It wasn’t until I got married that I realized the importance of shoe bags. After my dress, my candy-pink Sarah Jessica Parker heels were the most important thing in my suitcase for my destination wedding in Palm Springs. They needed to arrive pristine — untouched by items in my bag or dirtied from other shoes I packed for my wedding and immediate honeymoon.
I’ve kept up the trend since, turning to bags when I need to pack my dusty hiking boots, sandy flip-flops, or dirt-caked sneakers. It’s a necessity when you consider everything you wear on your feet touches the ground; no one wants all that gunk brushed up against their best clothes.
Travel shoe bags have also become much more versatile than the simple dust bag I used years ago. Now, they come in all types — from compressible to fully transparent to water-resistant. Here are our favorites across a wide range of categories to help you choose the best Shoe Bags For Travel.
Our Top Picks for the Best Shoe Bags for Travel
- Best Overall: Mossio Shoe Bag
- Best Budget: Ikea PÄRKLA Shoe Bag
- Best Water-resistant: Away Shoe Cube
- Best for Boots: REI Co-op Shoe Bag
- Best Washable: Stnky Bag Pro
- Best Dust Bag: MISSLO Drawstring Storage Pouch Bag
- Best Compressible: Knack Compressible Shoe Bag
- Best for Multiple Pairs: Walter Drake Shoe Storage Travel Bag
- Best Leather Bag: Allen Edmonds Travel Shoe Bag
- Best Smell-proof: Skunk Bags Shoe Bag Large
- Best Clear: Diommell Set of 5 Transparent Large Shoe Bags
Best Shoe Bags for Travel: Detailed Reviews
Best Overall: Mossio Shoe Bag
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Why We Love It: This waterproof shoe bag is incredibly versatile, fitting multiple pairs of shoes and doubling as storage for toiletries or dirty laundry.
What to Consider: The extra pockets are designed for slim shoes like sandals and may not accommodate larger footwear.
The Mossio Shoe Bag stands out as more than just a shoe container. This structured bag can hold up to three pairs of shoes, with a dedicated base for larger shoes (up to size 13) and additional pockets for flip-flops or sandals. Its design and functionality are similar to a packing cube, making it easily adaptable for clothes, toiletries, or laundry when not used for shoes, providing exceptional value. The trolley strap is a fantastic feature, allowing it to be slipped over a rolling suitcase handle for use as a carry-on or personal item if space is limited in your main luggage.
Constructed from waterproof material, this bag ensures no leaks, and it features robust, two-way zippers and a convenient grab-top design. Available in a variety of colors and fun prints like blue flowers, pink leopard, and cactus, it adds a touch of personality to your travel organization.
The Details: 11.8 x 8.66 x 5.51 inches | Capacity: Up to three pairs | Material: Polyester
Best Budget: Ikea PÄRKLA Shoe Bag
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Why We Love It: It’s hard to find a more affordable shoe bag that still offers great functionality.
What to Consider: Durability might be less compared to higher-priced options.
Ikea’s PÄRKLA Shoe Bag is made from the same robust material as their iconic blue and yellow shopping bags, promising resilience at an unbeatable price. For just around a dollar, you get a shoe bag that rivals more expensive options in terms of thickness and durability.
This budget-friendly bag features a zipper closure and a spacious interior that can comfortably fit two pairs of shoes. Its compact size is perfect for fitting inside a carry-on suitcase. Beyond shoes, its versatility extends to organizing clothes or storing cables and wires, making it a valuable addition to any traveler’s packing essentials.
The Details: 19 x 8.75 x 6 inches | Capacity: Up to two pairs | Material: Polypropylene
Best Water-resistant: Away Shoe Cube
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Why We Love It: Available in two sizes, crafted from water-resistant nylon to shield shoes from moisture, ensuring dry and clean footwear.
What to Consider: The small size is limited in capacity, fitting up to a women’s U.S. size 11 and men’s U.S. size 9.5.
The Away Shoe Cube, from the popular luggage brand, mirrors the quality and thoughtful design of Away’s suitcases. Constructed from water-resistant nylon, this durable cube is designed to protect your shoes from liquids and moisture, ideal for preventing leaks or keeping dampness at bay in wet climates or beach destinations.
Beyond its water resistance, the cube is well-designed with a collapsible divider for organized storage of multiple shoe pairs, a convenient handle for carrying or hanging, and an internal mesh pocket for small accessories. It’s also designed to fold flat when not in use and comes in two sizes: small and large. The large size can accommodate up to a women’s U.S. size 15.5 and men’s U.S. size 14.
The Details: Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.7 x 11.4 inches (small), 8.66 x 5.1 x 13.8 inches (large) | Capacity: Up to four pairs | Material: Nylon
Best for Boots: REI Co-op Shoe Bag
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Why We Love It: Designed specifically for boots, it easily fits large sizes and includes features to minimize space.
