How To Pack Shoes in a Suitcase

Packing shoes in a suitcase isn’t easy case. It requires accuracy and maybe dirty sometimes. And if the last drawback is easy to cope with, then in order to neutralize the first, you’ll have to master special packaging methods developed by British scientists, hah)

The main thing is to count the number of pairs and choose a suitable packaging method.

We trained all of them at home and now we can advise.

Way 1: lay on the sides

If you are carrying several pairs of shoes with you (as likely you do), place them along the side walls of the suitcase. In this case, press the soles against the walls. Put each ballet flats or sneakers separately. For this method, it’s important that the middle of the suitcase is tightly filled, otherwise the sneakers and boots won’t hold in place and will messy with other things.

The ideal option is to wash all your shoes before doing this, dry them and wrap them in a separate cloth bag (we don’t want to transfer plastic bags, right?). But let’s admit that sometimes there is neither the strength nor the time for this. And sometimes it’s just laziness. So move on to the next tip.

Way 2: put it in a special pocket

This method is suitable for those who travel light. Let’s imagine you take only sneakers and slippers with you. Excellent! So, we need fold them in pairs, pressing them against each other with the soles, and with the “tops” outward. Then put it in a special pocket, close it with a zipper and forget.

It’s much more convenient if you are going to change your shoes right away at the airport or at the hotel: you don’t need to look for anything, you took it out of your pocket and kept order in the entire suitcase!

By the way, how to choose a shoe bag?

As a rule, high-quality classic shoes come with bags in a set, and some manufacturers put two bags in the box – one for each shoe. But it’s not a common case.

A quality bag holds your shoes securely and prevents them from getting dirty or even damaging other things in your bag or suitcase. A thin plastic bag isn’t a complete substitute for a cloth bag because it breaks more easily.

It’s best to place shoes in a suitcase and bag in such a way that it puts as little pressure as possible on things that can wrinkle. If you can place your boots in the same bag only, get them “sole to sole” if possible. And one more small nuance: it’s better to put on a more bulky and heavy pair, and put a lighter and more compact one in a suitcase.

Way 3: mix heels with your clothes

If travel isn’t a journey without stiletto heels, be prepared to suffer with packaging. Heels don’t fit well in a suitcase according to the Tetris scheme, but we have a way out.

First, lay out your shirts, spare jeans or sweaters on the bottom. Then place your shoes so that they are closer to the base of the suitcase, but not at the very bottom. Fill the gaps near the heels with small soft things. Place rolled up socks inside each pair – so there will be no creases. Voila!

Way 4: use form holders

If you wish, you can insert mold holders (pads) into the shoes, but keep in mind that wooden ones make your luggage much heavier.

Plastic mold holders, of course, will help the shoes keep their shape (If you don’t press them too much with other things inside), but they don’t absorb moisture and, moreover, interfere with its evaporation.

Conclusion advice:

• Wear the thickest and heaviest shoes of all pairs that you have planned to take on your trip.
• Be sure to wash the shoes you plan to put in your suitcase.
• Pack each pair in a paper, bag, or case.
• Try to suck some of the air out of your shoe bags so that they take up less space.
• Place the socks inside the shoe to keep it looking.
• Place your shoes near the walls or at the bottom of your suitcase to reduce the likelihood that the shoes will ruin other things or bend on their own.
• Use a shoe freshener at least two days before packing.

So, now you know some permanent rules on how to pack shoes in your suitcase. We hope they’re useful to you and you’ll be prepared to a new journey. Have a good flight!