Packing shoes can be a real hassle. They’re often dirty, bulky, and can easily soil your clean clothes. That’s where Travel Shoe Bags come in handy. I discovered the necessity of shoe bags when planning my destination wedding. Ensuring my special occasion heels arrived in perfect condition was paramount, and a shoe bag was the answer. Since then, whether it’s muddy hiking boots, sandy flip-flops, or everyday sneakers, a reliable travel shoe bag has become an essential part of my packing routine. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep dirt and grime away from your clothes and maintain suitcase organization.
Modern travel shoe bags have evolved far beyond basic dust bags. Today, you can find a wide variety of options designed for different needs, from compressible bags to space-saving, transparent bags for quick identification, and even water-resistant versions for added protection. To help you choose the perfect solution for your next trip, we’ve compiled a list of the best travel shoe bags available in various categories.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Mossio Shoe Bag at Amazon $15
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Best Budget: Ikea PÄRKLA Shoe Bag at Ikea $1
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Best Water-resistant: Away Shoe Cube at Away Travel $35
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Best for Boots: REI Co-op Shoe Bag at REI $20
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Best Washable: Stnky Bag Pro at Amazon $28
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Best Dust Bag: MISSLO Drawstring Storage Pouch Bag at Amazon $22
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Best Compressible: Knack Compressible Shoe Bag at Knackbags.com
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Best for Multiple Pairs: Walter Drake Shoe Storage Travel Bag at Wdrake.com
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Best Leather Bag: Allen Edmonds Travel Shoe Bag at Allenedmonds.com
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Best Smell-proof: Skunk Bags Shoe Bag Large at Skunkbags.com
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Best Clear: Diommell Set of 5 Transparent Large Shoe Bags at Amazon $15
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Best Overall
Mossio Shoe Bag
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PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: This travel shoe bag is waterproof, accommodates multiple pairs of shoes, and can double as storage for toiletries or dirty laundry.
What to Consider: The extra pockets are best suited for slim shoes like sandals, not bulkier footwear.
The Mossio Shoe Bag offers exceptional versatility, going beyond simple shoe storage. This structured bag can hold up to three pairs of shoes, with larger shoes (up to size 13) fitting in the main compartment and smaller items like flip-flops or sandals fitting neatly into the additional exterior and interior pockets. Its design and functionality are similar to a packing cube, making it easily adaptable for clothes, toiletries, or laundry when not used for shoes, adding significant value for travelers. A trolley strap is a thoughtful feature, allowing you to attach it to rolling luggage as a carry-on or personal item if suitcase space is limited.
Constructed from waterproof material, this shoe bag for travel prevents leaks and features robust, two-way zippers and a convenient grab-top handle. It’s available in a wider array of colors and fun prints, including blue flowers, pink leopard, and cactus, offering a personal touch to your travel organization.
The Details: 11.8 x 8.66 x 5.51 inches | Fits up to three pairs | Polyester
Best Budget
Ikea PÄRKLA Shoe Bag
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PHOTO: IKEA
Why We Love It: It’s unlikely you’ll find a travel shoe bag at a lower price point that isn’t free.
What to Consider: Durability might not be as long-lasting compared to other bags on this list.
Ikea’s PÄRKLA Shoe Bag brings the brand’s signature durability and affordability to shoe bags for travel. Made from the same robust material as Ikea’s iconic blue and yellow shopping bags, this bag offers surprising resilience at an unbeatable price. For travelers seeking budget-friendly shoe storage travel solutions, this is an excellent choice.
Despite its low cost, the PÄRKLA bag is thick, durable, and well-made. It features a zipper closure and a roomy interior capable of holding two pairs of shoes, while remaining compact enough to fit inside a carry-on suitcase. Its versatility extends beyond shoes; it can also serve as a packing cube for clothing or an organizer for cables and wires, making it a valuable and economical addition to your travel essentials.
The Details: 19 x 8.75 x 6 inches | Fits up to two pairs | Polypropylene
Best Water-resistant
Away Shoe Cube
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PHOTO: Away
Why We Love It: Available in two sizes and crafted from water-resistant nylon to shield footwear from moisture.
What to Consider: The small size is limited to women’s U.S. size 11 and men’s U.S. size 9.5.
Away’s Shoe Cube demonstrates the brand’s commitment to both style and practicality, extending its well-regarded luggage line into equally impressive accessories, including water-resistant shoe bags.
