Best Backpacks With Shoe Compartment: Gym, Travel And More

Thule VEA Backpack

The VEA backpack by Thule is one of the best options for work because of its minimalist design. The exterior is so simple that it wouldn’t look out of place in any workplace – from the local coffee shop to an executive’s office.

One thing that’s amazing about this backpack is that you can carry it in several different ways. There are the classic shoulder straps of a backpack, but there’s also a grab handle at the side that lets you carry it like a duffel bag. And you will also get a long shoulder strap so that you can carry it like any crossbody bag.

Plus, the design of this bag doesn’t make it obvious that it’s a backpack. The main compartment is front-loading, and it features a zipper that splits the front panel in two. And the shoulder straps are stowable, so they won’t get in the way if you decide to carry this like a messenger bag.

The shoe compartment of the Thule pack is hidden at the bottom. And it can be cinched in when you’re not using it so that you have extra space in the main compartment of the bag.

In addition to that, this pack features a hidden zippered pocket on the side, which is perfect for stuff you want to keep extra secure. And there’s a padded sleeve inside the main compartment that will fit any laptop up to 15.6”, as well as a dedicated tablet sleeve.

The downside of this backpack is the size – with a capacity of 21 liters, it will work only for people who don’t carry a lot of gear with them. This might be okay for work, but not if you want to be able to use this bag for other things.

Under Armour Undeniable 3.0

The Undeniable backpack by Under Armour is a great option for the gym. It’s a sporty backpack with thick padding in the backpanel, and really comfortable and ergonomic shoulder straps. Plus, it’s a unisex backpack that you can get in a variety of different colors, so it’s a good option for both the ladies and the gents.

The top-loading main compartment is the best thing about this backpack. It features a top zippered lid, and once you remove that you have easy access to everything inside the main compartment – perfect for storing gym gear.

The downside of the pack is that the laptop sleeve is inside this compartment, so you can’t really separate your sweaty clothes from your device. But, since the overall design of the backpack is so versatile, this is actually pretty convenient for carrying work gear.

This backpack has a front-access shoe compartment, which can fit a pair of men’s shoes up to size 12. It is entirely separate from the rest of the pack, so you don’t have to worry about getting your other items dirty. And it features a small zippered pocket inside – perfect for a pair of socks.

There are two stretchy side pockets on the Undeniable, as well as an external zippered pocket on the top lid. And there’s daisy chain webbing on the front, so you could easily attach some really bulky gear to the front of the pack. This makes it a decent option for outdoor adventures as well, especially if you don’t actually own a proper hiking backpack.

Aer Travel Pack 2

The Aer Travel Pack 2 is one of our all-time favorite travel backpacks. And since it does have a separate shoe compartment, I had to include it here!

The pack is made from Cordura ballistic nylon, and it has a water-resistant exterior. There’s also a YKK AquaGuard zipper on the laptop compartment, which ensures that your device is protected from water at all times. All of the other zippered on the backpack are also YKK, so you know those will perform really well.

The main compartment is front loading, for easy packing and unpacking. There are two zippered pockets inside it, as well as external compression straps that ensure all your clothes will stay in place. The laptop compartment is behind the main compartment; it is not entirely TSA friendly, but it is easily accessible and separate from the rest of the backpack.

The shoe compartment is at the bottom of the bag, and it can fit one pair of shoes. Its interior is lined with nylon, which is really easy to clean, so you don’t have to stress about putting dirty shoes inside. This backpack also features a front compartment with an organizer panel, for all those smaller items you want to have easily accessible.

The Aer backpack features a backpanel that is ventilated and heavily padded. It feels very comfortable against your back, so you won’t have any issues when carrying it for longer periods of time. However, a hip belt is not included in the purchase of the pack – that’s something you’d have to buy separately.

Amber & Ash Everyday Bag

The Amber & Ash bag is a great versatile backpack for women. It’s cute, very functional, and has so many different pockets that you don’t even have to try to stay organized – it will come naturally while you’re loading up the backpack.

There’s quite a lot to love about this backpack – its main compartment is very spacious, and it features two organizer panels. The laptop compartment is in the back, and it is entirely separate from the rest of the bag. On top of that, this backpack also features an open pocket on the front panel, which is great for items you want to have easily accessible at all times.

