Boots are essential for cold-weather travel, but packing them presents challenges. One tactic is to wear them on your journey in order to save luggage space, but boots aren’t always the best travel shoes. It can be time-consuming to untie a pair of lace-up snow boots at airport security, and thick-soled leather boots can weigh you down when you’re rushing to catch a flight. So how should you pack your boots to avoid an overweight suitcase and make sure they remain in pristine condition? According to the founder of packing hack and travel style site Just Packed, it’s essential to edit the number of boots you take and make sure they’re protected in your bag. Read on for detailed solutions to the most common pitfalls.
Mistake: Packing multiple pairs of boots.
You’re going to the United Kingdom for the first time, so you need a pair of wellies. You’ll be stopping in the countryside, so you have to bring your leather riding boots. And a night out in London calls for a stylish pair of heeled booties. So you pack them all, resulting in a hefty bag and a lot less room for souvenirs.
Solution: Find a pair of boots that does it all.
An alternative is finding a comfortable, water-resistant pair of Chelsea boots, which can fit a variety of occasions. You’ll want to choose a neutral-colored pair made with quality materials and a durable leather sole. Depending on your preference, you can find some with a slight heel as well. Most brands will have a Chelsea boot on offer, and Margaux, M.Gemi, and Loeffler Randall are good places to start your search. Once you find the perfect pair, you’ll never need to pack your entire stash of boots again.
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Mistake: Folding your boots and ruining them in the process.
One of the most common packing mistakes people make is folding tall boots — such as riding boots, cowboy boots, or over-the-knee boots — to fit them in a suitcase. They’re long, and you’re trying to save as much space as possible. But then you get to your destination and discover that your brand-new pair of leather mid-calf boots is permanently wrinkled and cracked.
Solution: Stuff your boots, then pack other clothes around them.
Your first move should be to stuff your boots — socks, underwear, and leggings will do the trick. This saves space and allows the shoes to keep their natural shape. Then, place each boot in the opposite direction of the other. Finally, use all that extra space by packing your other items carefully around the boots. They should be firmly packed, but not so tight that their overall shape becomes compromised.
Mistake: Packing your boots without protection.
Once you leave your suitcase at bag drop, it’s out of your control (and protection) until you reunite at baggage claim. So travelers need to prepare for the worst in order to avoid any potential shoe-ruining hazards — including, but not limited to, broken toiletries staining your suede boots or a pair of stilettos scraping the side of your leather booties.
Solution: Cover your boots or separate them from potentially hazardous items.
This is where packing cubes come in handy. Carefully pack your boots inside a cube, which adds a protective layer between them and any hazards. In a pinch, you can also use grocery bags, tissue paper, or shower caps. It might seem unnecessary, considering your shoes make contact with the outside world on a daily basis, but you’ll thank us when your toothpaste leaks during an overnight flight and your precious pair of designer boots remain pristine. Another option is to keep your boots in a separate compartment. The shoe section of a weekender bag is great for this, or you can use the mesh cover side of your suitcase to keep your boots far away from any liquids, lotions, or other fragile items.
