At last, the time for your family trip has arrived and it’s time to deal with the all-important task of packing your suitcase. Among the sunscreen, swimsuits and other essentials, you’ll need to think about how to pack shoes in your suitcase to ensure that you have the right footwear for your trip.
Fitting everything you need into your luggage can be a task, but learning how to pack shoes for travel can make things easier.
Read our helpful guide on tips for packing shoes for your holidays, to make sure you have everything you need to enjoy a trip away with your nearest and dearest.
On this page:
How to pack shoes for travel – our top tips
What shoes to pack for your holiday
How to pack shoes for travel – our top tips
Whether you’re heading on a city break, long-haul holiday, or camping trip, packing the right shoes for travel is essential.
You want to make sure that you and your family have the right footwear for your getaway, but be careful not to overpack! The key is to pack wisely – both in terms of what you try to fit and how you place them in your case.
Here are a few of our top tips for packing shoes:
1. Place shoes heel-to-toe
When packing shoes for travel, have a think about the way shoes are placed in the shoebox when you first buy them. Place each pair heel-to-toe in opposite positions so that they can neatly slot together in your case and take up minimal space. Be sure to cover them to keep surrounding items clean.
2. Utilise shoe space – pack them with clothes
A great way to pack smart is to fill the inside of your shoes with smaller items such as socks, underwear, or anything else you can think of that will fit. The larger the shoes, the more items you can store!
hands put sneakers to valise. packing for trip. travel concept
3. Take advantage of suitcase compartments
Don’t overlook the smaller compartments in your case – many of them can be used to store footwear such as flip flops or smaller kids’ shoes. It can be tempting to throw everything into the main part of the suitcase, but utilising the different pockets and zips can help to free up space for other essentials.
4. Travel in your biggest shoes
Keen to pack your favourite pair of boots or chunky trainers? If you want to take a large pair along with you, the best way to pack big shoes in a suitcase is to not pack them at all! Wear your biggest pair while travelling – that’s if they’re comfy enough to do so! This will help to free up more space in your suitcase.
5. Pack clothes in between pairs
Protect your shoes and keep them in place by packing items of clothing in between them. These can be anything from t-shirts and hoodies to jeans and vests. Make sure to wrap up your shoes in a protective bag or tissue paper beforehand, though – you don’t want to get mud on your favourite summer shirt!
6. Put shoes at the bottom
A top tip for packing shoes for travel is to place them at the bottom of your case. Not only does this
allow you to get your favourite pair in first, but it also balances out your luggage by placing lighter items on top. A balanced suitcase can make your journey much easier, as you won’t be fighting with an unstable case as you rush through the airport.
What shoes to pack for your holiday
Now you know how to pack shoes in your luggage, it’s time to find out the kind of footwear you should be taking with you. And this all depends on the type of holiday you’re going on.
Packing the right shoes can make a huge difference to your trip. Check out our holiday packing list for the whole family below.
Beach holidays
Who doesn’t love a beach holiday? With sun, sea, sand and plenty to do, this type of trip is perfect for families, couples and solo travellers. Just like the right sunscreen, the right pair of shoes is essential for a beach holiday.
Here are a few ideas:
1. A trusty pair of sandals
Comfortable and versatile, a good old pair of sturdy sandals are the perfect shoes to take on a beach holiday.
Our pick: Red Fish Men’s Brown Mule Sandal
Offering both comfort and style, these Lotus Red Fish men’s sandals could be just what you need for a trip by the water.
2. Dressy shoes or sandals
Ideal for evenings and trips to restaurants, be sure to pack a pair of dressy shoes or sandals so that you can level up your look at any time.
Our pick: Lilley Women’s Diamante Wedge Sandal
The perfect shoes to complement beachwear or a frilly summer dress, these Lilley nude diamante wedges can take your beachwear outfits to new heights!
3. Trainers
A type of shoe that every member of the family should pack, trainers offer ultimate comfort and great style. Opt for a lighter pair rather than heavy, bulky footwear to avoid getting too warm in the hot weather.
Our pick: XL Tamar Lace Up Men’s Trainers
A crisp, clean pair of white trainers are ideal for trips away – offering both style and versatility. Pair these Tamar lace ups with shorts, trousers, or a classic linen look.
City breaks
City breaks are great for exploring new areas and discovering hidden gems. Along with your camera, you’ll want to pack a comfortable pair of shoes to get around in.
Here are some recommendations:
1. Reliable trainers or flats
The ideal type of shoes to travel around in, trainers and flats offer both comfort and style – and you won’t be complaining of sore feet after your adventures.
Our pick: Skechers Lite Pro Women’s Mesh Trainer
Keep your feet comfy and your outfit trendy with these Skechers Skech Lite Pro trainers. Comfy and most importantly supportive, they’re the ideal shoe to take you from city to city.
2. Shoes for the evening
Be sure to pack a pair of stylish evening shoes to enjoy meals and nights out. You still want to look for comfort, but style is also important here.
Our pick: Cushion Walk Men’s Casual Tan Slip On Shoes
Choose these Declan Casual Tan Slip Ons for an effortless, chic vibe. Pair them with some chino trousers or shorts to complete your look.
3. Comfy sandals
A comfortable pair of sandals are essential for any trip, particularly if you’re travelling during the summer or to a country where it’s just too hot for anything else!
Our Pick: Zone Women’s Black Double Buckle Sandal
Slot into these chic platform sandals and embody style everywhere you go. These black buckle sandals should definitely make it onto your family holiday packing list.
Resort stays
Staying on a resort for your family holiday? Convenient footwear is essential for trips both in and out of your accommodation.
Here are some of our top picks for the best shoes to pack for resort stays:
1. Poolside slip-ons
Simple yet effective, your family holiday packing list isn’t complete without a pair of trusty flip flops. These shoes are incredibly versatile and perfect for days spent out by the pool.
Our pick: Red Fish Men’s Brown Toe Post Sandal
Slip into these brown toe posts and head to the pool for a day of fun and relaxation with the family. Perfect for throwing on inside and outside, they’re also super easy to pack.
2. Everyday sandals
Everyday sandals are a great versatile shoe for all types of holidays, especially resort stays in warm countries.
Our pick: Lilley & Skinner Majorca Women’s Black Sandal
These Lilley Skinner black sandals are ideal for days spent outside of the resort, or for times where you fancy jazzing things up a bit.
3. Evening shoes
Be sure to pack a pair of evening shoes for all members of the family, ideal for resort dinners in the sunset.
Our pick: Heart Gizelle Women’s Chunky Sandal
Throw on this pair of comfy Heart chunky sandals along with a staple dress or skirt and enjoy an evening with your loved ones. The comfy, chunky sole makes them ideal for evening walks back from the restaurant after a long day.
There you have it, everything you need to know about how to pack shoes in a suitcase for a family trip, as well as the type of footwear that should make it onto your family holiday packing list.
If you’re looking for more holiday shoe inspiration, take a look at our guide on summer shoe trends.
Discover more footwear tips and tricks on the shoezone blog, and stay up to date with the latest trends.
