How to Pack Shoes in a Suitcase to Save Space: Tips on Packing Shoes for Travel

Whether for work or pleasure, packing for a trip can be stressful. It’s even more hectic when you’re trying to fit multiple pairs of shoes in your bag without damaging them or getting your clothes dirty. 

When looking for tips on packing shoes in suitcases, we see people tell you to try rolling them or just cramming them in the corner. That’s not good enough. We’ll show you how to pack shoes in a suitcase in a manner that keeps them pristine while fitting everything else you need to pack.

But the best way to pack shoes in suitcases is actually going back to the drawing board and getting new checked luggage or carry-on luggage if your current setup isn’t cutting it. 

Our designs here at Nobl Travel make it easier than ever to organize everything in your bag, and they’re guaranteed to last for life. You can even use the hidden laundry bag to keep your shoes separate if you’re worried about getting your clothes dirty! 

Shop now and say goodbye to travel anxiety. 

Challenges in Packing Shoes in Suitcases

We’ve found that packing shoes for travel is the most frustrating part of preparing for a trip. They’re bulky and don’t seem to fit well in modern luggage. Without the right approach, they can take up more space than you have to afford, soil your clothing, or throw off suitcase balance.

Very few people find themselves with extra space in their suitcase when the packing is all said and done. Rather, it’s a constant battle between what you have space for and what you don’t. The more shoes you pack, the more difficult this becomes.

They’re bulky and have an irregular shape that doesn’t fit neatly anywhere. There are two approaches that seem to work best when it comes to how to pack shoes for travel, though - nesting them or using the perimeter wisely. We’ll share tips on that in a moment.

But actually getting shoes to fit is just one hurdle when packing for a trip. You need to prevent any sort of funk coming from inside the shoe from taking hold of your clean clothes. Or worse, dirt on the bottom of the soles transferring over to your garments.

There’s also the need for proper weight distribution. We know what you’re thinking…it can’t make that big of a difference, right? Actually, it can. Heavy shoes positioned in the wrong place in your luggage increases the risks of tipping during transport.

Don’t worry, though - all of these frustrations can be avoided with our guidance on how to pack shoes for travel below! Let’s get into it.

How to Pack Shoes in a Suitcase to Save Space: The Best Way to Pack Shoes for Travel

As we said from the start you can save yourself a ton of stress when it comes to packing for a trip simply by upgrading your luggage, and you’re already in the right place for that. 

Nobl Travel has created award-winning designs from premium materials that are resistant to the constant wear and tear baggage handlers put them through. The lifetime warranty speaks for itself.

But the designs themselves are what really separate us from the rest. They make it easier than ever to organize your items for a trip. They don’t have any clunky, fragile zippers, there’s a TSA-approved combination lock, and 360° spinner wheels make your journey effortless.

Whether you’re looking for collapsible carry-on luggage or collapsible checked luggage, aluminum carry-on luggage or aluminum checked luggage, we’ve got something just for you waiting to be discovered. 

So, start by setting yourself up for success packing shoes for travel with luggage that lasts a lifetime. Then, follow our advice on how to pack shoes for travel below.

Are Shoes Allowed in Checked Baggage?

First, let’s figure out where you’re going to put your shoes for this trip - should they go in checked baggage or your carry-on? We prefer to check our shoes for a number of reasons, but the most obvious is so you’re not lugging around heavy shoes throughout your travel day.

This saves the space in your carry-on for things you actually need to use throughout the day - electronics and chargers, toiletries, snacks, etc. 

The one case in which you might not want to check your shoes is if they’re valuable or delicate. But remember, our luggage has triple locking mechanisms to protect your prized possessions! If you’re still stressing, though, you can certainly pack shoes in your carry-on.

Make sure you’re taking note of baggage weight limits with your specific airliner since shoes can quickly add up in weight. The last thing you want is to get hit with an unexpected fee as you’re checking in for your flight.

How Many Shoes Can You Bring?

This is something only you can answer for yourself. Nobody is stopping you from bringing 10 pairs of shoes - but is that a good idea? Probably not. You need to travel smarter and pack one shoe for every purpose:

• A comfortable walking shoe (sneakers or flats)
• A dressier option (heels, loafers, or dress shoes)
• A casual or weather-appropriate pair (sandals, boots, or slip-ons)

This covers most of your bases, and technically, you can wear one of these pairs of shoes as you travel (typically a comfortable walking shoe). This way you’d only need to pack two pairs of shoes.

There are exceptions to this rule, of course. Golfers, for example, like to pack different shoes for different rounds throughout their trip. They’ll also need other pairs of shoes for non-golf activities. 

