11 Gym Bags With Shoe Compartments Our Editors Swear By

Beulptn Small Gym Bag ($20, originally $27)

If you're packing dry and wet items, this might be the gym bag for you. Not only is there a separate compartment for your shoes, but it's also made with water-resistant fabric and linings.

Pros: Durable build; includes a toiletry bag and detachable sling strap
Cons: Some reviewers say the zippers aren't the best quality
Material: Water-resistant fabric with lined interior
Dimensions: 19.7" x 8.3" x 11"
Colorways: 50+
Who It's Best For: Gym-goers and light travelers who need dry/wet separation and stylish organization
Extras: Comes with a matching toiletry bag and a detachable sling strap for travel versatility

What Reviewers Say: "I recently purchased this small gym bag, and it has quickly become my go-to for the gym and short trips! The design is sleek and stylish, perfect for everyday use without being bulky. The dedicated shoe compartment is a game-changer, keeping my shoes separate from my clothes and making it super convenient to pack and stay organized."

Fioretto Women's Gym Duffle Bag with Shoes Compartment, Grey & Pink ($20, originally $22)

Gym bags don't have to be bulky. This option offers ample storage, including a shoe compartment, while staying impressively lightweight. The unique color options don't hurt either.

Pros: Lightweight and includes multiple pockets
Cons: Some reviewers describe the material as flimsy
Material: Not specified
Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 11"
Colorways: 19
Who It's Best For: Anyone looking for a roomy but lightweight gym bag that won't strain your shoulder
Extras: Designed to distribute weight comfortably, especially helpful post-workout or after injury

What Reviewers Say: "This bag is perfect. As you can see it holds all the items from my purse plus my shoes and gym items with room still left for more. Carrying this on my shoulder feels lighter than all the bags I normally carry. It distributes the weight more making it easier on my shoulder after recent shoulder surgeries. I absolutely love all the extra pockets. On top of it being spacious, it's adorable."

forestfish Duffel Bag Gym Totes, Navy ($20, originally $22)

At first glance, you might not even realize this is a gym bag. The sleek tote design hides a side compartment for shoes or wet items, and it's cute enough to use outside the gym, too.

Pros: Stylish, compact design; includes separate side compartment for shoes or wet items
Cons: Smaller size may not work for those who pack bulkier gear
Material: Not specified (but designed for gym/wet items)
Dimensions: 18.9" x 7.9" x 10.6"
Colorways: Four
Who It's Best For: People who want a compact, chic bag that doubles as an everyday tote
Extras: Unique design with four outer pockets for organization

What Reviewers Say: "I love how stylish this bag is. I love the size of it, I wanted something where my barbell pad was going to fit and it fits perfectly in this bag."

coowoz Large Travel Backpack, Beige ($22, originally $28)

Fitness coach and personal trainer Andrea of Body by Dreaa uses this backpack as her gym bag because it fits everything, from headphones to a whole tub of pre-workout, and even includes a removable shoe compartment. If you carry a lot but still want something locker-friendly, this might be your best bet.

Pros: Spacious design, includes removable shoe compartment
Cons: Water bottle pocket may be too small for larger bottles
Material: Not specified
Dimensions: 12.6" x 16.5" x 7.9"
Colorways: 17
Who It's Best For: People who bring a lot of gear and want it to stay organized in a backpack-style format
Extras: Side straps fit a barbell pad, fits in most standard gym lockers

What Reviewers Say: "Saw somebody use this as a gym bag on TikTok so I bought it for myself. Absolutely love it! I'm able to carry my barbell pad on the sides and all of my gym equipment stays organized. Highly recommend."

Sportsnew Yoga Mat Bag ($22, originally $23)

Whether you're headed to the gym or the yoga studio, this bag is ideal if you like to BYO mat. It's made of waterproof fabric, offers plenty of space for your essentials, and a built-in strap specifically designed to carry a full-size yoga mat or foam roller.

Pros: Waterproof and has a built-in yoga mat strap; can also fit two blocks
Cons: Mat strap may not keep mat completely secure if the mat is thinner than usual
Material: Polyester
Dimensions: 15.74"L x 5.11"W x 14.17"H
Colorways: Seven
Who It's Best For: Yoga or Pilates lovers who need a practical, mat-friendly bag that still works for everyday gym use
Extras: Built-in strap for mat or foam roller, also can hold blocks and a water bottle

What Reviewers Say: "LOVE this bag so far . . . I love all of the pockets, including the yoga mat holder on the side. I put my hip thrust pad in there, even though it's not tightly secured. Stays pretty well. There's lots of pockets on the outside for my water bottle or whatever. Then additional pockets on the inside which is great because I use lots of attachments. The only thing I dislike is the fabric weight of the bag. I wish it was a stronger, sturdier, thicker fabric."

Wisepack Gym Bag Womens Mens with Shoes Compartment ($29)

If you're looking for a gym bag that'll last, this one has you covered. It's made with water-resistant material and features a separate shoe compartment, a trolley sleeve for travel, and multiple pockets to keep you organized. The wide range of colorways is a fun bonus.

Pros: Water-resistant and has a durable build
Cons: Shoulder strap lacks padding, so avoid overpacking
Material: Water-resistant fabric
Dimensions: 17.7" x 7.5" x 11.8"
Colorways: 44
Who It's Best For: Anyone who needs a reliable gym bag that doubles as a stylish weekender or carry-on
Extras: Trolley sleeve for easy travel, multiple external and internal compartments for smart organization

What Reviewers Say: "One side of the bag works as a shoe storage, and the other for your water bottle or phone. I've had this for months now and have tossed this in and out of my car and around hotels and gyms. Very durable. There have been no problems with the zippers or the material ripping with time."

