How to Pack Shoes in a Suitcase

Any seasoned traveler will tell you: suitcase space is prime real estate. And the number one item that steals that spare space? Your shoes.

Not only that, but too many pairs of the wrong kind will add weight. And, if they're packed the wrong way, it could even cause you slow-downs at the airport.

Below are a few tips for getting it right.

Making the Cut

Obviously, the first thing you need to think about is which shoes you're going to take with you. And, I mean, really think about it. Here's why:

Some of us have a tendency to always think "shoes" first. But this is one of those rare times in life where really, less is more. Not in terms of the style, of course, but in terms of how many pairs you should be taking with you.

Sort out your outfits for the trip, then figure out the minimum number of styles you can get away with. Each pair needs to earn its space in your suitcase.

You want versatile. You want comfortable. You want multi-purpose. You want lightweight.

Pumps with 5" heels and 2" platform soles weigh substantially more than a pair of single-soled pumps with 3" heels. And the platforms probably won't work with as many outfits anyway.

Flat thong sandals weight next to nothing and take up no space. And if they're pretty enough, you can dress them up or down, so they'll work with a variety of outfits.

You can wear your everyday shoes or sneakers on the flight, saving that precious room in your suitcase.

Use Bags to Protect the Contents of Your Suitcase

To prevent the soles of your shoes from getting your other shoes or clothes dirty, you should place each pair into its own bag. You'll want to do this if they're brand new, because they won't be on your way home.

You can find lightweight, fabric shoe bags that are made specifically for this purpose. Plastic grocery bags will also work. Or, you can use those clear plastic zipper bags that are made for food storage.

The gallon size will fit some smaller shoes and flats, and are available at almost any grocery store.

Larger, two-gallon zipper bags can sometimes be found at stores like Target or Wal-Mart. They're usually in the same aisle as the food storage containers, but they might be marked for other kinds of storage. If you can't find them locally, they're easy to track down online.

Ziploc makes two-gallon bags that measure approximately 13x15 inches, and will easily hold most sizes of women's and men's shoes, and even some short boots.

If you can't fit a pair into one bag, you can always bag each shoe individually.

Packing your Shoes

I'm not sure why, but I've always been inclined to put my shoes on the bottom of my suitcase. Maybe it's because I'm one of those people who thinks of shoes before everything else.

But, whatever the reason, it's the wrong way of doing it. At least, according to the Transportation Security Administration, who state on their website to pack "shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage."

So, no matter what our instincts are, I guess we should make things easier on everyone, and just do as they wish. Put that footwear on top of everything else.

Heels can be stacked on their sides, with the toe box of one shoe resting near the heel of the other shoe, so that the two together form a rectangle.

Flats, sneakers and sandals can be placed side by side, with the soles up or down, depending on which way they best fit into your suitcase or carry-on bag.

Don't Forget to Save Space for More Shoes

If you're just looking for practical shoe-packing advice, you're good to go at this point. And now, I need to address the real shoe fanatics for a second: If at all possible, don't forget to leave space in your luggage for extra shoes.

You never know what gems you're going to come across on your trip, and it would be a shame to have to pass on a great deal or an awesome new pair, just because you don't have room in your suitcase to bring them home with you.