Footwear may be more durable than glass or electronics, but it still can be damaged in transit if it’s not packaged and shipped properly. If you run an ecommerce business that specializes in apparel and footwear—or if you just plan to sell thrifted shoes on the side for extra income—learning to package and ship shoes can help get your merchandise to your customers in perfect condition.
For footwear and clothing retailers, the way you package your shipments can be a valuable branding opportunity, as well as a way to showcase your company’s dedication to care and quality. Learn how to ship shoes safely and efficiently.
How to package and ship shoes
- Prepare the shoes
- Choose the right shoebox
- Secure the shoes in the box
- Select a shipping company
- Add branding details
- Label the box properly
- Get the package to the carrier
If packaged improperly, leather shoes may arrive scuffed, boots can be crushed, and high heels could become flats during transit. To avoid having your customers open up a box of damaged goods, here’s a seven-step guide to properly preparing your footwear for transit.
1. Prepare the shoes
The exact preparation method will depend on the shoes’ materials. For instance, if you’re shipping brand-new sneakers, you may want to do a quick dusting with a microfiber cloth, especially if they’ve been outside of the box in your store or office. Additionally, consider a soft application of saddle soap or a good boot conditioner such as mink oil, especially for used leather that needs a refresh.
For high heels, consider wrapping bubble wrap or taping an eco-friendly packaging material around the heels for extra protection. And for new sneakers, tuck the laces neatly into the shoe for a visually appealing unboxing experience.
2. Choose the right shoebox
Choosing the right shoebox for shipping footwear is all about box size. If the box is too big, your shoes will move around inside, increasing the odds they’ll be damaged. If the box is too small, your shoes may be jammed in too tightly, which can crush or collapse the uppers. Many shoeboxes are sold by gender and type of shoe (e.g., men’s athletic shoe, woman’s dress shoe), so a smaller pair of men’s dress shoes might end up in a larger-than-ideal box. In general, you’ll just want to make sure to use the size that fits your shoe closest, and make up the rest with stuffing and packaging.
The key to shipping shoes safely is double-boxing. To do that, you’ll need a larger box for shipping that holds your shoebox without too much space around it. USPS provides a standard-sized box for shipping shoes. This protects both the inner shoebox and the shoes themselves during transit.
3. Secure the shoes in the box
Beyond choosing the right box size, there are other tricks that help protect the shoes inside:
- Fill the shoes. To help the shoes hold their shape, stuff them with filler or tissue paper. For higher-end shoes, consider using cardboard inserts for a classier look.
- Create a protective layer. Lay a sheet or two of tissue paper across the bottom of the box, place the shoes inside the box, and fold the tissue paper over the top of them. You can also wrap each shoe individually for more protection.
- Check the fit. Close the box and give it a gentle side-to-side shake. If the boxed pair of shoes is snug, you’re good to go. Some shoes, like slim flats, may be harder to box with a tight fit. In that case, consider using packing materials like bubble wrap.
- Place the shoebox inside the shipping box. Ensure that the shoebox inside the shipping box is packed tightly. If not, fill the space between the two boxes with lightweight packing materials like eco-friendly packing peanuts.
4. Select a shipping company
Choosing the right shipping company will depend on a handful of factors, especially cost-effectiveness, which is often determined by your shipment’s weight, shipping speed, and destination. For example, if you’re shipping within the US, a two-pound package (within the weight range of a pair of large sneakers) will start at $13.88 for Priority Mail or from $9.45 for USPS Ground Advantage, depending on how far away the domestic destination is. That said, shoes can vary in weight depending on style and material, so it’s worth taking time to calculate exact shipping costs.
For international shipping, a service like FedEx, UPS, or DHL may offer the most competitive rates, depending on your destination country. To compare rates, you can use a service like Shopify Shipping, which automatically scans the popular carriers for the best rate for your specific shipment’s specs. There are also discount shipping companies like Ship Magic, regional carriers like West Coast–based OnTrac, and a whole host of country-specific carriers for international shipping, many of which are a part of Shopify Shipping’s network.
5. Add branding details
Whether you’re a shoe company or a reseller on eBay, shoeboxes can be a great opportunity for branding. If you’re selling your own company’s shoes, a simple original box—especially if packed thoughtfully—can show your customer your company’s attention to detail. Simply including a nice card, stamp, or sticker along with the shoes can be an opportunity to showcase your brand. For resellers who deal with used shoes without original boxes, you may consider designing your own logo or branded stamp for blank shoeboxes.
6. Label the box properly
Always review the label for typos, and make sure that the customer’s address matches their input exactly—especially if their shipping and billing addresses differ. Place a shipping label on the exterior box, avoiding edges and corners so the barcode doesn’t get damaged in transit.
7. Get the package to the carrier
Whether you’ve chosen USPS, FedEx, UPS, or a discount or regional carrier, the last step is to make sure the carrier gets your package. These companies may offer in-store drop-off for their respective physical locations, and they also will pick up directly from you (or a mailbox or drop-off location).
Regardless of which one you choose, track your package to ensure it makes it to its destination. All of these carriers offer basic tracking with most of their services, and there are also several third-party tracking apps that can integrate into your online store.
How to ship shoes FAQ
What is the cheapest way to ship shoes?
The least expensive way to ship shoes will depend on your shipping time and destination. If you’re shipping within the US, you can ship most shoes for around $10 with USPS Ground Advantage, depending on the destination.
Can I ship shoes with USPS?
Yes, you can ship shoes through the United States Postal Service. In fact, the USPS offers a specific box for shipping shoes. You’ll want to place a well-packaged shoebox inside the USPS shoe shipping box, which is one example of a popular practice known as double boxing.
How do you properly ship shoes?
Although shoes aren’t fragile, they can be damaged in transit. To properly ship shoes, you’ll want to stuff the shoes so they hold form, wrap them in tissue paper, and place them in a well-fitting shoebox, then place the shoebox snugly in a shipping box.