Prepping Shoes Before Packing

Once you’ve narrowed down what shoes you’re going to bring for the journey and where you’re going to pack them, it’s time to get them ready for the trip. 

One of the biggest concerns with packing shoes in suitcases is getting clothes dirty or ending up with an entire bag of luggage that smells like stinky feet. So, follow these tips on how to pack shoes in a suitcase:

• Clean them first. Wipe down soles to remove dirt and debris with a damp cloth for light cleaning or a disinfecting wipe if shoes have been worn in public spaces. You may even want to spritz some deodorizer in your shoes for fragrance.
• Stuff them with small items. Maximize every inch of space by filling shoes with socks, belts, or small accessories. This also saves shoes from getting crushed - two birds, one stone!
• Use a shoe bag or wrap them. Dedicated shoe bags work best, but plastic bags or a shower cap can also keep dirt from touching your clothing. A soft dust bag is an essential investment for leather shoes.

Should Shoes Go on Top or Bottom of Suitcase?

As you get started packing shoes for travel you’ll probably find yourself choosing between putting them in the top or bottom of your suitcase. We recommend the bottom, near the wheels, for grounding purposes - more on that in a moment.

Those traveling with duffel bags or backpacks should place their shoes along the back panel to keep everything structured and balanced. What you should not do is put the shoes on top of clothing as it can compress delicate fabrics and damage them.

Packing Shoes Along the Perimeter of the Suitcase

If you don’t have separate shoe compartments in your bag (which is ultimately the best way to pack shoes for travel), you should line the outer edges of your suitcase with them. 

This creates a nice, stable frame for the rest of your clothes and can also prevent sole-to-clothes contact if you’re worried about dirt transfer. You’ll be able to pack the center of your suitcase with bulkier clothing, packing cubes, or toiletry bags. Here’s some tips:

• Place shoes heel to toe along the edges to create a natural curve.
• If you’re packing multiple pairs, alternate their direction to fit them snugly.
• Use softer shoes (like sneakers or sandals) to fill in gaps if needed.

The Nesting Method for Slimmer Shoes

We want to be clear in saying this method only works or slim, flexible footwear like running shoes, slippers, flip-flops, and certain other styles. But, it’s the best piece of advice we have to offer on how to pack shoes in a suitcase to save space.

Simply place one shoe on its side and nest the second shoe inside it, aligning the soles together. Then, wrap them in a shoe bag or plastic bag to keep them place. You’ll save so much room in your luggage!

Packing Shoes in Shoe Compartments and Zippered Sections

Most modern luggage has dedicated shoe compartments or at the very least separate zippered sections, and we recommend using these to keep footwear separate if you can. This keeps your bag organized and prevents shoes from shifting.

You should still follow the general advice we’ve outlined on packing shoes in suitcases - heavier shoes at the bottom for balance, nest shoes if you can, etc. If you don’t have built-in compartments then you might want to buy shoe-specific packing cubes.

Tips on Packing Certain Types of Shoes

We’ve covered most of what you need to know for how to pack shoes in a suitcase, but let’s go over some tips for packing certain types of shoes below:

Packing Dress Shoes & Heels

• Use shoe trees or rolled socks inside to prevent creases.
• Wrap each shoe in a soft cloth or dust bag to avoid scuffs.
• Position heels “heel-to-toe” for a more compact fit.

Packing Boots for Travel

• Fold or roll soft boots (like leather or suede) to save space.
• Stuff the inside with socks or small clothing items to avoid compression.
• Tall boots can be laid flat along the suitcase wall, but a boot shaper is best.

Packing Sneakers & Athletic Shoes

• Place sneakers sole-to-sole through the nesting method to contain dirt.
• Compress extra sneakers using a rubber band or packing cube if needed.
• Remove insoles from high-performance running shoes to flatten them a bit.

Packing Sandals, Flip-Flops and Lightweight Shoes

• Stack sandals or flats on top of each other to save space.
• Use a mesh bag for breathability and to keep them from shifting.
• Slip them into the side pockets of your suitcase if you have room.

Parting Thoughts on How to Pack Shoes for Travel

There you have it, how to pack shoes in a suitcase to save space! Whether you’re using our all-in-one carry-on luggage or hard-shell luggage these tips on packing shoes for travel should empower you to make the most of limited space while protecting everything you pack.

In summary, choose the right pairs of shoes and use one of the strategies above. The best way to pack shoes for travel is using some sort of shoe bag (or ideally, a separate compartment) to contain odor and dirt and keep it away from your clean clothes.

The only thing left to do now is get started packing, or better yet, upgrade your organization and enjoy stress-free trips with our designs at Nobl Travel. Security, style, and seamless organization - what more could you ask for? Browse our catalog today.