Constructed from water-resistant nylon, this robust cube effectively protects footwear from liquids, whether you’re concerned about spills in your luggage or facing wet weather conditions at your destination. It’s also ideal for beach trips, keeping damp sand contained. Beyond its water resistance, the Away Shoe Cube features a well-thought-out design with a collapsible divider for organizing multiple pairs of shoes, a convenient handle for carrying or hanging, and an interior mesh pocket for smaller items. It’s also designed to fold flat when not in use and comes in two sizes: small and large. The large size accommodates up to a women’s U.S. size 15.5 and men’s U.S. size 14. For reliable shoe storage travel that includes moisture protection, the Away Shoe Cube is a top contender.
The Details: 7.9 x 4.7 x 11.4 inches (small), 8.66 x 5.1 x 13.8 inches (large) | Fits up to four pairs | Nylon
Best for Boots
REI Co-op Shoe Bag
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PHOTO: REI
Why We Love It: Large boots fit easily, and smart design features minimize bulk. A perfect travel shoe bag for boot lovers.
What to Consider: The mesh panel should face away from clothes to prevent potential scent transfer.
REI is a trusted name for outdoor and hiking gear, making their travel shoe bag an excellent choice for packing boots. If you need a reliable shoe bag for travel that can handle bulky footwear, this is it.
Unlike many shoe bags for travel that accommodate only up to men’s U.S. size 12 or 13, this bag fits up to size 14, ensuring even larger boots fit comfortably. It’s crafted from durable 400-denier recycled nylon with a water-repellent finish, resisting stains and moisture that boots may bring. The roll-top closure and cinchable sides adjust snugly around boots, minimizing space usage, while a mesh panel provides breathability and visibility. This design makes it an ideal shoe storage travel solution for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Details: 18.5 x 10 x 5 inches | Fits one pair | 400-denier recycled nylon
Best Washable
Stnky Bag Pro
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PHOTO: Amazon
$28 at Amazon View on Stnky.us
Why We Love It: Great value as it can be used for both shoes and clothes, available in five colors, and is a washable travel shoe bag.
What to Consider: Designed for more than just shoes, it might occupy more space than solely shoe-specific bags.
The Stnky Bag Pro addresses the need for hygiene in travel shoe bags. For those who appreciate cleanliness, especially when packing shoes that have been exposed to dirt and grime, washability is a key feature. This multipurpose bag excels in this aspect and comes in both standard and extra-large sizes to accommodate various shoe sizes, including large shoes or boots.
This shoe bag for travel is designed to lock in germs, moisture, and odors during use. When it’s time to clean, the bag is fully machine washable and dryable at any temperature. A standout feature is its dual functionality as a travel laundry bag. Featuring a bottom zipper and a built-in wash net, it allows for touch-free washing of dirty clothes – simply unzip the bottom, turn the bag inside out, and place it directly into the washing machine. This washable and versatile bag is a smart choice for travelers prioritizing hygiene and convenience.
The Details: 14 x 18 inches (standard), 18 x 25 inches (extra large) | Fits several pairs depending on the size | Polyester
Best Dust Bag
MISSLO Drawstring Storage Pouch Bag
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: Comes in four sizes, ensuring shoes fit, and larger sizes can accommodate various other items. A great dust bag shoe bag option.
What to Consider: Drawstring closure doesn’t provide a complete seal, and the fabric is not water-resistant.
The MISSLO Drawstring Storage Pouch Bag offers excellent value as a dust bag shoe bag, especially for those who appreciate classic dust bag style shoe storage travel. Coming in a pack of three, it’s versatile for various shoe packing needs.
Ideal for storing and traveling with high-end shoes, this travel shoe bag is available in four sizes to fit different shoe types, including boots. You can use individual bags for each pair of shoes, or separate individual shoes within smaller bags to prevent scuffing. The larger sizes are also suitable for handbags, backpacks, clothes, and other oversized items. Made from 100% cotton, these bags are breathable and washable, and they take up minimal space when traveling. For a traditional shoe bag for travel focusing on dust protection and versatility, the MISSLO bags are a solid choice.
The Details: 16.5 x 12.5 inches (small), 18 x 18 inches (medium), 22.5 x 18.5 inches (large), 25 x 19 inches (extra large) | Fits several pairs depending on the size | 100-percent cotton
Best Compressible
Knack Compressible Shoe Bag
PHOTO: Knack
Why We Love It: Compressible feature eliminates bulk, a standout feature in compressible shoe bags.
What to Consider: Compression feature is not recommended for delicate or wrinkle-prone shoes.