Medium Etronik Gym Bag ($30, originally $38)

This gym bag will keep your shoes separate and your phone charged, thanks to the handy USB interface. It also comes with additional pockets for all your fitness essentials, a zippered wet bag, and water-resistant nylon to make sure all your items stay safe and dry.

Pros: Has a USB port, separate wet bag and shoe compartment, spacious
Cons: May feel heavy when overpacked due to strap design
Material: Water-resistant nylon
Dimensions: 18" x 8.7" x 13.5"
Colorways: 17
Who It's Best For: Gym-goers or travelers who want to stay organized and keep devices charged on the go
Extras: USB charging interface, fits under airplane seats, zippered wet bag for damp clothes

What Reviewers Say: "The Etronik Gym Bag is not only perfect for the gym but also great as a carry-on for travel! It's spacious, with a separate compartment for shoes and wet items, and fits easily under the seat or in the overhead bin."

Quince Packable Expandable Travel Tote ($45)

This water-repellent bag has a discreet, expandable base for shoe storage, plus a detachable pouch at the front for keeping smaller items like headphones and a fitness tracker. When you're stowing it away after use, you can even zip it into a more compact size, making it appear as small as a laptop sleeve! Use it as a carry-on bag for travel, then your gym bag when you arrive at your destination.

Pros: The design is smart and functional, and the material is durable
Cons: It takes some practice to learn how to unzip it and zip it back up into its iterations
Material: Water-repellent nylon twill
Dimensions: 11"H (15.5" H when expanded) x 23"W x 8"D
Colorways: Three
Who It's Best For: Travelers who are also workout enthusiasts
Extras: The expandable bottom gives you 4.5 more inches of space, and it comes with a removable and adjustable strap with a padded shoulder guard

What Reviewers Say: "The design of this duffel is incredible. Zips up nice and small and then expands to two perfect sizes, a medium size duffel and then another section expands to create more space. Genius."

adidas Defender 5.0 Duffel ($70)

This gym bag has lots of unique features for athletic purposes. Think: space for team embroidery or branding, an adjustable shoulder strap, and of course, a separate shoe compartment. It even comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know it's made to last.

Pros: Two side compartments (one vented), padded base for structure, and a lifetime warranty
Cons: Some shoppers say it runs small
Material: Not specified
Dimensions: 21" x 11" x 12"
Colorways: 20
Who It's Best For: Athletes and gym-goers who want a structured bag with odor control features
Extras: Vented compartment for wet or sweaty gear

What Reviewers Say: "The bag is designed for practicality. The main compartment's U-shaped zipper allows for easy access to the contents, and the side pockets are handy for storing shoes, toiletries, or wet items separately from the main compartment. The padded base adds to the bag's structure and protects your belongings."

The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel, Sumac ($140)

If you need a gym bag that'll last and can be your go-to for various scenarios, this one has you covered. Made with recycled polyester for durability, it also has an adjustable divider that lets you position your gear.

Pros: Made from recycled materials, includes adjustable divider
Cons: Zippers can be tricky to operate when the bag is fully packed
Material: Recycled polyester
Dimensions: 23" x 14" x 9"
Colorways: Six
Who It's Best For: Anyone who wants a high quality, eco-conscious duffel that works for the gym, weekend trips, and beyond
Extras: Adjustable internal divider, structured enough for work or travel use

What Reviewers Say: "I use this pack for work. It fits my laptop, lunch bag, gym clothes, gym shoes, and has pockets for small storage. Before this bag, I had multiple bags to pack, put in the car, and bring back in the house. It was super annoying. Now everything is in ONE bag. It's awesome!"

Calpak Fit Gym Bag in Tea Rose ($155)

This stylish gym bag from Calpak is just as functional as it is fashionable. It features several specialized compartments to help keep your workout gear organized (sneakers included). Read our Calpak Fit Gym Bag review for more.

Pros: Multiple compartments including a ventilated shoe pocket, has yoga mat straps and bottle holders
Cons: Higher price point compared to other options
Material: Not specified
Dimensions: 19.25" x 12.75" x 8"
Colorways: Three
Who It's Best For: Gym-goers and travelers looking for a highly-organized and stylish bag
Extras: Ventilated shoe pocket built into the side of the bag, yoga mat straps, water bottle holder with bungee

Editor Quote: "The side pocket designed to carry your shoes has a vent (to help your sweaty shoes dry faster) and extends into the bag instead of under or out. I prefer this as shoe compartments on the bottom of bags seem smart, but I've found they create a bulky and uneven bottom that makes it hard to set your bag down. Calpak's lets you 'pack' your shoes in the main compartment, while still keeping them hygienically separate from your clothes and accessories." – Mirel Zaman, former health and fitness content director

— Additional reporting by Chandler Plante and Balim Tezel

Kalea Martín writes primarily about food and cooking for PS, but as a former figure skater and hockey player, she covers fitness, too. Prior to becoming a lifestyle writer, Kalea covered hotels, restaurants, and travel for Luxos Magazine in Milan and worked in marketing at HarperCollins Publishers.

Chandler Plante (she/her) is a social producer and staff writer for the health and fitness team at Popsugar. She has over five years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.

Balim Tezel (she/her) is a former shopping updates editor at PS and the founder of Maison des Nus, a New York-based affordable luxury brand. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.