How to Package Shoes for Shipping?

Introduction

Packaging is important for sending shoes safely and cheaply. If you are an e-commerce seller, good packaging is important not only to protect the product but also to ensure customer satisfaction and reduce shipping prices. In this guide, we will cover common packing options, preparing shoes for shipping, and ways to save money on how are shoes are packaged.

Choosing the Right Packaging for Shoes

Choosing the right packaging for shoes is essential to providing a good customer experience while also managing shipping prices. It is important to find a quality packaging solution that protects the shoes from damage, keeps them in their shape, and remains within budget according to transport options. There are various shoes that each also have different packaging options. 

Poly Mailer Bags

Poly mailers are lightweight, high-strength plastic packages that are waterproof and resistant to tearing. For shoes that do not require a lot of protection, they are a low-cost alternative. Poly mailers are best used for lightweight, flexible shoes like sandals, flip-flops, or soft-backed canvas style sneakers. Poly mailers save space and weight with their slim but flexible design, which also saves on overall shipping costs. Poly mailers are not a good option if the shoes are fragile or are likely to be jostled around during transit, as poly mailers offer little protection against impact or crushing. I would only consider poly mailers for shoes that are not non-fragile and unlikely to be handled roughly.

Bubble Mailers

Bubble mailers provide an added level of cushioned air bubble layer inside a plastic envelope, which offers slightly more protection than a standard poly mailer. These are appropriate for shipping medium-fragile shoes such as casual shoes, sneakers, or light dress shoes, which are susceptible to minor shock damage. Bubble mailers are light, and add less cost to sellers shipping shoes than boxes. Bubble mailers are protective, absorb impact, and minimize scuffs/scratches while in transit. They are a good middle ground between a poly mailer and a corrugated box when there are protection requirements, but also costs to manage. 

Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes offer the highest level of protection of any type of packaging option. Made from double-wall cardboard and extra-firm flutes, corrugated boxes resist crushing, bending, and moisture - all elements that can damage shoes. When shipping heavy boots, leather shoes, or expensive footwear requiring maximum protection, corrugated boxes are ideal. Use of packing fillers is possible in boxes (internal to shipping), allowing you to fill space if you'd like (tissue paper, foam inserts, packing peanuts) to immobilize the shoes. They are heavier and bulkier compared to mailers, but they avoid damage claims and enhance your brand by delivering products in pristine condition. When it comes to shipping premium shoes or shipping long distances, the extra cost is likely justified.

Preparing Shoes for Packaging

It is important to properly prepare your shoes before packaging them, and ultimately getting them to your customer, to ensure quality and satisfaction. First, you should properly clean the shoes, taking care to remove any dust, dirt, or mud that may cause a stain on the packaging or the shoes themselves. Dirty shoes often damage packaging materials and leave a poor impression on your customer's experience with your products. 

Next, ensure that you thoroughly dry the shoes. Moisture buildup inside the package is dangerous and could create mold or odor inside the shoes, so ensure all shoes are completely dry. It is best practice to wrap each shoe in tissue paper or use shoe bags for packaging. This will avoid scuffing or scratches from other shoes in itself or a shoe itself, particularly if they are made of leather or a more delicate material. For pairs that include laces, you are welcome to tie them together or tuck them neatly to avoid tangling together with other laces. 

If shipping in boxes, be sure to fill any empty spaces in the box with some type of padding. This will reduce the movements of the shoes and packaging during delivery. The shoes that are properly packaged and prepared will reduce the return rate, and of course, improve the already critical unboxing experience, especially as an online retailer.

Common Mailer Sizes for Shipping Shoes

1. Shipping with Shoe Boxes

• Adult shoes (US Men’s size 7–12): Commonly use 14.5×19 in poly mailers

• Larger shoe boxes or extra bubble wrap: May require 19×24 in poly mailers

2. Shipping without Shoe Boxes

• Adult shoes: Often fit in 12×15.5 in poly mailers or 10.5×16 in bubble mailers

• Kids’ shoes: Typically fit in 10×13 in poly mailers

3. Shipping High-Value Shoes

• Recommended: Bubble mailer + corrugated box for double protection

• Bubble mailer size often 14×19 in, paired with a snug-fitting box

Step-by-Step Guide

Packaging Shoes in Poly Mailer Bags

Start by wrapping each shoe in tissue or placing it lightly in a thin shoe bag to protect surfaces. Then, choose a poly mailer bag that allows a snug fit for your shoes without excessive surrounding space to prevent shifting. 

