How to Pack Shoes in a Suitcase: Tips and Tricks
When you’re packing for a trip, shoes can often be the most awkward thing to fit in your luggage.
Clothes can be folded up super small and wedged into small gaps, but shoes can’t really be condensed in the same way.
Not packing shoes properly can result in them getting squashed, taking up too much space in your suitcase, or all your clothes getting dirty.
Needless to say, it’s pretty important to get it right.
In this article, I’ll cover some tips and tricks for how to pack shoes in a suitcase. Each tip lists the shoes it’ll work best with, so you should be able to narrow down your options easily.
How to Pack Shoes in a Suitcase
1. Stuffing Shoes
Works for: Trainers, heels, boots (anything with an obvious inner compartment)
Stuffing shoes is a two-in-one method. Not only does it allow you to use “spare” space inside the shoes, but it also prevents the shoes from getting squashed. Obviously, it’ll only work for shoes that have an inside to stuff (so not sandals or flip-flops).
It’s pretty simple: roll up socks, underwear, or any other small items you’re packing. Stuff them into the shoes to help them keep their shape in your case. Then just pack the shoes as normal.
Of course, you’ll want to ensure you don’t overstuff the shoes, as this could cause them to lose their shape. A downside of this method is that it doesn’t protect your clothes from dirty shoes, so you might want to combine it with another method given below.
Pros
- Allows you to make use of space inside the shoe
- Helps keep the shoe’s shape in your case
Cons
- Doesn’t protect your clothes from dirty shoes
2. Wrapping Shoes
Works for: Trainers, heels, wedges, sandals, boots
This is another pretty obvious option: wrap your shoes in tissue paper or plastic bags when packing. The main benefit of doing this is that it protects everything else in your case from getting dirty. While you can clean your shoes before your trip, it might not be possible for the return journey.
It’ll be best to use plastic bags, as this’ll provide a waterproof barrier. You can use tissue paper or anything else you have to hand, but something waterproof is best.
Don’t wrap the shoes too tightly, as they’ll lose their shape. To counteract this, consider stuffing them if you can.
Pros
- Protects your clothes from dirt
- Can be done with any type of shoe
Cons
- Doesn’t stop your shoes from being squashed
3. Shoe Bags
Works for: Trainers, heels, wedges, sandals, boots
Shoe bags are specifically designed for packing and storing shoes. Often, they’re fabric bags and might be referred to as “dust bags”. Many expensive shoes will come with a set, usually one for each shoe.
The method of using them probably doesn’t require much explanation: you pack a shoe into the bag and then pack it in your case. For trainers or boots, a water-resistant shoe bag (such as this) will be a good option. If you’re traveling to a warmer country or there’s no danger of your shoes getting wet, any shoe bag will be fine.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of shoe bags is that they can help you keep everything organized. However, depending on their size and shape, they can take up a lot of excess space compared to wrapping your shoes in a plastic bag. Plus, they’re a more expensive option.
Pros
- Helpful for organizing and storing multiple pairs
- Come in different designs with different functions
Cons
- More expensive than using a plastic bag
- Don’t prevent your shoes from getting squashed
4. Shoe Cubes
Works for: Trainers, heels, wedges, sandals, boots
Shoe cubes are similar in concept to shoe bags, except they’re more rigid. While you can stuff your shoes with small items, shoe cubes are a good alternative for wedges or heels, which might not have much stuffable space compared to trainers.
Of course, an obvious disadvantage is that they take up more space than the other options. But if you’ve got some expensive shoes you need to protect while traveling, it’s arguably worth the investment.
To help save on space, you could pack smaller items around the shoes inside the cube. Make sure you don’t overstuff them, though, as this could result in your shoes losing shape.
Pros
- Helpful for protecting shoes that can’t be stuffed
- You can pack smaller items around the shoes inside the cubes
- Generally water-resistant
Cons
- Take up more space than bags
Tips for Packing Shoes
After choosing the most suitable method for your particular shoes, consider a few of the tips below to make the best use of space in your case.
Pack Shoes at the Bottom
You should pack your shoes at the bottom of your suitcase. They’re often the heaviest items you’re packing, so they can help your case keep its balance. Packing them at the top would throw off the center of gravity and squash other things you’ve packed.
Don’t Forget About Zippered Compartments
Most suitcases have zippered compartments in the lids. These are ideal for packing smaller shoes like flip-flops or sliders. Wedge a few pairs in there and wrap them if you need to, but the pocket itself should be enough protection.
Pack Them Toe-to-Heel
This is a bit of a no-brainer, but make sure you pack shoes toe-to-heel like they are in shoe boxes. It’s the most space-efficient way to pack them, regardless of what method you use. Packing them as a rectangle is much easier than whatever shape they’d be otherwise.
Final Thoughts
Packing shoes in a suitcase isn’t necessarily difficult. However, when you’re tight on space, choosing the most efficient method is vital. That said, you must balance efficient use of space against protecting your shoes, especially if they’re expensive.
Hopefully, one of the options above will be suitable for the next time you’re packing shoes. Pretty much any type of shoe is covered, so make sure you figure out what will work best for your particular shoes.
