When you are traveling, your shoes pose an issue. You may only want to bring one pair of shoes with you, but most of us decide we need several pairs.
Regardless of how many shoes you want to bring, one thing remains the same. You don’t want your shoes getting your clothing dirty. No matter how clean you try to keep them, your shoes are in constant contact with the ground. They will have some type of mud or dirt on them, unless you clean the soles meticulously after each wear.
Not in that camp? Me either! That’s why I started using shoe bags when traveling. However, when I started purchasing them, I was amazed at how many types of travel shoe bags exist today.
Soft or Flexible Shoe Bags
These types of bags are traditional bags. They take up very little space in your luggage, and they are lightweight. However, they don’t provide any structural protection for your shoes.
If you are concerned about your shoes getting misshapen or squished while you travel, check out the next section. If you are looking for lightweight or minimalist shoe bags, these options are for you.
1. Basic Travel Bag
These are the least expensive travel bags on the list. They are similar to Ziploc bags, with a few obvious differences. They are durable enough to hold your shoes, and they are also the correct size.
The best thing about this type of shoe bag, other than the price, is that they often come in packs with lots of bags. If you want to pack half your shoe closet, you should consider these.
They will keep your shoes from getting dirty while traveling, and prevent the shoes from getting your clothes dirty.
They do have a few disadvantages as well, however. They don’t have any structural integrity. If you are worried about your shoes getting out of shape in your luggage, this type of travel bag isn’t the best option.
Pros:
- Transparent
- Inexpensive
- Multiple Bags
Cons:
- No protection for shoe shape
- Not attractive
2. Cotton Shoe Bags
Cotton shoe bags have the advantage of allowing your shoes to breathe. It’s ironic that the cardboard shoe boxes our shoes come in are actually far from ideal for storage because they don’t allow air flow.
Over time, lack of airflow can destroy the leather, the sole, and gel inserts.
Storing your shoes in a non-breatheable shoe bag temporarily will not damage them in this way. However, if your shoes had moisture or sweat in them before they were placed in the bag, you may notice a strong smell when you take them out.
If you are concerned about this, cotton shoe bags are a great option. They allow your shoes to breathe. The cotton is also gentle on delicate shoes. Lastly, it looks and feels nice.
There are a few disadvantages as well. You won’t be able to see the shoes inside the bag, which can make finding the pair your looking for difficult. The other disadvantage is that it doesn’t provide any structural protection.
Pros:
- Breatheable
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Simple
Cons
- Can’t see shoes inside bag
- No protection from misshapen shoes
3. Expandable Bags
Expandable shoe bags are great if you travel with different-sized shoes. They are made of nylon and spandex. This allows them to stretch, so you can fit large shoes inside.
The other great aspect of these is that they take up very little space when they aren’t in use.
These bags typically close with a drawstring. This could be a pro or a con, depending on how you feel about zippers.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Washable
- Expandable
Cons:
- Not breathable
- No protection for shoe shape
4. Hanging Shoe Bag
These shoe bags are designed to hang for easy storage. They are similar to other shoe bags, but they have a nylon loop on the end. This allows you to pack them in your suitcase, and then hang them once you get to your hotel.
They are typically waterproof, and made from nylon material. They zip closed, so look for one with a high quality zipper.
The downside to this bag is that it’s not breathable. Be sure not to put damp or recently worn shoes in this type of bag.
Pros:
- Hang when not in suitcase
- Waterproof
- Hanging loop also functions as handle
Cons:
- Not breathable
- No structural protection
5. Transparent Shoe Bags
Transparent shoe bags allow you to see the shoes inside. This makes it easy to find the shoes you are looking for, without removing them from the bags.
These are typically simple bags made from plastic. If you don’t mind your shoes being on display, they are a good choice. Like the other flexible types of bags, they offer no structural protection for your shoes. They aren’t breathable, but are usually waterproof.
Pros:
- Easy to find shoes
- Great for toiletries as well
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Not breathable
- No structural protection
Large Capacity Bags
If you have several pairs of shoes to pack, you may use individual shoe bags for each pair. However, another option is to choose a bag that holds several pairs of shoes in one bag.
6. 4 Pair Bag
A 4 pair bag will hold four pairs of shoes. It will obviously take up more room than a bag for one pair, but it does have its advantages. Instead of searching for your shoes in your bag, they have their own bag.
This can make it easier to find what you are looking for, and allows you to use your luggage space for other items.
It also provides some structural protection. If you are worried about your shoes surviving the trip, this bag makes sense.
They typically have a transparent front window, so you can see which shoes are in the bag. They are also waterproof. They have a hanging loop, which also doubles as a carrying handle.
