Everyone should travel with shoe bags. Here are our favorites.
These handy little travel bags keep shoes organized, while keeping the rest of your pack clean.
Packing for a trip can feel like putting together a puzzle. Every item in your bag has to fit just right, which can make packing bulky shoes a bit of a challenge. But shoe bags can help.
“Shoe bags are a great way to keep your shoes separated from other items in your bag,” says Saskia Popescu, an infectious disease epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “For the most part, our shoes tend to be the dirtiest item in our suitcases, especially when traveling.”
There’s an added perk to shoe bags too. “They act as a visual reminder to limit the number of shoes you bring,” explains Lillian Rafson, founder of Pack Up + Go, which specializes in surprise vacations. This can help curb the temptation to overpack.
Our top pick, the Travelpro Essentials Max Access Cubes Large Shoe Organizer, balances practicality and durability. The smart design maximizes space, ensuring shoes are securely stowed and neatly separated.
From budget-friendly options to luxurious choices, there’s a travel shoe bag to suit every packing style and trip. Here are our favorites.
Our picks for the best shoe bag for travel
• Best weekender bag with a shoe compartment: CalPak Luka Duffel
• Best travel bag with a shoe compartment: Nomatic Travel Pack
• Best waterproof shoe bag: Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags
• Best drawstring shoe bag: Tenabort Portable Shoe Bags
• Best zipper shoe bag: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Shoe Sack
• Best multiple shoe travel bag: Hezelf Travel Shoe Bag
• Best luxury shoe bag: Mark & Graham Mercer Waxed Canvas Shoe
• Best budget shoe bag: Spikg Portable Shoe Bags
The best travel shoe bags
The best travel shoe bags combine durability, smart organization, and effortless convenience. Anne McAlpin, a travel and packing expert who shares her tips at Pack It Up, has long been a fan of shoe bags, noting that “specialized shoe bags help contain bacteria and odors.” Here’s why we love our top picks.
Best shoe bag for travel overall: Travelpro Essentials Max Access Cubes Large Shoe Organizer
Why we like it: The Travelpro Essentials MaxAccess Cubes Large Shoe Organizer makes a wonderful travel companion. With its roomy interior, it comfortably holds one pair of men’s shoes (up to size 10.5) or two small pairs of women’s shoes, keeping them neatly separated from your clothes and toiletries. Crafted from durable polyester, this shoe bag is built to withstand the rigors of travel, while the dual-zipper closure allows for easy on-the-go access.
Keep in mind: This shoe bag may not be large enough for some travelers.
Product details: Dimensions: 12 x 15.5 in. | Fabric: Polyester | Style: Zipper | Waterproof: No | Colors: 1 (black)
Best weekender bag with a shoe compartment: CalPak Luka Duffel
Why we like it: The Luka Duffel blends style with practicality, accommodating both gym sessions and weekend getaways. The exterior shoe compartment easily holds sneakers or heels. Standout features include nine pockets, including ones for a laptop and water bottle, and a convenient trolley sleeve for sliding the bag onto your roll-aboard suitcase handle. We love all the color choices—more than a dozen.
Keep in mind: The shoe compartment takes up some space inside the bag, so pack thoughtfully to maximize what it can hold.
Product details: Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 8 in. | Fabric: Polyester | Style: Zipper | Waterproof: No | Colors: 18
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Best travel bag with a shoe compartment: Nomatic Travel Pack
Nomatic Travel Bag
Why we like it: The Nomatic Travel Pack has a thoughtful design that wins raves from travelers. The expandable capacity—from 20 to 30 liters—makes this backpack a good choice for both light packers and over-packers. It has 22 pockets, including spaces for a laptop and a water bottle, plus a zip closure along the perimeter so you can open it all the way. A built-in trolley sleeve and handles add to this shoe bag’s versatility. It comes in three colors and two sizes (14L and 20L).
Keep in mind: The shoe compartment is more like a pocket, so it’s best suited for smaller footwear, like flats and canvas sneakers.
Product details: Dimensions: 11 x 17.5 x 5.5 in. | Fabric: Nylon, Polyester | Style: Zipper | Waterproof: No | Colors: 3
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Best waterproof shoe bag: Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags
Why we like it: The waterproof Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags are a no-nonsense solution for keeping shoes—and everything else—organized and clean. These bags are a good pick for sneakers, hiking boots, or even wet sandals. There’s a sturdy zipper for easy access and a comfortable handle. Two sizes include standard for men’s shoes up to size 10 and extra-large for sizes 10-14. Travelers can choose from three colors and purchase them in packs of two, four, or 12.
Keep in mind: One reviewer notes that while these bags are great for damp shoes, they are not designed to contain sopping wet footwear. If your shoes are soaked, wrapping the bag in a towel can provide an extra layer of protection for clothes and other packed items.
Product details: Dimensions: 9 x 14.5 in. | Fabric: Nylon | Style: Zipper | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 3
Best drawstring shoe bag: Tenabort Portable Shoe Bags
Why we like it: The Tenabort Portable Shoe Bags have a clear window so you can easily find the pair you need. A convenient drawstring cinches each shoe bag tight for neat storage in your luggage. These bags come in a budget-friendly 12-pack and are available in black, white, or a mix of both.
Keep in mind: While these bags do well in most travel situations, the drawstring design doesn’t fully seal, so they may not be ideal for very dirty or wet shoes.
