How to Pack Shoes for Holiday: The Ultimate Traveller’s Guide

When it comes to holiday packing, few items pose as much of a challenge as shoes. Unlike swimwear or t-shirts, shoes are bulky, awkwardly shaped, and prone to taking up far more suitcase real estate than they should. And yet, they’re also one of the most critical items to get right. The wrong pair can lead to sore feet, wasted time spent shopping for a new pair, or even full-on travel regret.

So how do you strike the perfect balance between style, comfort and suitcase space? In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about packing shoes for your next holiday — from choosing the right styles for your trip, to space-saving techniques, and the kinds of footwear that offer the greatest return on space and versatility.

So whether you're heading to sun-drenched beaches or cobbled city streets, these tips will help you travel smarter, lighter, and far more stylishly.

Why Shoes Matter More Than You Think

Shoes are the unsung heroes of any holiday wardrobe. They’re what get you from museum to market, from airport gate to rooftop bar. But more than that, they quite literally support every step of your journey.

Ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear can quickly derail your plans. A pair of shoes that causes blisters or that doesn’t match properly with your outfits will leave you uncomfortable, frustrated, and possibly limping your way through an itinerary that should be a joy.

That’s why investing time in packing the right shoes — and packing them well — is a decision that pays off daily during your trip.

The Golden Rule: Pack Three Pairs (Max)

As tempting as it is to bring a pair for every outfit, overpacking shoes is a sure-fire way to unnecessarily bulk out your luggage. The key is to focus on versatility. Most well-packed suitcases will contain no more than three pairs of shoes, carefully chosen to serve multiple purposes.

Start with a pair of comfortable day shoes — the ones you’ll wear while walking, travelling and sightseeing. Think breathable, cushioned trainers like Cocorose London’s Hoxton Leather Trainers, which are stylish for daytime and even evening outings but also supportive for long stints on your feet.

Next, include something more refined but still comfortable. Leather ballet flats are perfect here, offering elegance for dinners and evenings out. A hybrid pair – or leather flats that also fold and pack down into a compact pouch – is a bonus and they’re easy and portable to stash in a day bag. Cocorose’s foldable leather flats, for instance, are ideal as your everyday ballet flat, but the fact that they also fold makes them a win for any fashion-savvy traveller.

Finally, if your trip involves beaches, pools or hot weather, a lightweight sandal or slip-on will be your best friend. They’re ideal for casual settings, can handle water or sand, and won’t weigh down your case.

With those three core pairs — daywear, evening, and casual/seasonal — you’re well-equipped to handle most travel situations.

Choosing Shoes Based on Destination and Activities

Where you’re going plays a huge role in deciding what shoes to bring. A weekend in Paris will call for very different footwear than a hiking trip in the Dolomites or a tropical getaway in Bali.

If you’re heading to a city, you’ll need something you can walk in comfortably for hours. That doesn’t mean sacrificing style — especially with so many brands offering hybrid fashion-sneakers designed for urban explorers. Look for soles with grip, materials that breathe, and comfort features throughout.

For beach destinations, your footwear priorities shift. Breathability and quick drying become super important however, you’ll still want at least one pair of shoes suitable for town or evening settings. Leather flats in a metallic finish are a versatile and stylish option, offering a polished look that still fits a relaxed vibe.

In colder climates or active getaways, sturdier shoes may be necessary. Leather loafers or waterproof trainers can double as both weather protection and evening wear if chosen carefully.

The aim? Choose shoes that align with your itinerary — not just your fashion mood board.

Prepping Your Shoes for Packing

Shoes aren’t just challenging to pack because of their shape; they’re also likely to be dirty, rigid, or easily damaged. That’s why a little pre-packing care can make all the difference.

Always clean your shoes before packing. Give them a quick wipe over the leather and use a toothbrush and warm soapy water to clean the soles. Not only will this preserve their appearance; it ensures you don’t transfer dirt or scuff marks to your clothes.

If your shoes have any structure to them (like trainers), consider stuffing the toe boxes with socks, underwear, or even rolled up t-shirts. This helps them retain their shape and doubles as a space-saving trick.

Delicate shoes, such as ballet flats or sandals with embellishments, should be wrapped in tissue paper or stored in individual dust bags. Many brands, including Cocorose, include these bags with purchase, making it easier than ever to keep your shoes protected and your clothes spotless.

Of course, for Cocorose's foldable shoes, you simply fold each ballet flat in half, stack them on top of each other heel to toe with the soles facing downwards, and pop them into the Cocorose travel pouch. Easy, faff-free and highly packable and portable.