And there’s a similar compartment in the back, but that one actually doubles as a luggage strap. There’s a zipper at the bottom, which allows you to switch between an open compartment and a luggage strap, so you could use it both for those super valuable items you don’t want anyone to know you’re carrying, or just to make your life easier when you’re traveling with multiple bags.

Obviously, there’s also a shoe compartment on the backpack. It’s a front-access pocket, and it’s at the bottom of the bag. In addition to that, the Amber & Ash pack features a hidden zippered pocket on the backpanel – great for any smaller items you want to keep extra safe.

This is a carry-on backpack, so it’s a great option for travel, and not just for everyday. But it’s not going to be the most comfortable pack to wear for prolonged periods of time – the shoulder straps are rather thin, and there’s no breathable mesh on the backpanel. But it does have a small capacity, so it’s not going to get unbearably uncomfortable.

AmazonBasics Sports Backpack

If you’re on a tight budget, the AmazonBasics backpack is probably the best option for you. It’s a very affordable backpack with a price point of around $30, but with a lot of features that you can use in your everyday life. Oh, and some colors of the backpack are cheaper than others, and you could get it for some $20 if you shop wisely.

This pack has a total of four compartments – a roomy main compartment, two front compartments (one has an organizer panel), and a shoe compartment at the bottom of the bag. There’s also a hidden zipper pocket that’s great for sunglasses or a phone, as well as two stretchy side pockets.

The backpanel of this pack is heavily padded, but it is not covered with breathable mesh. It’s not going to be the most comfortable pack to carry, but at least the shoulder straps are ergonomic and adjustable.

On top of that, the AmazonBasics pack is carry-on sized, so you could use it for travel. But it’s not the best backpack for travel because the laptop sleeve isn’t TSA friendly – it is actually located inside the main compartment.

The downside of this pack is obvious – it looks like a cheap backpack. It’s not like one of those packs that you can get for $25 but that still looks pretty sophisticated, so you won’t be fooling anyone. But that honestly shouldn’t matter, because the joke’s on them – you’re getting an incredibly functional and versatile pack for a bargain, so who cares what it looks like!

Mardingtop 28L

The Mardingtop backpack is one of the best affordable options for hikes and other outdoor adventures. It is a rugged outdoor backpack, with multiple compartments and pockets for all your must-have gear. And that includes a bottom shoe compartment, that is spacious enough to fit hiking boots or just a sleeping bag.

This pack is also equipped with MOLLE panels on the front and sides, so you can attach any bulky gear to its exterior. And there’s also a bungee cord over this panel, which lets you stash a jacket or any other bulky gear that you can’t fit in the rest of the pack.

The main compartment of this bag is pretty spacious, and it has an internal hydration sleeve. You can pull the bladder hose through a hole at the top of the pack so that you’re able to hydrate on the go. Plus, if you want to use this backpack for something other than hiking, this sleeve conveniently doubles as a laptop compartment.

One of the external compartments has an organizer panel inside, while the other just features a large slip pocket. The backpack is also equipped with stretchy side pockets and multiple compression straps, including a pair that goes over the shoe compartment.

In addition to that, the Mardingtop backpack will be pretty comfortable to carry. It has a padded backpanel, a sternum strap, and a hip belt, which will keep the load of the pack away from your shoulders. The downside is the lack of breathable mesh – it won’t do a great job at keeping your back ventilated on really warm days.

MarsBro Laptop Pack

The MarsBro backpack is a great option for travel. It is lightweight, inexpensive and it features a TSA-friendly laptop sleeve that will seriously save time when going through TSA checkpoints.

But that laptop sleeve is inside the main compartment, so you will need to be extra careful about how you pack since everything inside could just spill out while you’re trying to take out your laptop. It’s a bit of an oversight, but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s a pretty good backpack.

The laptop sleeve can fit even bulky 17.3” devices, as well as a smaller tablet in the front pocket. And there are three more pockets inside the main compartment, so it should be pretty easy to stay organized.

In addition to that, this pack also features several external pockets. One of them is insulated, and it can keep your drink hot or cold for hours – perfect for those long train rides where you desperately need a huge cup of warm coffee.

