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Travel gear: How to pack a pair of shoes without a plastic bag
I'm a germaphobe who cringes at the idea of packing my shoes anywhere near my clothes. But travel requires you to get a little dirty, so I tell myself that a plastic bag has to be enough to keep the germs from contaminating the rest of my stuff.But a funny thing happened while I was packing for a recent trip to Houston: I actually ran out of plastic bags. (Guess my effort to be green and use eco-friendly totes has finally paid off). I knew there were other packing shortcuts, but it felt wasteful to use a clean gallon-size Ziploc bag for my dirty shoes. Wrapping my shoes in something flimsy like tissue paper just wasn't going to cut it, and the idea of putting my shoes in a New York Times plastic sleeve (that was just outside on the sidewalk) didn't help the germaphobia.
Enter the Shoefly ($19.95), a machine-washable tote that protects your purse or suitcase from your dirty shoes. I know it sounds ridiculous, but the streets of New York City aren't exactly clean. The bag, which has a drawstring closure, is large enough for a pair of sneakers, and it can easily stretch to fit a pair of heels. The bag's material (a blend of polyester and Lycra) feels like velour, lending a glam touch to an otherwise pretty filthy function.
Granted, it does feel a little indulgent to justify buying a bag for your shoes when a plastic grocery bag is about as budget-friendly as you can get. But when it comes to measuring other things -- the environment, perhaps? -- I'm happy to run out of plastic bags. Plus, I love the idea of being able to launder the Shoefly bag when it gets dirty (both on the inside and out). If I were at all crafty (and had a sewing machine), this is the kind of thing that I'd love to make by the dozen.
All too often, travel gear is something that I pull out a few times a year but then put away until the next vacation. Luckily, the Shoefly is versatile enough for daily use, such as for changing into work shoes once I get to the office.
Where to Buy: The Shoefly bag is currently only available online at www.shoeflybags.com for $19.95. Add $2.95 for shipping.
Filed under: Gear, United States, Women's Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
kenna Jul 28th 2010 2:18PM
I totally know what you're talking about with the shoe germs getting all over everything! I always use plastic bags (I know, not so green) or try to do some strategic packing. Good to know I'm not alone on this!
Joanne Jul 28th 2010 2:44PM
This is not news. I have been using shoe bags for years. Grew up in Pa. and most people just made them with a couple of dollars worth of cheap yardgoods, cord and of course thread. It takes probably 20 min. at most to make a couple and only costs about $10 for two or three. Don't us e stretchy material because it is too hard to sew with. Often someone who sewed would make a bunch out of pretty colors etc. and give them to all the female cousins as a little Christmas gift.
OK Jul 28th 2010 3:03PM
You need two bags per shoe. This is a much better option: http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10024859&N=&Ntt=shoe+travel
I have similar bags that came with my Cole Haan shoes that I use to travel
OK Jul 28th 2010 3:05PM
Ooops. I mean one bag per shoe. And the reason is that it's much easier to pack and your shoes will not get scuffed up.
Amy Chen Jul 28th 2010 3:08PM
Thanks for all your comments -- the stretchy material of the Shoefly means that I'm able to fit one pair of shoes into a bag, so there's no need to buy two separate bags. And I do wish I knew how to sew!
moecephus Jul 28th 2010 3:08PM
Bags smags, just take a pair of old socks and use them by sliding them over the shoes- in an emergency you can even wear the socks to the gym later!
mya Jul 28th 2010 3:19PM
This is made by someone who is trying to make a little xtra $, which is admirable in these times, but for the average person, this isn't going to "fly"! This will only take up more space (lots more than plastic) and cost more money. The average person is not going to pay 20 buxx/bag for their dirty shoes. It's just the truth. Like Joanne said, too, the fabric bags are SO easy to make (cut a couple squares, leave a casing and sew up, then put shoelaces or cording thru the casing and wah-lah!). But plastic is the way to go if yer traveling on a 'plane and have limited space. Also plastic will take care, if you get your shoes damp or dirt dirty.
thiefhunter Jul 28th 2010 3:27PM
Nothing beats shower caps. They have a million uses, but for covering shoes, they're the best. I travel a LOT. http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters/2009/02/travel-stats/
pete Jul 28th 2010 3:54PM
Shoes get dirty and germy. So do your sox, pants, skivvies, and everything else you wear and/or use. So what's your basic problem? A psychosis probably. Get over it, get on with your life, or never leave home again. Sit by your germ covered keyboard, covered with fresh plastic every day, and write your whines. Bet you don't have any problems with germs when you get that stringer check or the check from who ever make the crap your selling, do you!
jktejas Jul 28th 2010 4:06PM
Remember when the airlines gave out booties. I saved them and have been using them for years. They also allow more packing flexibility since they reduce the bulk of one shoe bag. Hospital booties do the same thing. Try it.
debbie Jul 28th 2010 4:07PM
shower caps? cool idea! thanks, thiefhunter! now they will be saved instead of thrown away when I acquire them.
John Paul Jul 28th 2010 5:43PM
The bigger issue is this: Why in the world go to Houston at this time of year. Dear lord that god forsaken place is hot. It is hard to think of anything redeeming about Houston.
Russ Jul 28th 2010 5:59PM
What's wrong with a pair of long sox after being worn out with a few holes in them? I've used them for numerous trips and just pop them in the wash after use.
michelle Jul 28th 2010 6:16PM
USE AN OLD PILLOWCASE! SHEESH.
NurseRiverBoat Jul 28th 2010 6:28PM
Shoe-fly, Moolah-fly!
Just use an old plastic grocery bag. No need to toss $20.00 for some silly bag.
What a waste of money.....ha ha.
rockymountains Jul 28th 2010 6:48PM
Absolutely. and if you feel bad for wasting plastic, as I do, why not reuse the plastic grocery bag for trash purposes. It's a little less wasted... But NOT wrapping your shoes and throwing them with the rest of your stuff, such as, I don't know, your underwear... ? Eew ! Not germaphobia, as some pig suggested here, just plain old hygiene.
miriam Jul 28th 2010 6:49PM
Um...nothing new and especially not news. I don't pay for shoe bags because they come with all designer shoes anyway! I think every shoe, expensive or not should come with them.
josanu Jul 28th 2010 7:17PM
Reuse the drawstring amenity bags from classy ryokans in Japan (containing toothbrush/paste, small towel, and maybe slippers).