Nobody wants smelly shoes mixing with clean clothes during weekend getaways. Finding the perfect weekender bag with a dedicated shoe compartment can transform your travel experience from chaotic to organized. Professional testers have put dozens of bags through real-world adventures to find the absolute best options. These ten standout bags keep your footwear separate while offering plenty of space for everything else you need.
BÉIS The Weekender — Best Overall
Shay Mitchell’s BÉIS brand has created something special with this weekender that packs like a carry-on suitcase. The rigid frame opening makes accessing your belongings incredibly easy, while the spacious main compartment swallows weekend essentials without breaking a sweat.
What sets this bag apart is the famous bottom zip section that BÉIS calls the “shoe garage.” This dedicated compartment keeps your sneakers completely separate from clean clothes. Multiple pockets throughout the bag help organize smaller items perfectly.
Travel + Leisure testers consistently praised its thoughtful design and premium build quality.
Cotopaxi Viaje 35L Weekender — Best Tote Style
Adventure-ready construction meets everyday practicality in this outdoor brand’s clever take on weekend travel. Built to withstand rough handling, the Viaje features reinforced stitching and durable materials that laugh at airport baggage handlers.
The bottom compartment doubles as a laundry section, making it perfect for storing dirty shoes away from fresh clothes. Smart pocket placement throughout the bag keeps essentials organized and easily accessible during travel.
Travel + Leisure crowned it the best tote-style weekender after extensive testing. The comfortable shoulder straps make carrying heavy loads surprisingly manageable for extended periods.
Calpak Luka Duffel — Best Colors
Fashion meets function in this puffy, lightweight duffel that comes in an impressive rainbow of colorways. From soft pastels to bold brights, there’s a shade to match every personality and travel style preference.
The separate shoe compartment keeps footwear isolated from clothing while maintaining the bag’s compact, everyday-friendly size. Despite its lightweight construction, the Luka doesn’t compromise on durability or organization features.
Travel + Leisure testers were impressed by how much it could pack while remaining surprisingly portable. The quilted exterior adds visual interest while providing extra protection for your belongings during transit.
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall (L/XL) — Best Lightweight
Neoprene construction keeps this carryall surprisingly light without sacrificing organizational capabilities. The flexible material bounces back from compression while providing excellent protection for packed items inside.
Instead of a built-in shoe compartment, this bag includes a removable nylon shoe bag that effectively separates footwear from clothing. This modular approach offers flexibility for different packing scenarios and trip lengths.
Travel + Leisure recognized it as their lightweight category winner after testing. Multiple size options ensure there’s a perfect fit whether you’re packing for a quick overnight or extended weekend adventure.
ETRONIK Large Overnight Weekender — Best Budget
Proving that great design doesn’t require premium pricing, this budget-friendly option surprises with its thoughtful organization and spacious interior. Professional testers consistently highlighted its exceptional value proposition.
The dedicated shoe compartment works alongside a separate wet pocket, giving you multiple options for keeping different items isolated. This dual-compartment approach is rare at this price point and adds significant functionality.
Multiple online retailers confirm these features, making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious travelers. The roomy interior easily accommodates weekend essentials while maintaining an organized, accessible layout throughout your trip.
Mark & Graham Commuter 2-in-1 Garment Bag — Best Garment Bag
Wedding weekends and business trips require wrinkle-free clothing, and this innovative design delivers by transforming from garment bag to duffel with a simple zip. The dual functionality eliminates the need for multiple bags.
Interior pockets are specifically sized for shoes when the garment bag converts to duffel mode. This thoughtful design ensures your dress shoes stay protected while keeping formal wear pristine and ready to wear.
Travel + Leisure selected it as their top garment-style pick after extensive testing. The conversion process is smooth and intuitive, making it practical for real-world travel scenarios.
Arlo Skye The Weekender — Best for Organization
Minimalist aesthetics hide incredibly thoughtful internal organization in this sleek weekender that looks as good as it functions. Clean lines and premium materials create a sophisticated travel companion.
The waterproof side pocket serves double duty for shoes or laundry, keeping moisture and odors contained away from clean clothing. This strategic placement makes accessing the compartment easy without disturbing main packing areas.
Travel + Leisure crowned it their organization favorite after thorough testing. Every internal feature serves a specific purpose, creating an intuitive packing experience that seasoned travelers will appreciate for its attention to detail.
Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Drop-Bottom Weekender — Most Durable
Built like serious luggage with abrasion-resistant fabric and premium YKK zippers, this collaboration between Travelpro and Travel + Leisure prioritizes longevity over flashy features. Professional-grade construction shows in every detail.
The drop-bottom section features a zippered divider that keeps shoes separate or converts the space when needed. This flexibility adapts to different packing requirements while maintaining organizational benefits.
Travel + Leisure tagged it “Most Durable” after rigorous testing that would destroy lesser bags. Frequent travelers will appreciate the investment in quality materials and construction techniques.
Rains Texel Kit Bag Large — Best Waterproof
Danish design meets Scandinavian weather protection in this PU-coated bag that keeps contents dry in any conditions. The rain-repellent shell maintains a sleek, modern appearance while providing serious weather protection.
The lined compartment specifically designed for shoes or wet kit ensures moisture stays contained away from dry clothing. This thoughtful feature makes it perfect for outdoor adventures or unpredictable weather destinations.
Travel + Leisure recognized it as their waterproof winner after testing in various conditions. The clean, minimalist design appeals to style-conscious travelers who refuse to compromise on weather protection.
Vera Bradley Adair Foldable Rolling Duffel — Best With Wheels
Rolling functionality transforms heavy packing from burden to breeze, and this foldable design stores compactly when not in use. The wheels roll smoothly across various surfaces while maintaining stability during transport.
Travel + Leisure testers fit three pairs of shoes in the large shoe compartment while praising the bag’s maneuverability. This generous capacity makes it ideal for longer weekends or trips requiring multiple footwear options.
The foldable feature adds significant value for storage-conscious travelers. When empty, it compresses to a fraction of its full size, making it practical for apartment living or crowded closets.
