded thumb break. Thanks to the material, it won’t stretch, which will help to keep your weapon secure at all times.

See on Opticsplanet - $24.99

Best Shoulder Holsters Buying Guide

When shopping for the best shoulder holsters, there are a few things to take into consideration. The list of options above ranges rather widely in the cost of various options. It also features some wildly different designs, so how do you choose the best option for you?

Here are the important things to consider…

The Fit

Shoulder holsters are designed to be worn for extended periods. They generally do a fairly good job of distributing the weight of your pistol across your shoulders and upper back. This helps you carry for longer without fatigue.

However, a few of the above options feature only a single shoulder strap. These types of shoulder holsters tend to keep their position by hugging your chest tightly. While this can be an advantage when moving around wildly, there is generally less long-term comfort provided.

Adjustability

Suppose you are one of those individuals at the smaller or larger end of the spectrum; you’ll need to pay close attention to provided adjustments. Most shoulder holsters will allow you to adjust things for a custom fit. However, some are certainly better than others at this task.

It is also wise to pay attention to the adjustability of any retention system built into the holster. This can affect both your draw and the number of different styles of pistols you can carry.

Concealment

For the most part, those looking for a shoulder holster are looking for something that can be used along with their concealed carry permit. These holsters will allow you to remain armed without the big wide world around you knowing. This is advantageous as we all know that not everyone is comfortable around armed strangers.

The best conceal carry shoulder holsters leave little bulk in either of the two main spots. In the pit, and in the center of your back. Cheaper options tend to show more than those that are well-designed. Similarly, belt straps help keep things securely in place.

Price

We get it; we aren’t made of money either. The list above has a few super cheap options, as well as a few at the upper ends of the price book. While it’s always worth saving a dime or two, there are drawbacks to it.

You get what you pay for, and that includes security. It’s no use saving $20 on a holster only to have your expensive weapon slip out, and hit the concrete. Not only can that damage your gun, but it can also damage your reputation as a safe gun owner.

Still Not Holster Happy?

No problem at all, we’ve got even more options for you. So check out our comprehensive reviews of the Best Cross Draw Holster, the Best Small of Back Holster, the Best Ankle Holsters, the Best Springfield XDS 45 Holster, and the Best Sig P238 Holsters currently on the market 2024.

And why not take a look at our review of the Best 380 Pistols currently available for the best conceal carry options.

So, What is the Best Shoulder Holster?

As you can see from our reviews, there is a shoulder holster out there for just about everyone. However, it can get confusing trying to narrow them all down to a single winner, but hopefully, you have. Once you’ve used our buying guide and know your priorities, you should be good to go.

However, if you’re like us, then you’re looking at a few and wishing you had a thicker wallet. If this sounds like you, and you need one last suggestion, then you’re in luck.

The…

Bianchi Gun Leather X15 Shoulder Holster

is our top choice thanks to it’s highly comfortable and adjustable design.

Happy Holstering!