This travel backpack actually has one of the best shoe compartments so far. It is lined with waterproof fabric, and it features two small ventilation ports on the front. In case your shoes get extra smelly, they will air out by the time you take them out of the backpack.

On top of that, this pack has a USB port that lets you charge your phone while you’re running around, as well as a hidden anti-theft pocket in the back. There’s also a luggage strap that lets you mount it on top of a suitcase, and a convenient sternum strap that will ensure you’re comfortable while carrying the pack.

adidas Unisex Utility Team

The adidas Utility backpack is an excellent versatile option. It’s great for pretty much everything – gym, work, hikes, commute, and even camping. But it doesn’t have a hip belt, and that is the only reason why it’s not featured in our top five picks.

Other than that, it really is an amazing backpack. The backpanel and the harness are both padded and ventilated, for premium carrying comfort. It even has a convenient sternum strap, which will ensure that the shoulder straps don’t budge an inch while you’re walking around with the backpack.

The main compartment is really roomy, and it has an internal laptop sleeve. This pack also features a tricot media pocket, which will ensure that you never again scratch the display of your phone on something in your bag. Like your keys. For the fifteenth time.

The shoe compartment is at the bottom of the pack, and it features waterproof materials on the outside. On top of that, this pack also has an insulated pocket, which will keep your drink of choice hot or cold for hours.

Those are just the basic features of the adidas backpack – the reason why it’s so amazing is actually that of all of its external attachment points. There are stretchy straps on the top and bottom sides of the backpack, which you can use to carry any longer bulky items – from baseball bats to hiking poles. And also a separate attachment point for a helmet.

Plus, it is surprisingly affordable, at least for an adidas backpack. The brand is known for its high-quality gear, and the fact that you can get this pack for less than $50 is pretty amazing.

Loiee Anti-Theft Pack

If you need a good commute bag with a shoe compartment, then you should really think about getting an anti-theft backpack.

They’re the best option for a commute because they keep all your gear extra protected – perfect for people who spend a lot of time on public transport. The Loiee pack is one of the best anti-theft backpacks with a shoe compartment, so it’s definitely an option worth considering.

The main compartment can’t be opened without unbuckling the side compression straps, which is impossible for a thief to do without you noticing. And this backpack has multiple hidden compartments and pockets, which will protect your most valuable items.

The laptop compartment is hidden behind the backpanel, but you won’t feel the stiffness of the laptop thanks to the thick padding. The backpanel also features a hidden zippered pocket at the bottom, which can easily fit your phone. And there are multiple ventilated inserts across the back, for premium carrying comfort.

The shoulder straps also feature thick padding and breathable mesh, so the pack is comfortable all around. And there’s a convenient sternum strap, which will ensure that the straps stay in place even when you are moving around a lot.

In addition to that, this pack also features a front pocket with a hidden zipper and a roomy shoe compartment at the bottom. You can easily fit a pair of size 12-13 shoes inside, and you have access to some items in the main compartment from here.

The entire pack is made from waterproof materials, so everything inside it will stay dry if you get caught in the rain.

Wandf Drawstring Backpack With Shoe Compartment

If you want just a very basic backpack for the gym, then the Wandf pack is a good option for you. It’s small, simple, and really affordable with a price point of around $20. This is great for people who don’t really need a premium backpack, but just something they can sling over one shoulder on their way from the car to the gym.

The main compartment features a drawstring closure, so it’s definitely not one of the safest options you can get. But it’s perfect if you want to have really easy access to all the items inside. There’s enough room inside the compartment for a change of clothes, a towel, and a couple of other necessities.

There are three small pockets inside the main compartment, so you can actually keep some smaller things organized.

This backpack has a surprising amount of external compartments – two in the back and one in the front. The bottom compartment in the back is actually perfect for shoe storage, while the one above it is great for a tablet or your phone.

Additionally, there’s also a zippered pocket on the front of the bag, for the stuff you want to have easily accessible at all times.

Another surprising thing about this pack is that it is entirely made from waterproof materials, which is pretty great for the price. But don’t rely on that too much – the open nature of the main compartment isn’t exactly water-resistant, and items inside will get wet in case of heavy rain. However, the stuff in the other external compartments should stay dry.