With your travel shoe collection all set for your journey—comprising sandals, sneakers, and perhaps a sleek pair of dress shoes—you now face the challenge of fitting them all into your suitcase without a hitch. These trusty footwear companions have seen many miles, and you want to ensure they don’t soil or impart unwanted scents to your pristine attire. Plus, you’re keen to avoid any damage to your cherished shoes.
Relax, we’ve got some savvy strategies for packing shoes in your suitcase that maximize space while safeguarding both your garments and your footwear.
First things first, take a moment to gently brush away any debris from the soles of your shoes to prevent it from spreading throughout your suitcase. A soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush can be your trusty sidekicks for this task. Alternatively, a slightly damp cloth can be used for a thorough wipe-down.
Should odor be a concern, consider giving your shoes a swift spritz with a shoe deodorizing spray or sprinkle in some baking soda. To let the baking soda do its magic, sprinkle it inside your shoes the night before you depart, shake it out, and then pack them away.
Protect your dress shoes or sandals from being crushed by stuffing them with paper towels or crumpled packing paper. You can also save room in your luggage by using socks or a belt to fill the space.
Encase your shoes in a bag to prevent them from transferring dirt and odors to your clean clothes. While specialized shoe travel bags are available, plastic grocery bags or shopping bags can suffice. Wrap each shoe individually unless you’re confident there’s enough space to pack them together.
There are two effective methods to pack your shoes to minimize the risk of them getting crushed. First, position your shoes along the edges of your suitcase with the soles facing out. Alternatively, place your shoes at the top of the suitcase with the soles up and fill the gaps with clothing.
For those who prefer to keep their shoes separate from the main compartment, the suitcase’s zipper compartment is an excellent option. Just ensure the soles face outward. Be mindful that luggage can be jostled around, especially if you’re traveling by air.
