Many want the lowdown on how to pack shoes for travel so that they don’t have to struggle as much on their next long-distance trip.
Packing brings with it all kinds of hassles and headaches, particularly in the footwear department.
Shoes can hold considerable weight, so make sure to choose some of your lighter-weight pairs when packing for travel.
If you insist on bringing along your heaviest, at least make it part of your travel attire.
How To Pack Shoes for Travel Smartly
As challenging as packing shoes and boots are, there are strategies for correct and easy packing that keep it from becoming the hassle people expect it to be.
Wherever your destination, these tips for packing shoes and boots should help you save on space and ensure a less problematic experience.
1. Keep Shoe Number as Low as Possible
Even if shoes bring your outfit to life, it won’t be practical to bring your entire collection when you aren’t able to wear all of them.
And even if you do get the chance to wear them, sometimes it’s just better to bring the best pairs and opt to purchase the less important ones at your destination.
The hassle of packing a gazillion kicks is rarely ever worth it. Not to mention, very few occasions will call for this volume of shoes.
The beach usually requires three pairs of footwear at the very least: a pair of flip flops, sandals, and shoes you can wear to dinner at a restaurant.
Of course, this would also depend on the location of the beach.
If it were in Paris, it wouldn’t hurt to pack a few extra pairs of footwear for sightseeing and other travel activities. We are talking about the city of love, after all.
So that you don’t feel pressured to pack too many pairs, pick outfits that match your go-to pairs of footwear.
Ideally, you’d need a pair per athletic, formal, and casual category in neutral colors.
2. Wear Bulkiest and Heaviest Pair
There is no need to pack your most space-consuming pair. Instead, wear it on the plane to save yourself the hassle of having to pack it.
You’d be surprised at the time and effort packing a ginormous pair of shoes can waste.
Of course, the shoes’ comfort is an important matter to consider.
You don’t want to be in transit for several hours wearing the most uncomfortable pair.
That would be starting your experience out on a bad note, which is something you want to avoid.
Slip-ons are every traveler’s go-to because they get you through security without too much fuss. Check out our favorite travel sandals.
Then again, they may not be the best to pair with your travel attire if the goal is efficient packing.
For space- and effort-saving shoe packing, heavy shoes and knee-high boots should be the ones on your feet.
However, if you have no choice but to pack boots, make sure they’re lightweight, bendable pairs that won’t give you too much trouble in the packing department.
3. Keep Shoes Clean
Packing dirty shoes rarely turns out well for the rest of your items.
If you’re looking to pack pairs that currently have dirt or mud in them, wash and dry them ahead of time before packing.
You might also want to pack shoe cleaning tools, like a small brush, if you expect it to rain at your destination.
Dryer sheets can help neutralize foul odors and could prove useful for keeping shoes fresh, as well.
There’s a ton of shoe deodorizing products to help get rid of shoe odors.
The best brands make use of essential oil combinations.
Lemongrass, tea tree, mint, and other oils combat bacterial and mold growth.
Spray these on your footwear before leaving and prior to your return flight to keep your kicks clean and fresh.
A waterproof spray for your shoes could also be essential when traveling to areas with inclement weather.
It should be small enough to fit in your carry-on, have gentle cleaning qualities, and work well with a small brush and shoe eraser.
4. Bag Shoes Correctly
No matter how clean your shoes are, they are never clean enough to join your clothes without bagging.
Chances are, incorrectly bagged or unbagged shoes can streak your clothing with dirt.
Therefore, even when your shoes are clean, it is always a good idea to bag them.
Water-resistant bags are especially helpful when you need to navigate wet or muddy terrain or find yourself in the middle of a downpour.
Of course, a shoe bag isn’t the only item that can come to your rescue against the wet, cold, and muddy terrain.
Snapping a shower cap or regular plastic bag over the soles of your shoes should prevent dirt from coming in contact with your clothes until you arrive at your destination.
5. Arrange by Layer
The TSA recommends placing packed items on top of one another to ensure efficient screening.
If you stack shoes on top of each other in one section and clothes on another, additional screening might not be required.
The arrangement should be heavier shoes on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
Heavier and bulkier pairs near the wheels mean reduced chances of your suitcase tipping over. You also keep the softer, flimsier pairs from getting squished at the bottom.
One thing to note about shoe packing is that shoes don’t always have to go by pair.
If packing them efficiently means splitting them up, don’t hesitate to do so.
6. Use shoes as storage.
Use shoes you can’t bend or compress as an extra room. If you’re confident in their cleanliness, it shouldn’t hurt to insert items inside them.
These can be socks, pieces of jewelry, adapters, chargers, makeup, and other small items you can safely store within a shoe.
Another purpose of packing stuff inside your shoe is to maintain its shape.
Shoe Packing Can Mean Stuffing Every Available Space
Knowing how to pack shoes for travel can be tricky.
However, when you do it carefully and with strategy, you should be able to make the most of your luggage’s available space.
Even better, you get to secure spots for your go-to pairs for travel.
Wondering how to walk around all day sightseeing without hurting your feet? Find out how to prevent blisters on feet from walking here!