Complete Guide to Mailing Bags for Shoes in the UK: Sizes, Safety & Best Options

Selling shoes online looks simple until it’s time to get orders safely to the customer. Footwear often comes in a branded box that varies wildly in size and weight. Choosing the wrong shipping bag can lead to excess postage costs, damaged shoes or unhappy customers. In this guide you’ll learn how to pick the right mailing bag size for trainers, heels and boots, how to pack shoes securely and where to find eco‑friendly, cost‑effective postage bags. By the end you’ll know exactly which bags UK businesses use and how ePackaging Direct can help you save time and money.

Why mailing bags are perfect for shoes

Lighter and cheaper than boxes

When you post shoes you pay for both the actual weight and the dimensional weight of the parcel. Cardboard boxes add bulk and push parcels into higher weight bands. Easyship’s shipping experts point out that placing a pair of shoes in a second box increases both the actual and dimensional weight and raises the shipping cost[1]. By contrast, poly mailers (also called plastic mailing bags) are lightweight and flexible. They reduce the actual weight of the package and take up less space on delivery trucks, saving merchants money on postage[2].

Perfect for sturdy footwear

Shoes already come in a protective box. Easyship notes that non‑fragile items that are already in sturdy packaging, such as apparel and shoes, are ideal candidates for poly mailers[3]. Because the shoes cannot be crushed easily, you don’t need the rigid protection of an outer box. Instead, a durable mailing bag shields the box from dust, dirt and moisture without adding unnecessary bulk.

Faster packing and storage

Plastic mailing bags have a self‑sealing strip and require no tape. They are quicker to pack than boxes and take up less space in your packing area. For warehouse managers and small e‑commerce sellers this translates into faster order processing and lower labour costs.

When you still need a box

There are situations where a cardboard box is still the best option. High‑end designer shoes, collectibles or fragile shoes with embellishments need extra protection. If the original shoe box is delicate or the shoes are being shipped without a box at all, use a sturdy corrugated box or a bubble‑lined mailer for added cushioning[4].

What size mailing bag do you need?

Standard shoe boxes vary by gender, brand and shoe style. A shipping guide from Impact Express notes that women’s shoe boxes typically measure around 33 × 19 × 10 cm, while men’s shoe boxes are about 36 × 25 × 13 cm[5]. Royal Mail classifies anything up to 45 × 35 × 16 cm and 2 kg as a small parcel[6], so most shoe boxes fit well within this size band.

The table below converts common footwear into recommended mailing bag sizes. Where possible choose a bag at least 5 cm longer and wider than the box so the adhesive strip seals easily and there is room for protective padding.

Why getting the size right matters

Selecting the right bag size prevents wasted space and avoids paying for extra dimensional weight. Impact Express advises reducing parcel size by using less packaging and packing items closer together; careful use of bubble wrap can save precious cubic centimetres[7]. Oversized bags allow the shoebox to shift around during transit and can tear if caught on sorting equipment.

How to pack shoes properly in mailing bags

1. Prepare the shoes and box – ensure shoes are clean and dry. Tie or tuck laces inside each shoe to prevent tangling.
2. Wrap each shoe individually – use tissue paper or kraft paper to stop scuffs. The FreightAmigo guide suggests wrapping each shoe separately when shipping without a box[4].
3. Reinforce the shoebox – if you are shipping the original box, tape the lid closed. Fill empty spaces inside the box with scrunched paper to stop movement.
4. Add protective padding – line the mailing bag with a layer of bubble wrap or foam to cushion the shoebox. For shoes shipped without a box, use bubble mailers or poly mailers with extra padding[4].
5. Insert and seal – slide the prepared shoebox into the mailing bag. Remove the adhesive strip’s backing and press firmly across the seal. Some poly mailers have double peel‑and‑seal strips for returns.
6. Label clearly – affix the shipping label securely. Ensure the barcode is flat and legible.

Using the correct bag and packing method reduces returns and customer complaints. It also ensures your shoes qualify for Royal Mail’s small parcel rate, saving money for both you and your buyer.

Eco‑friendly shoe packaging options

Sustainability is an increasing priority for both consumers and businesses. Fortunately you don’t need to sacrifice performance to go green.