What to Consider: The mesh panel might allow scent transfer if placed against clothes.
REI is renowned for its outdoor and hiking gear, and their Co-op Shoe Bag is a reliable choice for packing boots. Unlike many shoe bags that accommodate up to men’s U.S. size 12 or 13, this bag fits up to size 14, ensuring even larger boots can be packed. Constructed from durable 400-denier recycled nylon with a water-repellent finish, it resists stains and moisture picked up by your boots.
The roll-top design with cinchable sides snugly encloses boots, optimizing space. A mesh panel provides ventilation and visibility, making it easy to see what’s inside.
The Details: 18.5 x 10 x 5 inches | Capacity: One pair | Material: 400-denier recycled nylon
Best Washable: Stnky Bag Pro
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Why We Love It: Versatile and washable, it can be used for both shoes and clothes, available in five colors for easy categorization.
What to Consider: Its multi-purpose design may take up more space than dedicated shoe bags.
The Stnky Bag Pro addresses the need for hygiene by being fully washable, a crucial feature for a bag designed to carry footwear that encounters dirt and grime. This multipurpose bag comes in standard and extra-large sizes, accommodating even large shoes or boots.
Designed to trap germs, moisture, and odors, the bag can be washed and dried at any temperature. A standout feature is its dual functionality as a travel laundry bag. With a bottom zipper and built-in wash net, you can directly empty dirty contents into the washing machine, ensuring a touch-free laundry process.
The Details: Dimensions: 14 x 18 inches (standard), 18 x 25 inches (extra large) | Capacity: Several pairs, size dependent | Material: Polyester
Best Dust Bag: MISSLO Drawstring Storage Pouch Bag
Why We Love It: Comes in a pack of three in four sizes, offering versatility for various shoe types and other items.
What to Consider: Drawstring closure is not fully sealed, and the cotton fabric is not water-resistant.
The MISSLO Drawstring Storage Pouch Bag is an excellent value, especially for those who appreciate dust bags for shoe storage. This pack of three offers versatility, whether you use one bag per pair of shoes or separate individual shoes to prevent scuffing. Smaller sizes are great for sandals, while larger options can accommodate boots or even handbags and clothes.
Made from 100% cotton, these bags are available in four sizes to fit various shoe sizes, including boots. They are space-saving when traveling and fully washable for easy maintenance.
The Details: Dimensions: 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) | Capacity: Several pairs, size dependent | Material: 100-percent cotton
Best Compressible: Knack Compressible Shoe Bag
Why We Love It: Compression feature effectively minimizes bulk, addressing space concerns associated with shoe bags.
What to Consider: Compression might not be suitable for delicate or wrinkle-prone shoes.
The Knack Compressible Shoe Bag solves the common issue of shoe bags adding extra bulk to luggage. While useful, shoe bags can occupy valuable suitcase space. This bag is designed with compression straps to reduce extraneous space, effectively minimizing the packing volume needed for shoes while ensuring protection. An internal divider keeps shoes separated and protected from scuffing.
The Details: 16.5 x 8.3 x 5.5 inches | Capacity: Up to two pairs | Material: Nylon
Best for Multiple Pairs: Walter Drake Shoe Storage Travel Bag
Why We Love It: High capacity, fitting up to eight pairs of shoes, and versatile enough for other items like toiletries or jewelry.
What to Consider: Size may occupy a significant portion of a suitcase compartment.
The Walter Drake Shoe Storage Travel Bag is perfect for travelers who want to bring a wide selection of footwear. This bag can carry up to eight pairs of women’s shoes or four pairs of men’s shoes, essentially bringing your shoe closet on vacation.
The vinyl bag opens fully like clamshell luggage, revealing two sides with transparent plastic pouches for individual shoe storage. It features carry handles for use as a carry-on or fits neatly inside a larger checked suitcase.
The Details: 19.5 x 13.25 x 5.5 inches | Capacity: Up to eight pairs | Material: Vinyl, plastic
Best Leather Bag: Allen Edmonds Travel Shoe Bag
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Why We Love It: Made from Nappa leather, offering a premium, luxurious option for discerning travelers who value high-quality accessories.
What to Consider: Larger size may consume significant carry-on space.
For travelers who prioritize luxury and quality, the Allen Edmonds Travel Shoe Bag is an exceptional choice. Crafted from supple Nappa leather, this bag is as elegant as it is functional. It’s designed to protect high-end footwear from dust and damage for years to come. A top handle allows for easy removal from luggage or hanging in a closet.
The durahyde bottom adds durability and prevents scuffing, while a two-way zipper with leather pulls provides easy access.
