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Can You Carry Shoes in a Backpack Without Dirtying Your Laptop?

The bottom shoe compartment of the Everyday Backpack unzipped with a pair of white sneakers inside, separate from the main bag.

Why shoes make a mess

Soles pick up dirt, grit and moisture. Pressed against clothes or a laptop sleeve, they leave marks and smells.

The easy way: a separate compartment

A bottom compartment keeps shoes physically apart from everything else. The TappWoo Everyday Backpack's shoe compartment fits shoes up to approx. 10.6 inches long.

If your bag does not have one

  1. Knock off loose dirt before you pack.
  2. Put each shoe in a bag, or one bag per pair, soles inward.
  3. Place them at the bottom, sole side towards the back panel.
  4. Keep your laptop in a different compartment, away from the shoes.

Keep them fresh

Take shoes out at the end of the day and let them air out. A sealed bag traps moisture and smell.

What about wet shoes?

Wet shoes belong in a separate bag, not near anything dry. Let them dry as soon as you can.

For the full packing map, see how to pack a backpack for a full day.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop my shoes from smelling in my bag?

Air them out daily and avoid sealing damp shoes in a closed bag for long.

What size shoe fits?

The TappWoo shoe compartment fits shoes up to approx. 10.6 inches long. Measure the inside length of your shoe to check.

Can I carry clean and dirty shoes together?

It is better not to. Pack them in separate bags.