How to pack shoes for winter travel! Professional packing tips to prevent shoes from losing their shape and getting dirty

  • New Trip

Update date: 2025.12.01

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Winter travel can be a difficult season to choose shoes for.

If you bring multiple pairs of bulky shoes such as boots, sneakers, and leather shoes,

It is not uncommon for items to get crushed or lose their shape inside a suitcase, and for dirt and moisture to build up.


In this article, we will introduce the best way to pack your shoes for winter travel in a compact and clean way .

We will explain it in an easy-to-understand manner from a professional perspective.

With some simple preparations, you can learn some tips to ensure your shoes are comfortable while traveling.

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1. Why shoes are easily damaged when traveling in winter

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In winter, the temperature is low and shoe materials such as leather and rubber tend to harden.

This is the season when pressure can easily cause deformation and cracking .

Furthermore, tall shoes such as boots are bulky and can easily collide with other luggage inside a suitcase.

In addition, in winter, shoes are more likely to get wet due to rain or snow, which increases the risk of mold and odor due to moisture .

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2. How many pairs of shoes should I bring when traveling in winter?

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Too many shoes will make your luggage heavy, and too few will make it inconvenient.

When traveling in winter, the following simple guidelines are most practical:

・1-3 nights: 2 pairs (1 pair to wear + 1 spare)
→ It's reassuring to have a spare pair in case you get wet in the snow or rain.

・4 to 6 nights: 2 to 3 pairs → If you have shoes that are hard to dry, such as boots or leather shoes, it's best to have 3 pairs so you can rotate them.

・Long-term/overseas: up to 3 pairs of shoes → The most balanced combination is comfortable shoes + weather-appropriate shoes + 1 extra pair.

The key is to pack mainly shoes that you will wear, and only one or two pairs in your suitcase .

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3. Professional advice: Packing your shoes without crushing them

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Shoes are the most delicate item in a suitcase, as they are easily deformed and stained.

Here we will introduce the best way to pack shoes to protect them, as actually used by professionals, in four steps.

1. Putting stuffing inside the shoes to keep them in shape

The inside of shoes is more likely to get crushed than the outside.
Be sure to fill the area from the toes to the instep with one of the following:

・Thick socks

・Underwear and T-shirts in a travel pouch

- Shoe trees (best for leather shoes)

* The toes are the most susceptible to deformation, so the trick is to pack them tightly to make them firm .

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2. Always put your shoes in a special bag or waterproof plastic bag.

In winter, shoes are often wet, so it is not recommended to put them in with their bare feet on.

・Waterproof shoe bag

・Travel laundry bag

・Large zip bag

This completely prevents dirt and moisture from transferring to other clothes .

If the soles of your shoes are wet, lightly wipe them with a towel before placing them in the bag.

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3. Place your leather shoes on the bottom of the side without wheels.

If you want to protect your leather shoes,
Place it on the bottom of the side without casters, not the side with casters .

Here's why:

・The caster side is where vibration and load are transmitted most.

・Dirt on the soles of your shoes easily comes into contact with your luggage

・The bottom opposite the caster is often a "flat and stable surface"

- Prevents heavy objects from being placed on top (prevents deformation)

= This is the safest place for leather shoes and boots.

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4. Cushion your shoes with soft clothing

The top of the shoe is most susceptible to pressure,
Place soft, thick clothing such as down, fleece, and sweaters under it like a lid to protect them .

With this simple step, deformation and surface dents are almost completely eliminated.

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4. Careful storage to protect shoes from dirt and odors

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Shoes are not only at risk of being crushed,
This item is susceptible to dirt, odors, and humidity while traveling .
To keep your belongings clean while traveling, simply add the following care storage tips:
This makes a big difference in the quality of your shoes.

1. Remove any light dirt from leather shoes and boots before storing them.

Before leaving, it is attached to your shoes.

Dust

·sand

・Sebum stains

Just drop it lightly,
It significantly reduces scratches and odors caused by friction.

Especially with leather shoes, simply wiping them with a soft cloth is enough.
If you store your suitcase with dried mud on it, it will rub against the inside of the suitcase and damage the leather.

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2. Put deodorizing and moisture-removing items in your shoes

When traveling, your shoes absorb more moisture than you might think.
If you leave it sealed, odors and bacteria will grow faster.

We recommend:

- Disposable desiccant (silica gel, etc.)

・Deodorizing pack (charcoal type)

・Tea bags (for first aid)

It also prevents your shoes from losing their shape, so it kills two birds with one stone.