Pros:
- Structural protection
- Waterproof
- Transparent
Cons:
- Not breatheable
- Too large to fit in luggage
7. Adjustable Size Duffle Bag
These bags have Velcro dividers, so you can add up to four pairs of shoes. If you have heels, shoes with cleats, or boots, you can use this adjustment to fit these types of shoes. However, you may be unable to fit 4 pairs of these types of shoes.
These are typically designed like a duffel bag. Some even have a laptop compartment. If your shoes are going on your carry on, the laptop compartment could prove useful.
Of course, they can also be used for clothing or toiletries, with the dividers helping to keep things organized.
Pros:
- Holds up to 4 pairs of shoes
- Adjustable compartments
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Not breathable
- Won’t fit in luggage
8. Six Pair Travel Bag
If four pairs of shoes aren’t enough, this type of shoe bag provides room for 6 pairs of shoes. It looks like a suitcase. When unzipped, the bag lays flat, providing 6 storage compartments that each hold a pair of shoes.
The storage compartments are clear, so you can easily grab the shoes you need.
Once it’s zipped, you are ready to roll. You can carry the bag with the handle. You can also use the luggage slide pouch in the back of the bag. This allows you to slip the bag onto a wheeled suitcase handle.
Pros:
- Holds 6 pairs of shoes
- Clear storage compartments
- Slide pouch for easy travel
Cons:
- Takes up space
- Not breathable
Hard Shoe Bags
These bags provide solid protection for your shoes. You won’t have to worry about them getting out of shape in your suitcase, because they offer structural protection.
9. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a travel storage system that include shoe bags. They are composed of different sized cubes. These allow you to place different items in each cube, which can keep your packing more organized.
If you are looking for a complete travel system, this is the one for you. Some of the shoe cubes can accommodate a standard pair of shoes, as well as slippers or flats.
Pros:
- Complete packing system
- Protects shoes well
- Keeps your luggage organized
Cons:
- Not necessary if you only need shoe storage
- Repacking can be difficult
10. Shoe Box Bag
If you want something different than the usual, consider a shoe box bag. These are designed to look like a shoe box, but they are actually shoe storage bags.
They are typically high quality and provide structural protection for your favorite shoes. They also look interesting.
Pros:
- Fun appearance
- Quality materials
- Keeps shoes from becoming misshapen
Cons:
- More bulky than some options
- Not breathable
11. Protective Shoe Cube
If you want to be sure that your shoes won’t get damaged in travel, a protective shoe cube is a good option. These are designed to keep your shoes safe, and will prevent them from becoming bent or misshapen.
They are also lightweight, which gives you the best of both worlds. Some are breathable as well, so you won’t have to worry about stinky shoes.
Pros:
- Structural protection
- Breathable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Won’t accommodate larger types of shoes
- Simple design
Shoe Bags For Other Types of Shoes
Not all shoes fit into a standard shoe bag. They are designed to hold sneakers, dress shoes, sandals, and some types of heels. If you have other types of shoes, check out these types of bags that will accommodate them.
12. Boot Shaped Bag
There’s something fun about a boot bag that’s shaped like a boot. Some hold one pair of boots, while others will hold two pairs of boots. If you have tall boots like cowboy boots, these are a must have. They accommodate any boot up to 18 inches in length.
They offer solid protection for your boots, so you don’t have to worry about the top of the boot getting bent.
Pros:
- Boot shaped
- Accommodates large boots
- Provides structural protection
Cons:
- Larger than other types
- Doesn’t easily fit in luggage
13. Snow shoe Bag
If you have a pair of ski or snowboard boots, you know they need their own type of storage. A snow shoe bag is exactly what you need.
These are typically designed to be worn like a backpack. They offer storage for your boots, as well as smaller compartments for your gear. They are waterproof, so they are protected in a wet snowy environment.
Pros:
- Perfect for snow boots
- Separate compartments for gear
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Not suitable for other types of shoes
- Won’t easily fit into luggage
14. Hiking Boots and Cleats
This type of bag is suitable for workboots. It’s also great for shoes with cleats and golf shoes. They offer ventilation for breathability, as well as structural protection.
These can be used for travel, although the bag is a bit large to fit in luggage. However, they do have a carrying handle.
Pros:
- Perfect for work or hiking boots
- Structural protection
- Ventilation
Cons:
- Larger size makes it bulky in luggage
- Too large for sneakers
15. Skate Bag
Skate bags are designed to hold roller skates, inline skates, and ice skates. They are typically shaped like the skates themselves. Some are backpacked shape, and offer storage for skating accessories as well.
They offer protection for wheels and blades, and make the skates easy to carry.
Pros:
- Fits skates well
- Protects wheels and blades
- Carrying handle
Cons:
- Not suitable for other types of shoes
