Short answer: To pack shoes for courier, keep them in their shoe box, stuff the shoes with paper so they hold their shape, and put the shoe box inside an outer packaging: a corrugated box 2 to 5 cm bigger than the shoe box with cushioning in the gaps, or a large tamper-proof courier bag for light sneakers and slippers. Never stick the courier label on the shoe box itself. Use a 3 ply box for kids’ shoes and a 5 ply box for adult shoe boxes, boots or two or more pairs.
What you need
| Item | Why | From |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated box (outer box) | Protects the shoe box from crushing and scuffs | ₹149 + GST per pack |
| Tamper-proof courier bag (instead of a box, for light pairs) | Cheapest outer cover for sneakers, slippers and sandals | ₹189 + GST per pack |
| Bubble wrap or honeycomb paper | Fills gaps so the shoe box does not move | ₹179 + GST (bubble wrap), ₹149 + GST (honeycomb) |
| BOPP packing tape | Seals the outer box (H-taping) | ₹129 + GST |
| 4 × 6 inch thermal label | Clear, scannable courier label | ₹299 + GST |
How to pack shoes for courier: step by step
- Clean and check the pair. Remove dust, check both shoes are the same size, and take a photo for your records (useful for returns and disputes).
- Stuff the shoes with tissue or kraft paper so the toe does not get crushed.
- Wrap each shoe in tissue or a thin poly cover to stop scuffs, especially for leather, suede and white sneakers.
- Close the shoe box with a small strip of tape on each side so it does not open inside the outer box.
- Choose the outer packaging: a corrugated box that is 2 to 5 cm bigger than the shoe box on each side, or a large courier bag for light pairs (see the table below).
- Fill the gaps with bubble wrap or honeycomb paper. Shake the box: nothing should move.
- Seal with H-taping: tape along the centre seam and across both edges, top and bottom.
- Stick the label flat on the top of the outer box or bag, never on the shoe box, and keep the barcode clear of tape.
Box or courier bag: which outer packaging?
| Shoes | Outer packaging | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slippers, flip-flops, sandals (no box) | Courier bag, 12 × 16 or 14 × 18 inch | Wrap in a poly cover first |
| Kids’ shoes (shoe box about 8 × 5 × 3 inch) | 3 ply box 11 × 6 × 5 inch, or a 12 × 16 inch courier bag | Measure the shoe box first |
| Women’s shoes and flats (shoe box about 12 × 7 × 4 inch) | 5 ply box 15 × 11 × 9 inch, or a 16 × 20 inch courier bag | Fill the extra space with cushioning |
| Men’s shoes and sneakers (shoe box about 14 × 8 × 5 inch) | 5 ply box 15 × 11 × 9 inch, or a 20 × 24 inch courier bag for light pairs | A 16 × 20 inch bag is too tight for a men’s shoe box |
| Boots, heavy work shoes, 2 or more pairs | 5 ply box, for example 18 × 12 × 12 inch | H-tape and fill all gaps |
See all sizes in the box size chart and the courier bag size chart.
Watch the volumetric weight
Couriers charge on the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight (length × width × height in cm ÷ 5000). Shoes are light but bulky, so the box size decides your shipping cost:
- An 11 × 6 × 5 inch box (27.9 × 15.2 × 12.7 cm) has a volumetric weight of about 1.1 kg.
- A 15 × 11 × 9 inch box (38.1 × 27.9 × 22.9 cm) has a volumetric weight of about 4.9 kg.
So do not use a box much bigger than the shoe box. For light sneakers, a courier bag over the shoe box is often the cheaper choice. Read the volumetric weight guide for more examples.
Selling shoes on Amazon or Flipkart?
Marketplaces need outer packaging over the shoe box, a clear 4 × 6 inch label and new packaging. See the Amazon and Flipkart packaging requirements. Starting a footwear brand? Use the packaging checklist for a new online business.
FAQ
Can I send shoes in just the shoe box?
It is not recommended. The shoe box gets crushed and scuffed, and marketplaces need outer packaging. Put the shoe box inside a corrugated box or a courier bag.
What size box do I need for shoes?
Measure the shoe box and choose an outer box 2 to 5 cm bigger on each side. Typical shoe boxes are about 8 × 5 × 3 inch (kids), 12 × 7 × 4 inch (women) and 14 × 8 × 5 inch (men). Do not go much bigger, or volumetric weight will increase your courier charge.
Can I ship shoes in a courier bag?
Yes, for light sneakers, slippers and sandals. Use a 16 × 20 inch tamper-proof bag for a women’s shoe box and a 20 × 24 inch bag for a men’s shoe box, and wrap the shoes first.
3 ply or 5 ply box for shoes?
3 ply (11 × 6 × 5 inch) for kids’ shoe boxes. Adult shoe boxes are longer than our 3 ply sizes, so use the 15 × 11 × 9 inch 5 ply box; use 18 × 12 × 12 inch for boots or two pairs.
