I'm heading to Italy soon for two weeks and want to pack my shoes properly so they don't end up scattered all over my suitcase. Some of them are still dirty from outside. Have you had good experiences with specific bags for this? Should they be waterproof or is regular material enough?
Shoe bags with mesh are super practical because you can see through the mesh which shoes are inside, and air circulates a bit. For dirty shoes I'd definitely go for a waterproof or at least water-resistant option - otherwise your dirt stains end up on your clean clothes in the suitcase. There are cheap options everywhere, like at the big online shops, they often cost less than 10-15 euros. The size should be enough for two weeks - just pack three or four pairs in there and you're done.
What really helps: just wipe your shoes with a dry cloth or brush them off before they go in the bag. Then the dirty parts have less of a chance to mess everything up. Also important - if your shoes are still really wet, let them dry in fresh air first. Soaking wet shoes in a closed bag can start to stink and get mold 🙈
Most travelers swear by these zippered pouch versions with thin material - not too heavy, not too bulky, and you can keep your shoes separate. I personally find waterproof more important than water-resistant, especially since you might have a rainy day in Italy. Have fun on your vacation! ✌️
For dirty shoes I'd actually recommend an opaque, wipeable bag instead - the mesh versions might look practical, but your suitcase will still get dirty if the shoes have mud on them. Just get something made of plastic or coated fabric that you can quickly wipe down with a damp cloth if needed. It doesn't have to be waterproof, but the bag should at least contain any moisture from the shoes themselves in case they're still damp. Two regular plastic bags work too - sounds unglamorous, but it works perfectly and takes up almost no space.
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