The Glock 23 is a compact.40 S&W pistol with a footprint close to the Glock 19, making it one of the more manageable full-caliber options for concealed carry. The five holsters below are selected for their precise fit to the Glock 23 frame, reliable retention, and carry comfort across IWB and OWB configurations.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Vedder LightTuck IWB | Slim IWB with adjustable retention | 4.8/5 |
| Alien Gear ShapeShift 4.0 IWB | Modular carry system flexibility | 4.6/5 |
| Safariland 6378 ALS | OWB duty-style retention | 4.7/5 |
| Tulster Profile IWB | Appendix and hip carry | 4.7/5 |
| Rounded Gear Kydex IWB | Affordable formed-shell carry | 4.4/5 |
Vedder LightTuck IWB — Best Overall Holster for Glock 23
The Vedder LightTuck delivers a full Kydex formed shell for the Glock 23 with a single metal beltclip and adjustable cant. The shell wraps the trigger guard tightly with no exposed gap, and the retention screw allows tuning the draw weight to preference. The sweat shield keeps the slide off the body and adds stability during extended carry. Vedder machines each shell to order, which means better fit consistency than mass-produced alternatives. The holster rides at a medium height on the belt, balancing concealability with draw accessibility. For everyday carry of the Glock 23 in.40, this remains a top recommendation for reliability and price.
Search for Vedder LightTuck IWB Glock 23 Holster on Amazon
Alien Gear ShapeShift 4.0 IWB — Best Modular System for Glock 23
The Alien Gear ShapeShift uses a modular shell-and-base system where the Glock 23-specific Kydex shell can be transferred between IWB, OWB, and appendix bases. This makes it a strong choice for carriers who want to switch configurations without purchasing multiple holsters. The IWB base uses a neoprene backer that softens pressure points for extended carry sessions. Retention is adjustable and consistent. The modular design adds some bulk compared to dedicated single-configuration holsters, but the flexibility is a real advantage for those still settling on a carry preference. Alien Gear’s customer service and warranty reputation is strong.
Search for Alien Gear ShapeShift IWB Glock 23 Holster on Amazon
Safariland 6378 ALS — Best OWB Holster for Glock 23
The Safariland 6378 ALS uses the Automatic Locking System for passive Level II retention, securing the pistol on holstering and releasing with a thumb-actuated lever on draw. It attaches via a paddle for fast on/off without re-threading a belt. The holster body rides close for an OWB design. Build quality is high-grade polymer with consistent retention across temperature ranges. This is a strong option for range use, OWB carry under a jacket, or anyone who wants a secondary retention mechanism. Safariland’s optics-compatible variants are available for Glock 23 configurations running a red dot.
Search for Safariland 6378 ALS OWB Glock 23 Holster on Amazon
Tulster Profile IWB — Best for Appendix Carry with Glock 23
Tulster’s Profile holster offers precise shell forming for the Glock 23 with a focus on minimal footprint. The included AIWB wing attachment helps push the grip toward the body at the appendix position, reducing printing through lighter cover garments. The clip is rated for belts up to 1.75 inches and stays planted during movement. Trigger guard coverage is complete with an audible click on holstering. Retention is adjustable. The Profile sits in a competitive price range and performs at a level that justifies it as a primary carry holster rather than a backup option. Tulster’s sizing options accommodate suppressor-height sights.
Search for Tulster Profile IWB Glock 23 Holster on Amazon
Rounded Gear Kydex IWB — Best Budget Holster for Glock 23
Rounded by Concealment Express produces a serviceable full Kydex IWB holster at an accessible price point. The shell is molded to the Glock 23 frame with adequate trigger guard coverage and adjustable retention. Cant adjustment is available via the single metal clip. The shell is slightly thinner than premium alternatives, which can introduce minor flex on re-holstering, but passive retention is sufficient for carry. For new carriers establishing a carry routine or looking for a dedicated training holster, this is a realistic starting point. Not a match for premium options in build quality, but functional for its price tier.
Search for Rounded Gear Kydex IWB Glock 23 Holster on Amazon
How to Choose a Holster for Glock 23
The Glock 23’s compact frame fits a range of holster types without the difficulty of concealing a full-size pistol. Prioritize a rigid shell that fully covers the trigger guard, as this is a non-negotiable safety feature. Make sure the holster is designed for the specific generation of your Glock 23 since Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5 have slightly different rail configurations. If you plan to carry with a weapon light or optic, confirm compatibility explicitly. A quality gun belt rated for the weight of a loaded.40 is essential for preventing the holster from sagging or rotating.
For related reading, see best concealed carry holsters for Glock 17 Gen 4 and best gun belts for concealed carry. Review our evaluation criteria at /methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a Glock 19 holster for a Glock 23?+
In many cases, yes. The Glock 23 shares the same Gen-matched frame dimensions as the Glock 19 in the compact size, so holsters specifically fitted to the Gen-matched Glock 19 often fit the Glock 23. That said, always verify compatibility with the manufacturer before relying on this for carry, since small differences in machining or rail configuration can affect retention and trigger guard coverage.
What carry position works best for the Glock 23?+
The Glock 23 is a compact-size pistol, making it one of the more versatile frames for concealed carry. Strong-side hip carry between the 3 and 5 o'clock position is the most popular. Appendix carry (1 to 2 o'clock) is effective for slimmer carriers. The compact barrel and grip balance well in either position. A proper gun belt is still necessary to prevent the holster from shifting under the weight of the loaded pistol.