The Knack Compressible Shoe Bag addresses the common issue of travel shoe bags adding extra bulk to luggage. While many shoe bags for travel are useful, they inherently take up space. Some are even structured like mini suitcases or oversized packing cubes, which can be problematic when maximizing packing space and adhering to airline weight restrictions.
This bag solves this problem with its compression feature, designed to minimize excess space. External compression straps tighten to reduce the packed size while ensuring shoe protection. An internal divider made of protective nylon fabric keeps shoes separate and prevents scuffing. For travelers prioritizing space-saving shoe storage travel, the Knack Compressible Shoe Bag is an innovative solution.
The Details: 16.5 x 8.3 x 5.5 inches | Fits up to two pairs | Nylon
Best for Multiple Pairs
Walter Drake Shoe Storage Travel Bag
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: One-size-fits-all design allows packing up to eight pairs of shoes, or can be used for toiletries or jewelry. The ultimate shoe bag for travel for extensive shoe collections.
What to Consider: May occupy a significant portion of a suitcase compartment.
For travelers who like to bring a wide selection of footwear, the Walter Drake Shoe Storage Travel Bag is a game-changer. This travel shoe bag is designed to transport up to eight pairs of women’s shoes or four pairs of men’s shoes, essentially bringing your closet to your destination, at least for your shoe collection.
This vinyl bag opens fully like clamshell luggage, revealing two sides equipped with transparent plastic pouches. Each pouch can hold one or two shoes, depending on size. With two handles, it can be carried separately or placed inside a large checked suitcase. For those needing to pack numerous pairs, the Walter Drake bag is the best shoe storage travel solution, especially for longer trips or destination events requiring various shoe styles.
The Details: 19.5 x 13.25 x 5.5 inches | Fits up top eight pairs | Vinyl, plastic
Best Leather Bag
Allen Edmonds Travel Shoe Bag
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PHOTO: Allen Edmonds
Why We Love It: Crafted from Nappa leather, an elevated option for discerning shoe lovers seeking a matching leather shoe bag.
What to Consider: The bag itself is quite large and will take up considerable space in carry-on luggage.
The Allen Edmonds Travel Shoe Bag is the epitome of luxury in travel shoe bags. For those who cherish their high-end or designer footwear, and desire a shoe bag for travel that reflects this appreciation, this leather option is ideal.
This premium shoe bag for travel is crafted from supple Nappa leather, promising durability and timeless style. It’s designed to protect shoes from dust and dirt for years. A top handle allows for easy removal from luggage or hanging in a closet. The base is made from durable durahyde to prevent scuffing and scratching during travel, and a two-way zipper with leather pulls provides easy access. For those seeking a luxury shoe storage travel solution, the Allen Edmonds bag is an investment in quality and style.
The Details: 10 x 14 x 5 inches | Fits one pair | Leather, durahyde
Best Smell-proof
Skunk Bags Shoe Bag Large
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PHOTO: Skunk Bags
Why We Love It: Utilizes special carbon-based technology to trap and neutralize odors, making it the best smell-proof shoe bag.
What to Consider: One of the more expensive options among travel shoe bags.
The Skunk Bags Shoe Bag Large is engineered for odor control, a crucial feature for travel shoe bags, especially after encountering rain or extended wear without sock changes. This shoe bag for travel is designed with advanced odor-blocking technology to keep unpleasant smells contained within the bag, ensuring suitcase freshness.
The brand’s odor-blocking system uses carbon layers to filter and neutralize odor molecules effectively. Beyond its functional technology, this shoe bag for travel is also sleek and stylish. It features a single top zipper opening to a lightly padded interior for shoe protection, and two carrying handles for easy transport. For travelers concerned about shoe odors affecting their luggage, the Skunk Bags Shoe Bag Large is a highly effective solution.
The Details: 9 x 12.75 x 4.25 inches | Fits one pair | SK9 premium odorless tech
Best Clear
Diommell Set of 5 Transparent Large Shoe Bags
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: Clear window allows quick shoe identification, making it the best clear shoe bag for efficient packing.
What to Consider: Stitching around the handle may not be highly durable.
The Diommell Set of 5 Transparent Large Shoe Bags offers practicality with its clear design, making it an excellent choice among travel shoe bags for easy identification. For travelers who value efficiency and quick access to their packed items, clear bags are incredibly useful.
These transparent shoe bags for travel feature a clear window, allowing you to see the shoes inside at a glance, saving time and hassle. Each bag is made from durable nylon, protecting suitcase contents from shoe scuffs and dirt. They have a central zipper opening and a small top handle. Large enough to fit men’s size 12 loafers, size 11 hiking boots, or women’s size 10 heels, these bags provide ample versatility. The set of five bags at an affordable price point makes this a highly economical and practical shoe storage travel solution.
