The 10 Best Shoe Bags
This wiki has been updated 29 times since it was first published in June of 2016. If you're getting ready to pack for a weekend getaway, business trip, or an extended period of travel, don't forget to take a few of these shoe bags along. They'll help keep your flats, heels, sneakers and Oxfords clean while protecting the rest of your luggage from dirt that may cling to their soles. They also come in handy for closet organization and storage at home. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Shooin EZ-Pack Expandable
2. Dot&Dot Packing System
3. Cosmos Dual Drawstring 10-Piece
Editor's Notes
June 17, 2020:
There's no shortage of shoe bags to select from, which is why we ultimately decided to remove the Tuff Guy Travel. Although it doesn't happen in every case, the dye has been known to rub off on a pair of shoes, so it just can't stand up to the competition. But for most, we still like the Shooin EZ-Pack Expandable. A lightweight, fabric choice, they won't break the bank, nor will they take up a lot of room in your suitcase, the way the Bagsmart Tote or the Adidas 3-Stripe might. Plus, they come in a number of fun, colorful choices. This is also true of the Zmart Space Saving, which is water-resistant but not sized for larger shoes.
We've also opted to add the popular Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter at this time. Because they are made from a strong silnylon fabric, they're both waterproof and durable, so feel free to use them in your gym bag. For a less expensive alternative, consider the Misslo Portable Nylon. They have a similar shape and size, but are much more affordably priced and are sold in convenient packs of four. They'll hold everything from your high heels to your shower shoes, but the zippers are on the fragile side, so don't plan on abusing them too much. If you want to avoid zippers altogether, consider instead the Travel Gadgeteer or the Kilofly Embroidered Jacquard, simple and elaborately decorated choices, respectively.
October 16, 2018:
Added a few models that occupy a higher price tier than most of the offerings from the last update. While there are plenty of shoe bags to be had on the cheap, you get what you pay for. The Adidas 3-Stripe is an example of a higher quality model that should last a long time. Also, most of the previous options were designed with travelers in mind, rather than commuters or business professionals, so we added the Bagsmart Tote as a perfect option for daily use in an urban setting.
Special Honors
Peter Millar Cotton Canvas The Peter Millar Cotton Canvas is made of robust cloth and lined with a water-resistant material, then topped off with a sturdy leather strap handle. The cost is a bit steep, but considering its durability and quality, it's an investment that should last you a long time. petermillar.com
Sole Premise Signature XL If you never travel anywhere without a selection of kicks at your disposal, check out the Sole Premise Signature XL, which is a carry-on sized backpack that holds five pairs comfortably. In fact, it's incredibly spacious at 50 liters, and offers plenty of compartments for your other gear, including your laptop. solepremise.com
GBY Ultralight You won't have to struggle with added weight when you choose the GBY Ultralight, which barely tips the scales at 4.4 ounces. The fabric it's crafted from has water-repellent qualities, with a sleek, black quilted construction that adds a little extra protection. gbyultra.com
4. Bagsmart Tote
5. Adidas 3-Stripe
6. Travel Gadgeteer
7. Misslo Portable Nylon
8. Kilofly Embroidered Jacquard
9. Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter
10. Zmart Space Saving
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.