Whether you’re strolling through cobblestone streets in Europe or kicking back on a white sand beach in the Bahamas, traveling is full of unforgettable moments. But let’s be real, getting ready for a trip (aka the planning and packing part) isn’t always the most fun. Take it from me, I typically put off packing until the very last minute because it’s my least favorite part of travel. That said, with a little research and some real-life experience, packing gets so much easier, especially when you follow these tips from my firsthand experience.
One thing that always trips people up? Shoes. No matter where you’re headed, you’ll need at least one comfy pair you can wear all day. But depending on your plans, you might also need dressy shoes for a nice dinner, water shoes for rocky beaches, or hiking boots for those more adventurous days.
Whatever your itinerary looks like, I’ve got you covered. This blog post is all about how to pack shoes for travel so you can save space in your suitcase and keep your kicks in tip-top shape!
Photo credit: Canva Stock
How to Pack Shoes for Travel
Let’s be honest, packing shoes for a trip can feel like a total suitcase puzzle. They’re bulky, oddly shaped, and somehow always take up way more space than you expect. With airlines cracking down on bag sizes and weight limits, figuring out how to pack your shoes without sacrificing your favorite outfits (or toiletries!) can get a little stressful.
But don’t stress; I’ve got you! There are a few space-saving tricks that make packing shoes so much easier, so you can bring that perfect pair for every outfit and occasion (because let’s face it, what’s a vacation without a few IG-worthy looks?).
What Side of the Suitcase Should Shoes Be Packed In?
Let’s talk about shoe placement, because yes, it totally matters! Where you pack your shoes can make or break how much space you save and how balanced your suitcase feels.
If you’re like me and travel with a hard-shell suitcase, pop your shoes in the deeper bottom half (you know, the side without the compression flap or mesh zip). Keep them down by the wheels to help distribute the weight this little trick keeps your suitcase from tipping over when you’re rushing through the airport.
Using a soft-sided suitcase? Same rule applies! Place your shoes at the bottom near the wheels and stand them upright if you can. This keeps things balanced and prevents your clothes from getting squished mid-transit.
Photo Credit: Canva Stock
How to Pack Shoes When Traveling
Use shoe bags or an alternative cover.
Our shoes go everywhere with us; across airport terminals, cobblestone streets, sandy beaches… You name it! Which means, yeah, they can get pretty gross. One of my go-to packing tips? Always pop your shoes into travel shoe bags before tossing them in your suitcase. And if you’re in a pinch, a simple shower cap over the soles or a plastic bag works like magic to keep everything else clean. Bonus: Shoe bags aren’t just for cleanliness they also help keep things organized and save space thanks to their structured shape. Win-win!
Pack your shoes at the bottom of the suitcase.
As mentioned above, the best spot to pack your shoes? Right at the bottom of your suitcase near the wheels. Not only does it help balance your bag so it stands up straight, but it also keeps your clothes from getting squished by your heaviest or bulkiest pairs.
Try heel-to-toe stacking to save space.
One of my favorite space-saving hacks is stacking your shoes heel to toe with the soles facing out, just like they come in a shoebox. It’s such an easy way to maximize the space in your suitcase. You can do this inside a travel shoe bag or even a plastic bag if you’re in a pinch to keep the rest of your items free from dirt.
Flatten shoes when possible.
If you’re packing pairs of shoes like sandals or flats that can be flattened, you’re in luck! These are perfect for travel. They take up barely any space and won’t get ruined if you lay them flat or at the bottom of your suitcase. I also love tucking them into the sides or squeezing them into any little space left. Every inch counts when you’re packing like a pro!
Use your shoes as extra storage.
Sneakers and boots can take up a lot of space in your suitcase, but here’s a little hack I swear by: Use that space inside the shoes! Stuff them with small items like socks, underwear, chargers, or even your travel-size toiletries. It’s the perfect way to save space and keep your shoes from losing their shape. Think of them as tiny storage containers with laces.
Pack your heaviest shoes first.
When it comes to packing your suitcase, always start with your biggest, heaviest items first. Yep, that means your shoes! Laying them down first helps create a solid base and shows you where you can squeeze in your smaller stuff or lay your flatter shoes after. Pro Tip: Keep the heavy shoes at the bottom or along the edges of your suitcase so they don’t shift around or accidentally crush anything delicate during travel.
Wear your bulkiest pair of shoes while traveling.
One of my all-time favorite space-saving travel hacks? Wear your bulkiest shoes while you’re traveling! Whether it’s knee-high boots or your chunky sneakers, wearing them instead of packing them saves a ton of space in your suitcase. And this tip isn’t just for shoes. If you’re bringing a cozy sweater or oversized sweatshirt, toss that on for the plane ride, too. The more you wear, the more room you free up for cute outfits (or souvenirs!) in your bag.
Pack like a pro for your next trip no matter how many pairs of shoes you bring!
Packing truly is an art and like most things, you get better at it with practice. Sure, you can soak up all the tips from blog posts (like this one!) and learn from seasoned travelers like me, but over time, you’ll find your own rhythm and packing style, too. The more you travel, the more dialed-in your suitcase game will become.
If this post helped you out, be sure to check out some of my other packing guides, like my Costa Rica packing list or my ultimate packing list for Europe. And, make sure to follow me on Instagram for real-time travel inspo at @sierrainthecity!
