What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship Shoes?

Shoes are some of the biggest sellers in eCommerce, making them also one of the most commonly shipped products. Despite being a commonly mailed item, shipping shoes comes with some unique challenges. But, if you’re a retailer dealing in footwear, finding the cheapest way to ship shoes will help you save a lot.

Finding the cheapest way to ship shoes requires a detailed understanding of the whole process and the unique challenges of mailing footwear. Of course, the cost to ship shoes depends on several factors, so it’s hard to generalize and get generic estimates.

To find the best price, you should compare the prices offered by several shipping service providers and what restrictions they may have in place. You should also partner with a reliable shipping solutions provider, such as Easyship, who can give you access to discounted rates instantly.

This article will not only show you how to access the cheapest ways to ship shoes, but also how to package them to cut costs, and what else you might need to consider to ship footwear.

What's the Cheapest Way to Ship Shoes?

Before deciding how to ship shoes, you’ll want to do a price and service comparison with different couriers. USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL Express all offer some of the best ways to ship shoes. While shipping shoes isn’t generally too expensive, comparing the services of different couriers will help you find fast-shipping shoe couriers at affordable rates.

Before looking at the prices charged for shipping shoes by these couriers, it’s worth noting that most people prefer the USPS First Class option for lightweight packages. You can also opt for the UPS Ground service that takes between one and five days to deliver, depending on your destination.

The table below outlines the estimated costs to ship shoes using various couriers.

Price estimates for domestic shoe shipments from New York City to Chicago for a 5-pound package:

Price estimates for international shoe shipments from US to Canada for a 5-pound package:

How to Mail Shoes

Before asking “How much does it cost to ship shoes,” you should first understand how best to pack footwear for shipping. Packing your shoes well not only ensures they’ll reach your customers in good condition, but it’ll also help you save on costs. Fortunately, shoes are often small and lightweight, so they’re among the easiest products to pack. They’re also pretty sturdy, so they’re less likely to get damaged in transit.

What Packing Materials Will I Need?

You will need the following packaging materials when shipping shoes:

• Packing tape
• Shipping boxes
• Bubble wrap

Box Options for Shipping Shoes

Before packing the shoes in shoe shipping boxes, it’s important to find the right one. That’s because different shoes might need to be packaged differently. Below are some excellent shoe shipping boxes you can use:

• Use cardboard boxes if you’re shipping several shoes in one order.
• Corrugated boxes are best for shipping shoes over long distances.
• Flat cardboard mailers and bubble mailers are best for delicate shoes that have buttons or trinkets attached.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Packing Shoes

Now that you know what packing materials you’ll need and what shoe shipping boxes you can use, here’s exactly how to pack your shoes for shipping.

1.    Wrap the shoes in paper to protect them during transit; place several pairs in the box if necessary.

2.    The shoe shipping box should be as small as possible to comfortably fit the order (and save costs). If there is any extra space, you can fill it with some cushioning materials.

3. If you want to include some mailers for your customers - such as discount coupons, thank you notes, or receipts - slip this inside the box, too.

4. Secure the box with packing tape. Seal all parts of the box to keep the shoes safe.

4.    Address the shoe shipping boxes with the correct mailing address; if you’re shipping internationally, you’ll also need to include the correct customs information and harmonized codes.

5.    Use a service like Easyship to get shipping rate estimates and pick the most appropriate one.

6. Schedule a courier pick-up (or drop off the parcel at the post office or courier store).

Factors that Impact the Cost of Shipping Shoes

If you’re wondering how to ship shoes efficiently and affordably, you're not alone. With countless shipping carrier options, understanding the shipping costs to ship shoes can feel overwhelming. However, the final cost to ship shoes can vary depending on several key factors.

