This may be further testing but... here are two scenarios that i have noticed.


#1 If you equip the shield manually the block effect will work but people will comment on it wherever you go.


#2 If you have the shield equipped then press left tor right on the d-pad, then hit the same button again it will automatically equip itself. HOWEVER the block effect will NOT work but people will also NOT comment on it. SO there is a downside and upside.