Determine how long you'll be gone and start by picking out a weather-appropriate outfit for each day. In order to pick out shoes, we must first know what clothes we're wearing. If you have evening plans, figure out what clothing you need for that as well. Lay out each outfit on a bed so you can visualize everything.
Try to limit your shoe selection to three pairs. If you're going on a beach vacation, bring a pair of walking shoes or casual flats for sightseeing and walking in town, a pair of sandals or flip-flops for the beach and a dressy pair for evenings. If one of your outfits doesn't match the shoes you've chosen, swap out the outfit.
Clean your shoes with a damp cloth before packing, but if you don't have time, just get a shoe bag or use plastic grocery bags to cover your shoes.
Pack your bag by placing your shoes at the bottom corners. If you have a rolling suitcase, this is where the wheels are located. Shoes tend to be bulky and dirty, so by placing them on the bottom with the soles facing the edge of the bag, you can minimize both the amount of space they take up and avoid other pieces getting dirty.
Use space-saving tricks when packing. Try rolling your clothes into tight rolls. This method takes less space and minimizes wrinkles. You can place rolled items inside your shoes to further maximize space. You can also slip the toe of one shoe inside the other and place the pair at the edge of the bag to help control space and minimize dirt.
Plan to wear the largest or bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane or in the car and pack the other two pairs in the bottom two corners of your bag. The added weight will also help reinforce the corners of your bag.