Factors That Impact Shoe Shipping Costs

• Weight and Package Size: Whether you’re mailing a single pair of high heels or multiple pairs of boots, package weight plays a major role. Most shipping carriers calculate rates by weight and size box, so a larger box or heavier package will cost more.
• Distance and Destination: The farther your shipment travels, especially for shipping shoes internationally, the higher the cost. For example, shipping from the Midwest to overseas distribution centers incurs higher charges.
• Shipping Method: Couriers offer different shipping options. For example, USPS Priority Mail offers a cost effective shipping method which includes tracking, especially for domestic packages. Flat rate options like a medium flat rate box or priority mail shoe boxes from the United States Postal Service are ideal for a boxed pair of shoes, particularly when packaging shoes in one box.
• Packaging Type: Proper shoe packaging ensures the pair of shoes arrives in perfect condition. Use bubble wrap, a plastic bag, or even double boxing if you’re sending an original box or larger shoes. Make sure to choose a sturdy box that can withstand transit.
• International Shipping Fees: If you're shipping shoes internationally, you’ll need to account for taxes and duties, which are assessed by the receiving country. Tools like the Easyship Duties & Taxes Calculator can help estimate these fees in advance, reducing surprises for your customers.

Do You Need Shipping Insurance?

When shipping shoes, especially expensive footwear, it's smart to consider insurance. Most shipping carriers provide basic coverage, but it may not be enough. Easyship, for example, offers flexible insurance plans that can cover up to $10,000 per shipment—ideal for footwear and clothing retailers or those selling on platforms like eBay. Easyship’s insurance processing is also one of the fastest, with an average processing time of 48 hours.

How to Save Money on Shoe Shipping

Shipping shoes doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. Here are some quick tips to help you save on shoe shipping costs:

• Use flat rate boxes like the medium flat rate box when the package weight exceeds 2-3 lbs—it’s often the cheapest way to ship.
• Compare shipping costs across carriers using tools like the Easyship Shipping Calculator. This lets you compare rates, services, and the environmental impact of each shipping method.
• Visit your local post office or check the USPS website to learn more about cost effective options like priority mail.
• If you’re a clothing retailer, leveraging courier discounts through platforms like Easyship can offer additional savings and streamline your shipping needs.

Related: The Cheapest Way to Ship Clothes

How Easyship Can Help

As eCommerce continues to grow in popularity, shipping shoes is becoming increasingly important for online retailers dealing in fashion. That’s why it’s important to know how to find the cheapest way to ship shoes and understand the best practices about delivering shoe orders safely to customers.

If you’re looking for the best way to ship shoes, sign up for an Easyship account. With this, you can access warehouses around the world to access cheaper shipping to customers around the world, and streamline the whole shipping process by managing everything from one account.

Shipping Shoes FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a pair of shoes to Canada?

It costs $41.40 to ship a pair of shoes (4-pound shipment) from NY to Canada with DHL eCommerce.

How much do shoes weigh for shipping?

how The weight can vary, but you can expect 1-2 pounds (without packaging).

Can you ship shoes with Easyship?

Yes, you can ship shoes with Easyship and receive access to discounted shipping rates.

What’s the cheapest way to ship multiple pairs of shoes?

Bundling several pairs in one package can reduce per-pair shipping costs. Use a larger corrugated box and compare bulk shipping rates with USPS, UPS, and FedEx through Easyship.

Is USPS or UPS better for shipping shoes?

For lighter shoes (under 2–3 lbs), USPS Ground Advantage or Priority Mail is often cheapest. For heavier or bulkier footwear, UPS Ground can be more cost-effective and faster for domestic shipments.

How do I ship shoes internationally without high costs?

Use economy services like UPS® Standard (to Canada) or FedEx® International Connect Plus for affordable cross-border delivery. Always factor in duties and taxes using Easyship’s calculator.

Do I need to declare shoes at customs?

Yes, for international shipments you must declare shoes on customs forms and include the correct HS (Harmonized System) code. This ensures faster clearance and avoids penalties or delays.

What’s the best box size for shipping shoes?

For most sneakers and casual shoes, a USPS Priority Mail Shoe Box (7.5" x 5.125" x 14.375") is ideal. For boots or multiple pairs, opt for a medium flat-rate box or custom-sized corrugated box.

Can I ship shoes without a box?

Technically yes, using padded poly mailers or bubble mailers for lightweight sandals or flats, but boxed packaging is recommended for durability and professional presentation.

How can I reduce dimensional weight charges when shipping shoes?

Use the smallest box possible, remove excess packaging, and avoid shipping in oversized boxes. Couriers charge by dimensional weight for larger packages, even if they’re light.

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