Many travellers use shower caps and plastic bags as shoe covers for packing shoes. For a more sustainable option, chose reusable lightweight shoe bags that deserve a permanent place on your packing list.
Features to look for in lightweight shoe bags
- Choose fabric with a little stretch so the bags can mould to the shape of what’s packed inside with no wasted space.
- The shoe bags will become dirty with use so make sure they’re washable.
- They need to protect shoes from dirt and damage while packed in a travel bag, and for storage between trips.
- One bag can accommodate one or two shoes to maximize packing space and promote efficient packing.
- They’re a waterproof packing option for wet and muddy shoes.
After an extensive search and research on the various types of shoe bags, I settled on Lewis N Clark shoe covers.
Lewis N Clark shoe covers
Sold as a set of two (four bags), they’re priced at 10 USD. One set is black, and the other is a charcoal colour.
Each bag is 35.56 cm (14 in) long and 17.78 cm (7 in) at its widest point. One bag can comfortably fit a pair of sandals or walking shoes. My Teva Tirra sandals (size 7.5) and AllBirds Wool Runners (Size 9) fit beautifully.
Shoes that are less flexible or in a larger size might each require one bag.
The flexible nylon fabric moulds to the shape of what’s inside. This means a pair of shoes can be separated into two bags to take advantage of smaller spaces in a travel bag. The adjustable drawstring can be cinched and knotted to keep shoes in place.
What’s to like about Lewis N Clark shoe covers?
- They’re lightweight, functional, and unpretentious. Search for the “best shoe bags for travel,” and you’ll be presented with a wide range of shapes and sizes that are more about form than substance. Boxy and cylindrical shapes with transparent windows, multiple compartments, and ‘playful patterns’ are not designed for the packing light traveller.
- Lewis N Clark shoe bags are perfect for carry-on travel. The soft material stretches with the shape of the shoes, leaving very few air pockets or excess fabric. Having the choice to separate shoes keeps them from scratching each other and the ability to squeeze them into tight spaces.
- The fabric is thin but durable and lightweight at only 25 g (0.9 oz) per bag.
- Shoes and other belongings last longer. Shoe covers protect shoes from scratches and scuffs while keeping dirt away from the other contents of a travel bag.
- I have a travel wardrobe of clothing and shoes reserved for travel, where everything goes with everything else. It makes packing for a trip so much easier. After each trip, everything is laundered, and shoes are cleaned, ready for the next adventure. Between trips, the bags make excellent dust covers for my freshly laundered, squeaky-clean shoes.
- The covers are machine washable, and I’ve seen no evidence of shrinkage.
- They’re basic and functional, with no bells and whistles such as zippers to break or add additional weight.
But…
The bags aren’t waterproof, so a dry bag will be needed if packing wet, muddy shoes. However, they do an excellent job keeping sand inside each shoe cover.
The drawstring could benefit from a cord lock, but there’s enough string to tie a knot to close the bag.
Packing light travellers try to limit the number of shoes packed for a trip. For tips on packing light, see Top 20 tips on how to pack light. If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. What are your favourite shoe bags? Please share your thought in the comments. Thank you.
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