WANT MORE SPACE IN YOUR TRAVEL BAGS? FOLLOW THESE EXPERT TIPS ON HOW TO PACK SHOES LIKE A PRO.
Shoes are the trickiest thing to pack—ask anyone who’s tried to fit hiking boots, heels, and flip-flops into a single carry-on. Shoes aren’t just bulky—they’re oddly shaped, heavy, and often dirty. So packing them well matters if you want your clothes to stay clean and your bag to stay organized.
I’ve been there, across more than 100 countries and every kind of trip: trekking Patagonia, skiing Jackson Hole, dressing up for a wedding in Spain, and crashing beach bars in the Caribbean. After years of testing what works (and what doesn’t), I’ve finally cracked the formula.
Step 1: Know What You Actually Need
Shoes take up more room than just about anything else in your bag—especially if you wear a larger size or need specialty footwear. So before you even pull out your suitcase, ask yourself:
- Going somewhere dressy, like a wedding or upscale dinner? You’ll want something elevated: heels or dress shoes. Choose a versatile pair that can dress up or down—and ideally work with more than one outfit.
- Sticking to city sightseeing or casual days? Sneakers, loafers, and sandals will probably cover it.
- Are you hiking or skiing? You’ll need serious footwear—plan accordingly. For ski boots—and the rest of your gear—it’s worth investing in a dedicated bag, like Unigear’s ski boot bag, that can store boots, helmet, goggles, and more separate from the rest of your clothes. As for winter or hiking boots, they’re so hefty, you should plan to wear them while traveling to save space in your bag.
- Heading somewhere warm? Beach trips are the easiest to pack for. Often, flip-flops and sneakers are all you need—freeing up space for more clothes or a bottle of local rum to bring home.
Step 2: Protect Your Shoes (and Everything Else)
Most dress shoes or premium sneakers come with dust bags—hang onto them. They're the best (free!) way to protect both your shoes and your clothes in transit. If you tossed the dust bags, consider repurposing household items: medium-sized mesh laundry bags are breathable, washable, have rust-proof zippers, and are just the right size for many shoes. That gives you twice the utility at an extremely affordable price point.
Another pro tip: If you're serious about maximizing space (a must if you're traveling with just a carry-on) protect shoes using the clothes you're packing. For example, for women's heels or more delicate shoes, pad straps or heels with socks or tissue, wrap them in a soft T-shirt or cami to avoid scratches, then tuck inside a dust bag if you have one.
Of course, there are shoe bags you can buy, similar to packing cubes. If you plan to hike on your trip and don't want to wear them on the plane, consider investing in a hiking boot bag designed specifically for wet, muddy shoes.
Step 3: Use Every Inch
With a few smart tricks, shoes can double as storage—and structure—if you pack them smart. Filling the inside helps them hold their shape in transit and earns you back space for other items.
I regularly stuff mine with socks, belts, scarves, or even a tube-shaped jewelry organizer. When tucked inside a sneaker or boot, it adds padding and protects valuables. (Guys: A watch travel case works just as well.)
Some non-liquid toiletries also fit nicely inside a sneaker or boot—just seal them in a Ziploc to keep things clean and easy to pull out. You can also store charging cables; hair tools (like a travel-sized brush or comb); or even your glasses case (perfect if you’re going somewhere you want your sunglasses.)
Step 4: How to Pack Shoes in Your Bag
Now that your shoes are stuffed and protected, it's time to get them in your bag. But, the best way to pack them depends on the type of bag you're traveling with. Regardless, always line up shoes toe-to-heel—even with pumps—to help compress them and minimize wasted space.
Roller Bags
Roller bags are typically designed to open like a clamshell, with packing compartments on the top and bottom. I recommend using the top half for shoes and saving the deeper bottom section for clothing. Flip-flops are the exception—they wedge easily into corners or fill dead space at the bottom. Some roller bags have one main compartment and a flat top with an outer pocket. With these, your best bet is to line the perimeter of the bag with shoes end-to-end.
Duffels and Weekenders
For duffels and weekender bags, pack shoes at each end. It adds structure to the bag and creates a protective buffer for what’s inside. Then fill the middle with clothes and compress. Some weekenders—like our Most Stylish pick from Dagne Dover—have a separate shoe compartment in the base. Brilliant.
Backpacks
With backpacks, don’t bury your shoes at the very bottom—you’ll regret it every time you need them. Instead, slide one pair down each side. This gives the bag structure and keeps your shoes easy to grab on the go. On the way home, feel free to banish them to the bottom along with your dirty laundry.
Final Tips: Smart Habits That Save Time
- Stick to three pairs max. It’s not a rule—it’s a strategy. You’ll pack faster, travel lighter, and stress less.
- Set aside your bulkiest pair and wear them on the plane. Boots, high-tops, chunky sneakers—these take up the most room. Wearing them on the plane frees up valuable luggage space and, as of June, the TSA no longer requires travelers to remove their shoes to go through airport security. Win-win.
- Keep your packing gear in your empty suitcase. When you unpack after your trip, just leave your dust bags, waterproof shoe sacks, jewelry kits, or mesh bags in your bag, so they’re ready to go for your next trip.
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