Product details: Dimensions: 12.6 x 17.3 in. | Fabric: Nonwoven | Style: Drawstring | Waterproof: No | Colors: 2 (black, white, or combo)
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Best zipper shoe bag: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Shoe Sack
Why we like it: The Pack-It Isolate Shoe Sack sports a practical zipper closure, which ensures your shoes stay safely contained and separate from your clean clothes and essentials.
This shoe bag is made from sustainable materials, according to the brand, and comes in five stylish colors that include neutrals as well as brighter tones.
McAlpin is a fan, noting that they are “more eco-friendly than single-use plastic bags,” such as plastic grocery bags, which can hold shoes in a pinch.
Keep in mind: The slim design works best for single pairs of lightweight or smaller shoes. As such, they may not easily accommodate bulkier footwear, like hiking boots.
Product details: Dimensions: 11 x 16 in. | Fabric: Recycled nylon | Style: Zipper | Waterproof: No | Colors: 5
Best multiple shoe travel bag: Hezelf Travel Shoe Bag
Why we like it: The Hezelf Travel Shoe Bag can hold up to three pairs of shoes. Separate compartments keep footwear organized. Made from durable, easy-to-clean cloth, this shoe bag features a handle and a trolley sleeve for airport navigation. This is a stylish and practical piece of travel gear.
Keep in mind: One compartment is large enough for sneakers or high heels. The other two compartments are best suited for flats or slippers.
Product details: Dimensions: 9.1 x 11.4 in. | Fabric: Oxford cloth | Style: Zipper | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 5
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Best luxury shoe bag: Mark & Graham Mercer Waxed Canvas Shoe
Mark & Graham Mercer Waxed Canvas Shoe Bag
Why we like it: The Mercer Waxed Canvas Shoe Bag blends practicality and luxury. With a durable waxed canvas exterior and sophisticated leather accents, this bag is as stylish as it is functional. The spacious interior fits most shoe sizes comfortably, while the option to monogram adds a personal touch. This bag is for travelers who appreciate form and function.
Keep in mind: The premium materials come with a higher price tag, so this bag is best suited for travelers who prioritize style and long-lasting quality.
Product details: Dimensions: 8 x 13.75 in. | Fabric: Waxed cotton canvas | Style: Zipper | Waterproof: No | Colors: 2
Best budget shoe bag: Spikg Portable Shoe Bags
Why we like it: The Spikg Portable Shoe Bags have both a user-friendly design and a budget-friendly price. The durable, waterproof fabric helps protect shoes, while the drawstrings make packing simple and quick. A window lets you find shoes without opening each bag. These bags come in two sizes: large (fits up to men’s size 9) and extra-large (fits up to size 13). Choose from packs of 10 or 18.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers mention that the bags run a bit larger than expected. One customer repurposed the extra-large bags as laundry bags for dirty clothes.
Product details: Dimensions: 10.6 x 13.2 in. | Fabric: Nonwoven | Style: Drawstring | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 3 (pack of black or pack of dark and light blue)
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How we chose the best travel shoe bags
“Shoe bags are the key to clearer, more organized packing,” says Rafson. To find the top travel shoe bags, we evaluated a range of options based on the following factors:
Third-party reviews: We considered feedback from reliable online platforms to assess how well each bag performs in real-world travel scenarios.
Materials: We gave high marks to shoe bags made from durable, water-resistant fabrics that protect shoes, while keeping them neatly separated from packed clothing and toiletries.
Design: We favored shoe bags with thoughtful design features, like clear windows for easy shoe identification and good quality closures that make shoes easy to access.
Convenience: Shoe bags that are versatile, lightweight, easy to use and store, and able to accommodate various shoe sizes and styles were favorites for us.
Tips for buying a shoe bag for travel
When shopping for a travel shoe bag, keep a few important features in mind, such as:
Protection
Look for a bag that keeps shoes neatly separated from clothes, so everything in the bag stays clean, dry, and odor-free. Shoe bags made from breathable fabrics, like polyester and cotton, allow airflow while protecting shoes.
Capacity
Think about how many pairs of shoes you typically pack when you travel. Choose a shoe bag with enough capacity to hold shoes without taking up too much space in your bag. Look for shoe bags that offer flexibility to accommodate different shoe sizes and styles.
Durability
Travel can be rough on gear, so choose a shoe bag made of durable, water-resistant materials, such as nylon or canvas. These fabrics can withstand repeated use, keeping your shoe bags in good shape for many trips to come.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for a shoe bag?
Look for shoe bags made from durable, breathable fabrics, like nylon or canvas. These fabrics not only protect shoes, but also allow air to circulate, helping prevent the build-up of shoe odors.
What is the point of a shoe bag?
A shoe bag is designed to keep shoes separate from clothes and toiletries. It’s an easy way to protect what’s in your bag from unwanted dirt and moisture. Waterproof options can add an extra layer of protection, helping to keep everything dry and organized.
“If you’re not able to find or use [a shoe bag], it’s ideal to keep your shoes on the side of your suitcase, where you’ll be storing dirty clothing that will go straight into the washing machine,” says Popescu.
How do you pack shoes for travel?
To pack shoes efficiently, place them in a dedicated shoe bag to keep them separate from clothing. Store the shoe bag at the bottom of your suitcase or travel bag to prevent crushing or wrinkling of other items. This can also help optimize packing space.