The Details: 10 x 14 x 5 inches | Capacity: One pair | Material: Leather, durahyde
Best Smell-proof: Skunk Bags Shoe Bag Large
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Why We Love It: Features advanced carbon-based technology to effectively trap and neutralize shoe odors, keeping your luggage fresh.
What to Consider: One of the pricier options available.
The Skunk Bags Shoe Bag Large is designed for travelers concerned about shoe odors affecting their luggage. Utilizing advanced odor-blocking technology with carbon layers, this bag traps and neutralizes unpleasant smells.
Beyond its odor-blocking capabilities, the bag is stylish and functional with a padded interior to protect shoes and belongings. It includes two carrying handles for easy transport.
The Details: 9 x 12.75 x 4.25 inches | Capacity: One pair | Material: SK9 premium odorless tech
Best Clear: Diommell Set of 5 Transparent Large Shoe Bags
Why We Love It: Transparent design allows for quick identification of shoes without opening, saving time and hassle.
What to Consider: Handle stitching may lack durability over time.
The Diommell Transparent Shoe Bags are ideal for travelers who value efficiency and quick access. The clear window design lets you see the contents at a glance, making it easy to find the pair you need without unpacking. Each bag is made from durable nylon to protect suitcase contents from shoe scuffs and dirt. A central zipper and top handle add to the convenience. The large size accommodates various shoe types, including men’s loafers size 12, hiking boots size 11, or women’s high heels size 10. This set of five bags offers excellent value.
The Details: 17.3 x 12.4 inches | Capacity: One pair per bag | Material: Nylon
Tips for Buying Travel Shoe Bags
Consider Your Shoe Styles and Sizes
When choosing shoe bags for travel, remember that one size doesn’t fit all. Always check product descriptions for size limitations. Many bags are designed for shoes up to a men’s U.S. size 12, which may not suit everyone, particularly those with larger feet or bulkier footwear like boots. For boots, opt for bags specifically designed for them rather than generic dust or plastic bags. Conversely, if you’re packing smaller shoes like sandals or slippers, you can often fit multiple pairs in a bag intended for one, maximizing space.
Prioritize Durable Materials
Material quality is crucial for longevity. Ensure the shoe bag is made from durable materials that can withstand travel conditions. For example, delicate materials or flimsy plastic might be punctured by pointy heels. For long-term use, look for robust materials such as well-constructed mesh or durable nylon.
Look for Fully Sealed Bags
To keep dirt and sand from shoes contained, especially after hiking or beach trips, choose fully sealed bags, preferably with zippers. This is also important in wet climates to prevent moisture from affecting other items in your luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoe Bags for Travel
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Will my shoes smell in a shoe bag?
Potentially, yes. To minimize odor, select bags with ventilation features like mesh panels to promote airflow. Less breathable materials like nylon or leather can trap smells. Opt for machine-washable bags and ensure shoes are completely dry before storing them. Deodorizer sprays can also help.
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How can I clean a travel shoe bag?
Cleaning methods vary by material. Mesh bags are often machine washable. Leather bags require specific cleaners, while others may only be suitable for spot cleaning. Always refer to the product description for cleaning instructions to maintain your bag properly.
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Will a travel shoe bag make my suitcase bulkier?
It depends on the bag’s size and design. Larger, structured shoe bags can take up significant space. To save space, consider compressible bags or those made from flexible fabrics like cloth or nylon. Avoid using oversized bags for just a few pairs of shoes. Pack strategically by arranging shoes heel-to-toe and using laces to secure pairs. You can also maximize space by stuffing socks or other small items inside your shoes.
You Might Also Want Other Travel Organizers
Enhance your travel organization with these related accessories:
Eagle Creek Isolate Clean/Dirty Cube: This dual-compartment laundry bag effectively separates clean and dirty clothes, and helps contain odors.
Béis The Weekender: This weekender bag includes a separate shoe compartment at the bottom, keeping shoes away from clean clothes and accessories. It’s praised for its smart design, spaciousness, and organizational features.
Veken Packing Cubes With Laundry and Shoe Bag: This packing cube set includes four cubes, a laundry bag, and a shoe bag, offering a comprehensive organization solution for travelers.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure contributor Emily Hochberg, a seasoned travel and lifestyle writer and editor, frequently travels with her family and understands the importance of efficient packing. Owning numerous pairs of shoes, she regularly tests travel products and has thoroughly researched travel shoe bags to recommend the best options for various footwear needs.
Edited by Jasmine Grant, a Senior Editor at Travel + Leisure specializing in luggage and travel accessories with over a decade of experience in lifestyle and travel media.
Updated by Anne Taylor, an Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure, an avid traveler with extensive international experience, dedicated to keeping articles current and helpful, and rigorously testing travel products.
