Maybe you stash an empty grocery bag in your duffel so you can store sweaty cross-training shoes after a workout. Or perhaps you tie the laces to the outside of your backpack so your shoes don’t have to go in your bag at all. Whatever your solution, chances are you don’t like having your dirty sneakers kicking around your gym bag alongside your clean clothes. The good news is, there’s a simple alternative (and it doesn’t involve any DIY contraptions).
If you want to keep your workout gear clean and organized, all you really need is a proper gym bag. Whether you’re carrying cycling shoes to your local spin studio, or storing a pair of sneakers to change into after work, a gym bag with a shoe compartment is a total game changer.
That said, shopping for the perfect gym bag is challenging enough, and finding one that also has a shoe compartment can be even harder. If you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. After scouring the web, reading customer reviews, testing some of them ourselves, and seeking out recommendations from experts, we’ve narrowed down the best gym bags with shoe compartments. Now, it’s up to you to decide which one fits your needs the best. And, should you need a lock to keep your belongings even more secure, we highly recommend our very own Popsugar Luggage Lock ($22), which comes in a colorful set of two to match the bag you choose.
The Best Gym Bags With Shoe Compartments
- If you tend to keep wet items: Beulptn Small Gym Bag at $20, originally $27
- A lightweight option: Fioretto Women’s Gym Duffle Bag with Shoes Compartment, Grey & Pink at $20, originally $22
- For sleek style: forestfish Duffel Bag Gym Totes, Navy at $20, originally $22
- If you prefer a backpack: coowoz Large Travel Backpack, Beige at $22, originally $28
- For the yogi: Sportsnew Yoga Mat Bag at $22, originally $23
- If you’re looking for durability: Wisepack Gym Bag Womens Mens with Shoes Compartment at $29
- Techies will love this USB bonus: Medium Etronik Gym Bag at $30, originally $38
- An expandable base goes a long way: Quince Packable Expandable Travel Tote at $45
- For serious athletes and team sports: adidas Defender 5.0 Duffel at $70
- A duffel that’s highly packable: The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel, Sumac at $140
- A roomy model that’s editor-approved: Calpak Fit Gym Bag in Tea Rose at $155
How We Chose the Best Gym Bags with Shoe Compartments
Our editors regularly test fitness gear and accessories, and we’ve tried enough gym bags to know which ones actually make your life easier, and which ones fall apart by week two. To curate this list, we looked closely at functionality, materials, user feedback, and overall value. Here’s what we considered:
Design & Functionality – Does it actually work for gym life? We prioritized bags with dedicated, ventilated shoe compartments that keep your sweaty sneakers separate from the rest of your gear.
Durability – Will it last? We focused on bags made with sturdy zippers, reinforced stitching, and water resistant materials that can handle daily use.
Comfort & Portability – Is it easy to carry? Whether you’re commuting or heading to a workout class, we chose bags that are lightweight with comfortable straps.
Value – Is it worth the price? We looked for options that combine high quality with a reasonable price point.
Style – Does it look good? We picked designs that balance aesthetics and practicality.
User Reviews – We dug into hundreds of customer reviews to find out how these bags held up over time.
Shop our favorites ahead, and see which bag you’ll be adding to your cart.