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3. Double protection for easily soiled shoe soles to protect your clothes

Mud and oil stains on the soles of your shoes can easily transfer inside your suitcase, so
After putting it in the bag, it will be perfect if you double-cover the bottom with thin plastic or newspaper .

merit:

- Prevents mud from getting on clothes on rainy days

・No worries even if the bag is torn

- The soles of the shoes are not exposed during packing

It is especially effective during rainy or snowy periods.

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4. If you change shoes while traveling, it's best to bring two shoe bags.

When traveling,

・After arrival → Change shoes

・Returning home → Put away the shoes you used

Because there are many such trends,
Ideally, you should have two shoe bags, one for clean shoes and one for used shoes .

Even if you put your dirty shoes in on your way home, they won't come into contact with your clothes or electrical appliances.

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5. Shoes don't take up too much space when traveling in winter! Suitcase compatibility

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When traveling, deciding how many pairs of shoes to bring can be a difficult decision.
However, if you get the hang of storage, it's quite possible to add one or two pairs of shoes .
Here we will explain a space-saving shoe storage technique that takes advantage of the structure of the New Trip 0501 suitcase.

1. The benefits of deep storage space

One of the New Trip 0501's greatest strengths is its deep main storage space .

It has a deeper bottom than a regular suitcase,

・Sneakers → Store vertically

・Loafers → Line them up

Boots: Simply fold the opening slightly to store them away.

As such, the shoes fit vertically , so there is less pressure on the width.

✔ Doesn't take up space for clothes ✔ Doesn't crush shoes ✔ Doesn't lose its shape

It is deep enough that you can stack shoe bags and still have room to spare, making it ideal for winter travel.

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2. Front-opening design

The front opening is not just a place to put your shoes in and take them out, but is ideal for adjusting the upper layer after your shoes are secured to the soles .

Ideal Use

  1. Shoes are secured to the bottom of the main compartment (first)
  2. Surround yourself with clothing
  3. Finally, add clothes and accessories to the front layer through the front opening.

If you do this:

- You can add anything you want later by opening the top without moving the shoes.

・You can easily add items you want to include while packing.

・No more "repacking stress" the day before your trip

Why you shouldn't put your shoes in a front opening

・The front is susceptible to impacts → High risk of deformation

・If the weight of your shoes causes your center of gravity to shift forward, you may get tired easily when pushing.

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3. Expansion function (+20% capacity)

The 0501's expansion function is a feature that really comes into its own when traveling in winter.

The correct answer is to use extensions "a little at the end, not at the beginning"

After packing all your shoes and clothes

・Open it a few centimeters only when you feel the pressure in the upper layer is too strong

It can eliminate crushing pressure on shoes → There is room to put thick knitwear or down jackets inside

Useful in situations like this

・Winter clothes are fluffy and difficult to fit.

Bring two pairs of shoes

・You'll get more souvenirs during your trip

New Trip Recommends: New Trip 0501
Make good use of the suitcase's structure.

Optimal packing solution for each structure.

View product details

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summary

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The trick to keeping your shoes looking great while traveling in the winter isn't complicated.
"Maintain the shape, prevent dirt, and avoid pressure" -- just by keeping these things in mind, you can transport your shoes safely in any suitcase.

Furthermore, if you make good use of modern suitcases, such as those with deep main compartments, front opening structures, and expansion functions,

Both your shoes and clothes will be neatly stored, making packing for your trip much less stressful.

The right packing method x the right suitcase <br>This combination makes packing for winter trips easier and more comfortable.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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Q2. 冬の旅行でもソフトケースは使えますか?

A2:可能ですが、冬は雪・雨などで濡れやすいため、ハードタイプ(PC or ABS+PC)のほうが安心です。
防水性・耐久性・汚れにくさで大きな差が出ます。

Q3. 冬の路面に強いキャスターの条件はありますか?

A3:大径(直径約5〜6cm)、ダブルキャスター、静音グリップ性の高い素材が理想です。
凍結した路面・濡れた段差でも引っかかりにくく走行性が安定します。

Q4. 海外旅行で盗難対策として絶対に必要なものは?

A4:TSAロック・高強度フレーム・目立つ識別タグが基本です。
さらに、到着後すぐ取り出す貴重品は「フロントオープン」があると便利で安全です。

Q5. 年末年始の混雑に強いスーツケースの条件は?

A5:瞬時に開くフロントオープン、走行性の高いキャスター、耐衝撃性のあるボディが重要です。
人混みでの移動が多い時期でもストレスが大幅に軽減されます。