Carefully insert the shoes into the poly mailer, flattening the mailer as much as possible to form a smaller package. Seal the top of the mailer with an appropriate amount of sturdy adhesive, or use self-sealing poly mailers to save time.

Then, attach clear labels for shipping and include any customs papers or invoices to promote seamless delivery. By using poly mailers close to shoe size, you reduce both the risk of additional postage costs and the cost of packaging materials.

Packaging Shoes in Bubble Mailers

To package shoes in bubble mailers, start by wrapping the shoes independently in bubble wrap or in at least a few layers of tissue, if you are worried about not having adequate cushioning. Then simply place the shoes in the bubble mailer, if they fit without forcing......

Using the adhesive strip on the bubble mailer or with packing tape, seal the bubble mailer securely so the package remains closed during transit. Make sure the shipping information and handling information are clearly spelled out on your bubble mailer.

Bubble mailers are well-suited for sellers wanting more outer protection than poly mailers, while still making safe shipping economical in terms of weight and costs.

Packaging Shoes in Corrugated Boxes

Select a corrugated box in the appropriate size for the shoe pair. Do not use a box that is too large, as the increased empty space may allow the shoes to freely shift and possibly be damaged. 

Wrap each shoe with tissue paper or place it in a shoe bag. Place the shoes side by side inside the box. If there are any gaps, fill them in with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or air pillows in order to immobilize the shoes and to provide cushioning.

Fold the box flaps over the shoes and secure the box shut with heavy-duty packing tape along all seams and edges. Properly apply shipping labels to the box in a prominent location. If needed, apply fragile stickers for additional precaution. Corrugated boxes offer the best form of protection, especially for higher-value shipments.

Cost-Saving Tips for Shoe Packaging

Packaging can add significant costs, so savvy approaches can assist and improve the margins:

• Select right-sized packaging that fits the shoes closely. Oversized boxes or mailers increase shipping fees and waste materials.

• Reuse packaging materials like boxes and bubble wrap when possible to save costs and reduce waste.

• Buy packaging supplies in bulk from wholesale suppliers to lower unit costs.

• Optimize packaging processes to reduce labor time and mistakes.

• Choose lightweight materials to avoid dimensional weight charges from carriers.

By managing packaging costs and not compromising on protection, sellers can offer competitive prices while also providing quality.

FAQs

Can I ship shoes in a padded envelope?

Yes, padded envelopes (bubble mailers) can be used for shipping shoes, especially lightweight or moderately delicate pairs like sneakers or casual shoes. They provide some cushioning and help reduce shipping weight and cost compared to boxes. However, padded envelopes may not protect heavy, bulky, or high-value shoes adequately. For those, consider corrugated boxes.

Can I use poly mailers for all types of shoes?

Poly mailers are suitable for lightweight and flexible shoes, but do not offer enough protection for heavy or delicate shoes.

How to choose the correct box size for shoes?

Measure shoe length, width, and height, and select a box that fits snugly with minimal extra space to prevent movement and damage.

What size poly mailer for a shoe box?

Use a 14.5 x 19-inch or 19 x 24-inch poly mailer to fit standard shoe boxes securely, allowing for slight padding without crushing the contents, or 2 to 4 inches larger than your shoe box dimensions.

Is bubble mailer better than poly mailer for shoe shipping?

Bubble mailers provide added cushioning to protect shoes from impact, making them better for moderately fragile footwear at a reasonable cost.

More reading: How to Choose the Right Packaging Dimensions?

Conclusion

Selecting the best packaging type for shoes is crucial for product protection and maintaining shipping costs. Depending on the type of shoe or shipping application, poly mailers, bubble mailers, and corrugated boxes may have specific advantages. Overall, having the right preparation and packaging can create a better customer experience and contribute to greater success for your e-commerce business.