The Best Travel Shoe Bags to Keep Your Clothes Clean and Shoes Protected (2024)

Updated on May 16, 2023

For most short trips, three pairs of shoes (plus the ones on your feet!) are enough to get you through any scenario you’ll encounter. Eneteck’s multi-pocket shoe bag is the perfect companion for such an adventure, as it has separate compartments for each pair so they don’t soil your things — or each other. The outermost pocket is partially mesh, so use it to stow any footwear that needs a bit of added breathing room (such as damp flip-flops). One compartment is a bit roomier than the other two, so it’s perfect for slightly larger, heavier footwear like sneakers.

The features that really set this twill fabric bag apart are a convenient trolley sleeve which contains an extra zipper pocket (for quick-access items like keys or a cellphone) and the top carrying handle. It really was designed with travel in mind.

The Details: 11.8 x 8.7 x 5.5 inches | Fits 3 pairs | Twill and mesh

If you’re packing multiple pairs of shoes, you may want to consider transparent shoe bags that allow you to easily identify each pair without moving a drawstring or a zipper. This set of 12 bags will house any shoe, sandal, or slipper up to a men’s size 12. If you don’t need all 12 bags, consider repurposing the extras to organize and pack your purses or other small accessories. The durable and lightweight sacks are also breathable (through the drawstring opening) for any mucky pairs that may need a bit of extra airing out.

The Details: 12.6 x 16.5 inches | Fits 1 pair in each | PVC

The beauty of this zip-up mesh sack is that you can toss it right in the washing machine while filled with your dirty footwear to get them looking good as new (and it’s equipped with elastic-band sleeves to protect the zipper while in the wash). The bag has a triangular shape, which is great for accommodating non-flat shoes such as high-top sneakers or shoes with a bit of a heel. The breathable mesh fabric comes in handy when you’re dealing with shoes that need a bit of airing out as well.

The Details: 9.4 x 9.4 x 15.7 inches | Fits 1 pair in each | Mesh

If you’re headed to a location with lots of moisture (such as the beach, a rainy city, or the rainforest), the best way to ensure zero transfer of liquids is by investing in a water-resistant shoe bag. That way, if you’re in a pinch, you can toss your rain-soaked footwear in the bag and go. Calpak’s two-pack has a nylon exterior and polyester lining for extra protection. It is designed around men’s shoe sizing —so it’s large enough to hold bigger shoes, but if you have smaller feet, you’ll be able to fit even more in one bag.

The Details: 14 x 8 x 5 inches | Fits 1 pair in each | Nylon and polyester

If you’re looking for a shoe bag that’s as classy as the footwear inside, you’ll find Mark & Graham’s monogrammable leather zip case worth the splurge. Crafted from soft leather, the interior is lined with faux fur and has a divider to keep each shoe separate. The travel bag will easily fit up to size 13 shoes and has an easy carry handle on top. It’s especially useful for sports footwear such as golf, tennis, bowling, or running shoes — and will make an excellent personalized gift for someone who uses any of those shoes.

The Details: 10 x 16 x 5 inches | Fits 1 pair | Leather, nylon lining, and faux fur

You’ll notice that most of the shoe bags on our list won’t accommodate a pair of boots, especially boots with a longer shaft. That’s where this nifty boot-specific bag comes in. The waterproof fabric bag holds one tall pair of boots, with each boot getting its own zippered compartment. If you’re using these for seasonal storage rather than travel, the transparent window will come in handy to help you quickly identify the pair inside without having to unzip the bag. There’s also a convenient top handle for carrying.

The Details: 18.5 x 11.42 x 9.45 inches | Fits 1 pair | Non-woven fabric

This sneaker transport bag is so much more than its name implies. First though, let’s discuss its ability to hold shoes. This duffel has three adjustable dividers that can be arranged in a variety of ways to fit your packing needs. It can fit up to two pairs of men's size 14 shoes with each shoe having its own compartment — or, if your shoes are small enough to fit a full pair in each compartment, you can double that number.