Recycled grey mailing bags

Recycled polythene mailers are made from post‑consumer waste and are often grey because mixed recycled plastics naturally produce a dark hue. They are strong, water resistant and fully recyclable, making them an excellent low‑cost option for shipping shoes. Recycled mailers are opaque, so contents remain private, and they have the same tear resistance as virgin plastic mailers.

Compostable & biodegradable mailers

For brands with strict sustainability goals, compostable mailers made from plant‑based materials provide a plastic‑free alternative. These bags break down in industrial or home composting conditions within six months. They are typically more expensive than recycled poly mailers but appeal to eco‑conscious customers.

Eco‑friendly poly mailer options

Easyship notes that some poly mailers are made from biodegradable and recycled materials, making them suitable for eco‑conscious brands[8]. If your brand values sustainability, ask suppliers about compostable or 100 % recycled mailer options. ePackaging Direct offers a range of environmentally friendly mailing bags, including recycled grey mailers and compostable alternatives.

Where to buy mailing bags for shoes in the UK

You can find shoe packaging supplies from several UK vendors, but not all suppliers are equal. Here’s what the market looks like:

• Priory Direct – offers paper mailing bags and compostable options but requires minimum order quantities and may charge higher unit prices.
• Kite Packaging – provides a wide range of packaging solutions including grey poly mailers and PiP boxes. Orders below £45 incur surcharges.
• Amazon & general marketplaces – convenient for small quantities but pricing is often higher per bag and quality can be inconsistent.

Why choose ePackaging Direct

By sourcing your packaging from ePackaging Direct, you get wholesale pricing without the red tape of large suppliers. You also benefit from specialised knowledge of UK postal sizes and business‑friendly policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size mailing bag fits a shoe box?

Most adult shoe boxes are between 33 × 19 × 10 cm and 36 × 25 × 13 cm[5]. A 14 × 19 in (35 × 48 cm) mailing bag comfortably fits these sizes. For boots or multiple pairs, opt for a 16 × 20 in (40 × 50 cm) or larger bag.

Can I send shoes in a mailing bag?

Yes. Shoes are considered non‑fragile items and are ideal for poly mailers, especially when they are already in a sturdy shoebox. Easyship explains that using poly mailers reduces both the actual and dimensional weight of a shoe shipment, leading to lower postage costs[9]. If the shoes are delicate or shipped without a box, use a bubble‑lined mailer or add extra padding[4].

Is it cheaper to post shoes in a bag or a box?

Poly mailers are generally cheaper. Easyship notes that a poly mailer can cost as little as £0.19 ($0.25) per unit, whereas cardboard boxes of a similar size may cost around £0.93 ($1.25) even when buying in bulk[10]. Poly mailers also reduce dimensional weight, lowering postage costs[2]. Boxes are still useful for heavy boots or high‑value shoes that need extra protection.

Are mailing bags waterproof?

Most poly mailers are water‑resistant and protect against moisture, dirt and tampering. Some are fully waterproof. For shipping shoes in wet climates, choose a high‑quality mailer with strong seals. Bubble‑lined mailers offer additional moisture protection[11].

What’s the most eco‑friendly option for posting shoes?

Look for mailers made from recycled or biodegradable materials. Easyship notes that eco‑friendly poly mailers are available in recycled and biodegradable variants[8]. Recycled grey mailing bags use post‑consumer waste and are fully recyclable. Compostable mailers made from plant starches break down naturally in composting conditions.

Conclusion: Give your shoes the packaging they deserve

Shipping shoes doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding standard shoebox sizes, choosing the right mailing bag, packing shoes properly and selecting eco‑friendly materials, you can reduce shipping costs and improve customer satisfaction. Poly mailers minimise weight and dimensional charges[9], making them a smart choice for most shoe orders. However, premium or fragile shoes may still need a box or bubble‑lined mailer[4].

ePackaging Direct offers everything you need for successful shoe shipping—from recycled grey mailing bags to compostable options and next‑day delivery across the UK. Stop wasting money on oversized boxes or flimsy packaging. Order your mailing bags today and start shipping shoes smarter.