Packing Shoes To Save Space In A Carry-On

Shoes eat carry-on space faster than anything else. A few packing habits turn two bulky pairs into a tidy corner of your bag.

The trick is to use every empty part of a shoe and to protect the rest of your bag from the soles. Clean, tight, and nested beats tossed in loose.

• Stuff socks and small chargers inside each shoe.
• Wrap shoes in a thin drawstring bag to keep dirt off clothes.
• Place soles facing outward against the bag walls.
• Pack the bulkiest pair at the bottom, flat side down.

I measure success by whether the zipper closes on the first try. When shoes are packed right, I gain back space for the things I actually bought the trip for.