Whether you’re on your way to the gym from your office or off to a whirlwind weekend out of town, you probably have a pair or two of nice shoes sitting in your bag. Have you been using shoe bags to protect them while you’re in transit? While they’re shifting and moving around in your big office or weekend bag, your super chic shoes may be subjected to some unsightly (and totally preventable) scuff marks. Even worse, that bottle of shampoo just might decide to explode all over those peep toes.

That’s where shoe bags come in! They are a great way to provide a buffer between your shoes and sharp pens. And it prevents dirty tread marks from appearing on your favorite blouse or important documents! Shubi and My Tote make shoe bags that come in a variety of styles and fabrics.

Here’s another tip: If you’re short on cash or shoe bags are too hard to find, use any appropriately sized dust bag you’re never going to use otherwise or check out this D.I.Y tutorial and make your own!