How to Pack Shoes in Your Suitcase (Without Wasting Space)

There’s an art to packing shoes well, and it starts with placement. Heavier shoes — like trainers or boots — should go at the base of your suitcase, ideally near the wheels if you’re using a rolling case. This keeps the centre of gravity low and prevents crushing lighter clothing.

Use the empty cavity inside your shoes to your advantage. Tuck small items like socks, rolled-up belts or charger cables inside each shoe to maximise every inch. It’s one of the oldest packing tricks — and one of the most effective.

When laying bulky shoes into the suitcase, place them heel-to-toe with the soles facing outwards on either side. Make sure they're clean - and to be extra careful and keep dirty soles separate from clean clothes, you can also place each shoe into a dust bag, plastic bag, cloth shoe bag or even disposable shower caps if you're short on options. Next, place soft clothing like t-shirts or scarves around them to prevent rubbing or shifting.

Remember, foldable shoes are your secret weapon. Styles like Cocorose’s signature flats are designed to fold into a pouch no larger than your hand — making them perfect for slipping into a day bag, carry-on, or even using as your airport footwear.

What to Wear While Travelling

One of the most overlooked aspects of travel packing is deciding what shoes to wear on the plane. Ideally, this should be your bulkiest pair — usually trainers or boots — as wearing them frees up space in your luggage.

Choose something comfortable enough to walk in for long distances (think airport corridors and customs queues), and easy to slip off during security checks or in-flight relaxation. If you’re travelling long-haul, consider pairing them with compression socks to improve circulation and reduce swelling.

Airport style doesn’t have to mean sweatpants and sneakers — a pair of stylish leather trainers and relaxed tailoring can keep you comfortable and polished.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most seasoned travellers sometimes get shoe packing wrong. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your footwear doesn't trip you up:

• Packing new shoes -Always break shoes in before travel. Brand-new shoes — even well-made ones — can cause blisters if you’re walking more than usual.
• Overpacking - If you can’t see yourself wearing them at least twice, they shouldn’t be coming with you.
• Packing inappropriate shoes - Heels on cobbled streets? Flip-flops on a hike? Match the shoe to the activity.
• Skipping protection - Never throw shoes straight into your bag without a cover. It’s bad for your clothes, and worse for your shoes.

Why Cocorose London Shoes Are a Traveller’s Best Friend

At Cocorose London, we’ve long believed that the best travel shoes strike a balance between style and comfort — and that philosophy is stitched into every pair we create.

Our signature foldable flats are handmade using buttery-soft leathers, designed to be worn all day and packed in moments. They’re elegant enough for the evening and comfortable enough for the journey — perfect for holidays where space is tight, but standards are high.

Our trainers, too, are built for travel. Lightweight yet supportive, the Hoxton collection is loved by city hoppers and weekend adventurers alike. With metallic finishes, soft leather linings and cushioned soles, they deliver both sophistication and stamina — ideal for everything from airport sprints to rooftop dinners.

Whether you’re heading to Santorini or Soho, Cocorose shoes are made to go the distance — without ever weighing you down.

Final Thoughts: Travel Light, Step Smart

Packing shoes for holiday isn’t just about saving space — it’s about setting yourself up for a smoother, more stylish trip. With the right shoes, you walk better, look better, and feel better. It’s that simple.

So before your next getaway, take the time to choose shoes that are functional, fashionable, and flexible. Think versatile colours, durable materials, and shapes that suit your journey. And if you want a shortcut to doing it right? Invest in shoes designed with travel in mind.

Explore Cocorose’s full travel-ready shoe collection, and discover how effortless holiday style can be — one step at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many pairs of shoes should I take on holiday?

A: Aim for three versatile pairs: a comfy day shoe (like trainers), a stylish flat or sandal, and a pair for beach or formal wear.

Q: What’s the best way to pack shoes in a suitcase?

A: Place shoes at the bottom near the wheels, in dust bags. Stuff shoes with socks or small items to save space and preserve shape..

Q: Can I bring shoes in my carry-on bag?

A: Absolutely. Foldable flats are ideal for your handbag or cabin bag. They’re especially useful during long-haul flights or for freshening up upon arrival.

Q: How do I keep shoes from smelling during travel?

A: Air shoes before packing, use baking soda sachets or cedar shoe inserts, and always allow shoes to dry fully before sealing in bags.

Q: Are foldable shoes durable enough for travel?

A: Yes. Cocorose’s foldable leather flats are designed for all-day wear. They combine elegance with functionality, folding down without losing shape.

Just as an update to packing shoes for your holiday, I wrote a guide on how to choose the best ballet flats, read the guide here.