Note: This review was updated on 12/3/21 to remove no longer available products and add in some new options
Planning to go more regularly to your local gym? Pack up your essentials like lifting gloves, resistance bands, and trusty workout trainers in a good quality gym bag! With the styles and varieties, it comes in nowadays, choosing the right gym bag for you can sometimes be a sensory overload.
Before purchasing, here’s a quick guide on what you need to look for when buying the best gym bag with shoe compartment:
At A Glance: Our Top Picks For Best Gym Bags
- Great Sport Bag Adidas Team Issue II Gym Bag
- Great Sport Bag Under Armour Undeniable 3.0
- Most Stylish Vooray Trainer Duffel
- Most Versatile Nubily Gym Duffel
gym bag features to look for
Before purchasing, here’s a quick guide on what you need to look for when buying the best gym bag with shoe compartment:
Size
What’s the right size for you and fits all of your workout gear? You want to be in that “Goldilocks” zone – not too big and not too small. If you’re unsure, as a general rule, I lean towards something a bit bigger than you initially think. That gives some “growing room” for additional gear or clothing.
Shoe Compartment
Having a dedicated shoe compartment means your shoes aren’t getting your clothes and the rest of your gym bag dirty and smelly. Since this post is about gym bags with a shoe compartment, all the bags listed directly below have one.
Features
Other than a shoe compartment, a gym bag’s features can vary greatly. Here are some additional things to consider:
Extra compartments
Many bags have additional, separate compartments for additional gear or clothing. Or maybe you want to keep your sweaty gym clothes separate after you workout. I, for example, use mine to story my sweaty knee brace.
Extra pockets
Most gym bags have at least one pocket but you’ll probably want more. Do you need an extra zippered pocket for your keys or wallet? Or maybe a side mesh pocket for your phone? Small separate pockets are great for holding those little extra items (such as knee braces) that you typically don’t think of. 1Yes, I just ended a sentence with a preposition. Suck it, grammar nerd.
Straps
Straps are ideal for a gym bag. Not only does it make the bag to carry, it’s also easy to move it out of the way to load and unload the bag. If you have a lot of gear or have to carry the bag often, consider a padded shoulder strap and/or adjustable straps for additional comfort. If you don’t like straps, many gym bags have a detachable shoulder strap as well.
Handles
Do you handles in addition to (or instead of) a strap? Personally, I prefer a strap but handles do provide extra versatility and are a nice feature.
OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS
Do you need a water bottle holder? Anything else special? For example, if your bag needs to perform double-duty, maybe you also need a laptop or tablet compartment.
MATERIAL / DURABILITY
You’ll want one that is well built with high-quality materials that will last. Generally, this means a tear-resistant and smell-resistant synthetic (e.g. Nylon) bag. I would avoid any cotton bag as not only will they become smelly they can also tear and pick up moisture from wet clothes. Synthetic bags, in most cases, are water resistant or even water proof. Do you prefer zippered compartments or is Velcro more your style?
STYLE
If you’re looking to use your gym bag often, it needs to be easy to carry around. You should feel comfortable and confident wearing it! This is obviously personal preference – I prefer a simple bag while other will certainly go for one that looks good on the road, workplace, or gym.
No matter your preferences, we have you covered. So, with that said, here’s a comprehensive overview – in no particular order – of the top 5 gym bags.
5 Best Gym Bags With Shoe Compartments
This underrated gym bag is perfect for someone who wants a sleek and simple design.
Product Description:
- Understated yet stylish design that can be easily used outside of the gym
- The dimensions of the gym bag are 19”x9.4”x11.8” with a total volume of 40 L.
- The bag has a padded, adjustable shoulder strap as well as two grip handles for comfort while carrying it.
- Has a whopping 11 different sizes pockets, including 1 enormous main compartment with a two-way metal zipper to keep all your important belongings, 2 front pockets and 1 back Wet pocket, 2 side pockets
- The shoe compartment will fit up to size 13 shoes and has a water proof lining along with two breathable air holes.
- There is also another large compartment separate to these to store clean clothes.
Pros
- Great looking
- Huge number of pockets and compartments
- Ventilated shoe compartment
Cons
- No warranty information
The Adidas Team Issue II Duffel Bag is your traditional sport duffel style gym bag. It has 3 outside zippered pockets including a ventilated pocket for dirty or wet gear and a separate shoe compartment.
