The shoe case [ シューズケース ] is an indispensable item for polite and hygienic living. In Japan, a shoe case is not really a box as such. It’s a handy synthetic or fabric bag to pop your smellies into after gym or a day kicking up dirt. They’re also essential for travelling and storing shoes away.
Most shoe cases close with a zip and have a carry handle, while others have a drawstring. If you’re wanting to carry your shoes slung over your shoulder or back, then it’s best to get a small kind of knapsack similar to a gym sack. Support your shoes today and stand tall tomorrow.
Table of Contents
Shoe Case vs Gym Sack
Both items are relatively inexpensive, so do you need both? A shoe case is really just for a pair of shoes although nobody will stop you from using it otherwise. When you join a gym in Japan they will tell you that gym shoes are gym shoes and you can’t wear them outside. It’s a code of honor and trust thing.
However, it’s up to you whether you want to put your gym shoes, off your feet, into your gym bag or sack with your other stuff. Civilization would plead otherwise. Poverty would make a case for just using a plastic grocery bag. Many people, though, prefer a dedicated shoe bag.
All major sports brands sell branded shoe bags. So, if you need your shoe case to match your shoes, it’s a simple choice. If you’re more concerned about actual design, price, and practicality, we’re here to walk you through the hoops.
See our reviews of Gym Sacks and Drawstring Bags
Telling Left from Right: The Case of the Shoe Bag in Japan
Shoe bags, or ‘shoe case’ [シューズケース] in Japan, come in variety of different designs. They’re not just for moving out of action shoes around. They are also useful for storing shoes when out of season. Generally, a shoe case is made of a tough and dust free fabric which is sometimes porous and breathable.
Some shoe bags are actually translucent so you can easily see what shoes you have inside. Others may have a just a translucent strip made of a kind of plastic. The most basic ones close with a draw string, but others have zip up like a toiletry or cosmetic bag. Golf shoes tend to have specialized types of harder bags.
Best Options for a Shoe Bag or Shoe Case in Japan
Packall for Easy Travel
- Translucent
- Waterproof
- 5 colors
These bags have it tough fitting anything 29 cm or more – which means a rare men’s size US13 / EU 46 and above. Also, the waterproof translucent polyester material is not breathable. Great bags for vacation, keeping off the rain, or dirt secured inside. They’re not ideal for storage or gym shoes if you want to leave them in the bag. The color choice is refreshing.
AirGood for Home Storage
- Breathable synthetic linen
- 6 piece set
- 4 colors
Airgood is a pretty affordable deal. The L-size bags are good for men’s shoes up to 27.5 cm and low cut boots. If there’s no use for the whole set, you’ll have to think of other things to put inside. They’re a great storage option especially for the translucent front. The fabric feels good and looks good. They come with a money back guarantee if you don’t like them.
Smilefoot for Easy Affordability
- Waterproof
- Translucent
- Size and color difference
- 12 mnth store warranty
One of the top sellers. These are especially affordable for the smaller size more suitable for women. Sets of two bags are all in the largest size. They are very similar to Packall Shoe Bags, except that they are less translucent and the color options more basic. The largest size is also a little smaller than Packall bags with 27 cm golf shoes being the upper limit. 28 cm slippers and 27 cm formal shoes will also fit.
Mizuno for Sporty Men
- Mid-cut shoes to 28.5 cm
- Color and design selection
- High durability
A popular choice for men’s sport shoes and one of the top selling shoe bags for golfers. They’re quite roomy so can easily fit sport gloves and a couple of pairs of socks. Spiked and soccer shoes are okay too. For the price, the material could be a little tougher. The bag is easy to hand clean, but probably not the most leak proof for containing heavy dirt off muddy shoes.
Asiacs for Gym Bunnies
- Cool and compact
- Ladies and men’s sizes
- 100% polyester in 4 colors
Gym shoes and running shoes are usually not so bulky. So, a compact shoe case that easily goes inside a gym sack is always a good choice. It’s nice that they have ladies’ (M) and men’s (L) sizes. The medium sized bag is generally well priced, however, the large size costs a fair bit more.
The women’s size fits up to a 27 cm shoe. The L-size bag can easily fit shoes up to 29 cm and a little more. You can clean the bag in the washing machine using a laundry net. Most people find the fabric thinner than expected, so it’s best not to hang these bags up with shoes inside. They’re best used for gym shoes which also means less wear with having to wash the bags.
Fiducia for Business Travel
- Water resistant
- Shoe divider
- Outer pocket
- Slipper compartment
A little pricier than others, these semi semi-hard bags are everything you need for a business trip. There an attached velvet cloth inside to separate and protect the shoes. They’re 32 cm in length so can basically fit up to a 29.5 cm shoe.
The Answer for A Shoe Knapsack
- Unisex set of two
- Three color choices
- Waterproof
If you’re looking for knapsack you can sling over your shoulder, these generic The Answer are literally it. They’re slightly smaller than your usual knapsack so are ideal for just a pair of shoes and some extras you want to throw in. Unlike larger types of knapsacks, these don’t have a zip pocket for your mobile phone, travel card, or cash to take along with you.