Beyond that, there are pockets galore for all your additional travel or gym-going needs: two large side pockets for items such as headphones or sports equipment, three internal pockets for accessories like your wallet or keys and an interior laptop compartment that supports a 15-inch computer. A shoulder strap helps you carry it all with ease while the water-resistant exterior will keep your belongings safe from spills.

The Details: 22 x 9.5 x 13 inches | Fits 4 pairs | Nylon

The secret to this stink-containing shoe bag: each pouch is infused with anti-microbial protection that helps fight odor-causing bacteria. That makes it particularly well-suited to storing shoes after activities like hiking or camping. And don’t worry if the bag itself gets soiled —the durable poly ripstop material is washable. The lightweight sack has a convenient carrying handle and can fit one pair of shoes up to men's size 13.

The Details: 11 x 16.25 inches | Fits 1 pair | Poly ripstop

When you’re traveling with delicate items such as patent leather shoes or heels, and you don’t intend they’ll accumulate much dirt or grime, a set of dust bags is a simple yet effective way to keep your footwear protected from scuff marks. These nylon bags, sold as a set of two, can each accommodate a single large shoe or a pair of smaller shoes. They have a drawstring closure. A bonus: the set comes housed in a complimentary gift box if you buy it directly from the brand.

The Details: 15.5 x 8.8 x 0.13 inches | Fits 1-2 pairs, depending on size | Nylon

Many frequent travelers swear by packing cubes for organization. The structure of a shoe cube provides a bit of extra padding and protection for your footwear. This pick by Away features a collapsible divider to store and separate multiple pairs of shoes or a single pair. An interior mesh pocket is perfect for storing a few pairs of socks or other small accessories. It’s made from sturdy and flexible water-resistant nylon, which wards off any unwanted spills or drips. When it’s not in use, it can be stored flat — a nifty feature when space is tight.

The Details: 7.9 x 4.7 x 11.4 inches (small); 8.7 x 5.1 x 13.8 inches (large) | Fits up to 4 pairs | Nylon

If you’re packing for a family vacation, naturally, there will be more pairs of shoes to organize. Luckily, this eight-pack of sacks comes equipped with transparent windows so you can easily identify whose pair is in which bag. The versatile drawstring bags can hold a variety of heels, boots, sneakers, and sandals up to size 13. The non-woven fabric is both lightweight and durable as well.

The Details: 12.59 x 17.12 inches | Fits 1 pair in each | Non-woven fabric

When packing, any extra bit of space is helpful. That’s why we love this compressible shoe bag, which shrinks down its contents once shut. The 10-liter bag can fit two pairs of shoes (with an interior divider to keep shoes from rubbing against each other) and, once they’re inside, you can pull the drawstring closed and tighten the thick nylon straps to compress the bag. Furthermore, it’s lightweight, durable, and made from ripstop nylon fabric.

The Details: 16.5 x 8.3 x 5.5 inches | Fits 2 pairs | Nylon

If you have a particular affinity for footwear, you’re probably the type of person who brings at least five pairs on a trip. In that case, may we suggest this nifty, multi-pocket shoe bag which houses up to six of your favorite pairs in six clear slots. The bag can be fully zipped to keep your items secure, and toting it around is a breeze thanks to two shoulder straps and a convenient trolley sleeve. Choose from four colors or patterns.

The Details: 13.78 x 8.66 x 15.75 inches | Fits 6 pairs | Felt or cotton

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will my shoes smell in a shoe bag?

  Certain bags trap odors more than others, so if you’re dealing with funked-up shoes, you may want to consider a breathable mesh fabric which will allow air to pass in and out. If you pick a fully zipped shoe bag in nylon or leather, it’s more prone to trapping odors, so these are best reserved for shoes with lighter wear. Ultimately, the best way to prevent odors is to fully dry out wet or sweaty shoes before storing them. Deodorizer sprays and fragrance sachets can help further.

• How do I clean a travel shoe bag?

  The best method of cleaning will come down to the fabric. The easiest material to clean is mesh, which is typically able to be tossed into the washing machine. Other bags, such as those made of nylon, are best wiped down with a damp cloth or spot cleaned. The most delicate material is leather, which requires a special leather cleaner and will take on quite a bit of wear and tear if not treated with care.

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