I’m pretty partial to this bag as it’s my main gym bag and one I’ve been using for a few years now. In short, it’s a great bag and, like the others listed here, it’s hard to go wrong with it.
Product Description:
- Its water-resistant base protects you against wet gym floors or changing rooms.
- The adjustable and removable padded straps, as well as two grip handles, provide comfortable transport of the bag.
- The gym bag comes in 3 sizes with dimensions ranging from 24”x11.5”x12” to 32.5”x13.5”x15” and a weight of about 1.3 lbs.
- This is significantly larger and lighter than some of the other bags which is attributed to its 100% polyester construction.
Pros
- Choice of sizes and colors
- Very lightweight
- Removable, padded straps
- 3 zippered pockets
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- This is a functional gym bag but it’s very basic and price may seem a bit expensive to some buyers.
The next option is Under Armour’s Undeniable 3.0 Backpack Duffle.
Product Description:
- It’s versatility as well as it’s weather-resistant finish make this a perfect on-the-go bag.
- The shoulder straps are adjustable, padded and come with Under Armour’s HeatGear temperature regulation technology to ensure you don’t get too sweaty while wearing it.
- It comes with 2 large vented pockets, and an expandable one for dirty laundry and shoes up to size 14.
- There is also a water-resistant pocket for valuables and another large organization pocket.
- It has a zip shut side pocket for a water bottle keeping the design of the bag sleek and smooth even when carrying a water bottle.
- The dimensions of the bag are 24.8”x 11.8”x12.9” with a total volume and 56 L.
- The construction is 100% polyester.
Pros
- Ventilated shoe compartment
- Technology to prevent sweating while wearing the bag
- Highly rated
Cons
- Less of a con and more of a style choice, if you really don’t like branding on your gear then the Under Armour logo may put you off.
Product Description:
- The water-resistant nylon gives it a very smooth look and also makes it extremely lightweight and water-resistant.
- Super-stylish with a mix of colors and looks
- The bag is a bit on the smaller size. The dimensions of the bag are 16.5”x9”x11” and a total volume of 24 L.
- There is one large main compartment, large exterior and interior pockets, and a side water bottle pocket.
- There is also the all-important ventilated shoe pocket.
- The simple design of this bag means it is appropriate for gym, work, or travel.
Pros
- Removable, adjustable shoulder strap for comfort while wearing
- Dedicated waterproof interior pocket and ventilated shoe compartment
- Internal security zipper for valuables
Cons
- May be too stylish for a lot of folks
- Bag is smaller than most
This backpack is incredibly stylish, it’s durable wipe-clean fabric is water-repellent and comes in lots of great colors. Its simple design makes it a perfect bag for anyone not wanting to look too sporty or have brands and logos all over their bag.
Product Description:
- The design includes comfortable shoulder straps, a compartment for a laptop, internal pockets, and side pockets for drinks bottles and small items.
- It also importantly has 3 separate compartments separate from the main compartment which can be used to store dirty clothes and your shoe.
- Between the main compartment and the 3 smaller compartments, there is also a large pouch that is adjustable in size and can be used for quickly putting away something like a bike helmet or jacket.
- The dimensions of this bag are 18.9”x11.5”x9” with a total volume of 30 L, making it the perfect size, big enough to fit all your gear in without being unsightly or uncomfortable.
Pros
- Wipe clean and water repellent fabric
- Choice of colors
- Laptop compartment
- Additional pouch for jacket or bike helmet
Cons
- Pretty expensive bag, but the build quality you get with this bag along with an uncompromised style and ergonomic layout make it our favorite.
We hope this list has shed some light on some of the fantastic products out there that can help you with your fitness journey. And if you enjoyed reading this check out some of our other reviews!
Further reading:
- Copper Knee Brace Review – Is it Actually Worth Buying?
- Got Wide Feet? These are the Best Crossfit Training Shoes for You
- This is the Best Gym Towel that I’d Recommend
- Best Compression Shirts for Lifting Weights
- Doing Squats? These are the Best Knee Sleeves on the Market
- The Best Workout Gloves Money Can Buy
- The Best Elbow Compression Sleeve on the Market
Article by:
Daniel DeMoss
I’m a personal trainer based in Denver (Matrix Gym) and a true fitness nerd. If I’m not training clients or working out at my home gym, I’m probably skiing, cycling or hiking with my dog Rufus.
Get in touch: daniel@dumbbellsreview.com