The Details: 17.3 x 12.4 inches | Fits one pair per bag | Nylon
Tips for Buying Travel Shoe Bags
Choosing the right travel shoe bag involves several considerations to ensure it meets your specific needs. Here are key tips to guide your purchase:
Consider your shoe styles and sizes
When selecting shoe bags for travel, size and style compatibility are critical. While many attractive options are available, remember that “one size fits all” rarely applies to travel shoe bags. Carefully review product descriptions, noting size limitations. Many shoe bags for travel accommodate up to a men’s U.S. size 12, which may not suffice for those with larger feet or bulkier shoes like boots. If packing boots, opt for bags specifically designed for boots rather than generic dust bags or plastic bags.
Conversely, if you’re packing smaller shoes like sandals or slippers, a travel shoe bag designed for one pair might actually accommodate two, maximizing space. Always consider the types and sizes of shoes you typically travel with to choose the most appropriate shoe storage travel solution.
Prioritize durable materials
Durability is paramount for travel shoe bags to withstand the rigors of travel. After finding a bag that fits your shoes and purpose, examine the material quality before purchasing. Delicate materials or flimsy plastic can be punctured by pointed heels. For long-term use, prioritize heavy-duty materials like well-made mesh or durable nylon. These materials offer better resistance to wear and tear, ensuring your shoe bag for travel lasts through numerous trips. Investing in durable shoe bags for travel ensures your shoes and luggage remain protected trip after trip.
Look for fully sealed bags
For optimal cleanliness, especially after hiking or beach trips, fully sealed travel shoe bags are essential. Shoes can carry dirt, sand, and moisture, so choosing a bag that completely seals, ideally with a zipper, is crucial to protect your suitcase contents. This is particularly important in rainy destinations to prevent wet footwear from contaminating your belongings. A fully sealed shoe bag for travel keeps dirt and moisture contained, maintaining the cleanliness of your luggage and clothes throughout your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about using travel shoe bags:
Will my shoes smell in a shoe bag?
Possibly. To minimize shoe odor within a travel shoe bag, choose bags with ventilation features like mesh panels to promote airflow. Less breathable materials like nylon or leather may trap smells. Opt for machine-washable shoe bags for travel for easy cleaning, and ensure shoes are completely dry before storing them. Deodorizer sprays can also help maintain freshness. Proper ventilation and regular cleaning are key to preventing odors in your shoe storage travel solutions.
How can I clean a travel shoe bag?
Cleaning methods vary depending on the travel shoe bag material. Mesh bags are often machine washable. Leather bags typically require specialized cleaners, while others may be spot-clean only. Always check the product description for cleaning instructions to ensure proper care and longevity of your shoe bag for travel. Choose cleaning methods that are practical for you to maintain your shoe bags for travel effectively.
Will a travel shoe bag make my suitcase bulkier?
It depends. Larger travel shoe bags, especially those designed like packing cubes, can occupy significant suitcase space. If space is a concern, select shoe bags for travel with compression features or made from flexible fabrics like cloth or nylon, rather than structured leather. Avoid using oversized multi-pair bags if unnecessary. Strategic packing, such as arranging shoes heel-to-toe and utilizing internal shoe space for socks, can also save room. Choosing the right size and style of shoe bag for travel is crucial for maximizing luggage space.
You Might Also Want
Enhance your travel organization with these complementary accessories:
Eagle Creek Isolate Clean/Dirty Cube: This dual-compartment laundry bag effectively separates clean and dirty clothes and contains odors, ideal for active trips.
Béis The Weekender: This weekender bag features a dedicated shoe compartment at the bottom, keeping shoes separate from clothes and accessories, adding extra convenience beyond just travel shoe bags.
Veken Packing Cubes With Laundry and Shoe Bag: This packing cube set includes various cube sizes, a laundry bag, and a shoe bag for travel, providing a comprehensive organization system for your luggage.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure contributor Emily Hochberg, a seasoned travel and lifestyle writer and editor, frequently travels with her family and packs for all of them. As a shoe enthusiast with a diverse collection, she understands the importance of effective shoe storage travel solutions. Emily regularly tests luggage and travel products and has extensively researched travel shoe bags to recommend the best options for all footwear types.
Edited by Jasmine Grant, a Senior Editor at Travel + Leisure specializing in luggage and travel accessories, and updated by Anne Taylor, an updates writer at Travel + Leisure and avid traveler.
Updated by Anne Taylor
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