Custom Shoe Boxes

Lid, hinge or drawer: shoe box builds

A shoe box is either a base with a lid, a one-piece box with a hinged lid, or a drawer that slides out of a sleeve.

The classic two-piece box has a base and a separate lid that sits over it. The one-piece version folds from a single blank with the lid attached along the back edge, which is quicker to pack and cannot get separated from its base in a busy stockroom.

A drawer-style box has a tray that slides out of an outer sleeve. It feels more considered when opened and suits premium trainers and limited releases, but it uses more board and is slower to pack.

• Two-piece: base and separate lid
• One-piece: lid hinged at the back
• Drawer: tray slides out of a sleeve

Sizing by shoe size range

Brands rarely make one box per shoe size. A few box sizes each cover a band of sizes.

Measure the longest shoe in each band, from heel to toe, and the tallest point, usually the heel or the ankle collar. The box is sized to that pair, with room for tissue or a paper insert. Smaller sizes in the band sit in the same box with a little more air.

Boots, high tops and children's shoes usually need their own sizes because their height and length change so much. Settling the size bands early keeps the number of cutting tools, and the number of box types to store, under control. Tell us your size bands and we keep the number of box sizes as low as the range allows.

Stacking strength and board

Shoe boxes are stacked high on stockroom shelves, so the walls must carry the boxes above without bowing.

E-flute corrugated is the usual choice for everyday shoes: it is light, stacks well and takes print cleanly. Heavier boots often move up to a thicker flute. Folding boxboard is lighter but bows sooner under weight, so it suits small or children's shoes that are not stacked as high.

The lid matters too. A lid that sits loose lets the stack lean, and a lid that is too tight crushes the base corners when it is pressed on. Rigid board boxes stack firmly and feel premium, at a higher cost and with no flat shipping.

• E-flute: light, stacks well, prints cleanly
• Thicker flute for heavy boots
• Boxboard bows sooner under load

Lidded box or drawer-style?

A lidded box is quicker and cheaper. A drawer-style box makes the opening part of the product.

The lidded box is what most stockrooms are set up for: staff lift the lid, check the pair and close it again. It packs fast, stacks well and is easy to make in many sizes.

A drawer box slides out end-on, which works well when boxes are stacked, because the pair can be checked without moving the boxes above. It costs more, though, and the sleeve has to fit closely or the drawer slides out on its own.

Printing and the end label

In a stockroom only the end of the box is seen, so that panel needs room for the size, style and colour label.

We keep a clear, flat area on one end panel for the product label or barcode sticker. It is the part staff read when they look for a size, and it should not be crowded out by artwork.

Many shoe boxes are printed one or two colours on kraft corrugated, which looks clean and keeps cost down. Full colour, inside print or a printed tissue add to the opening, and are common on premium and limited lines.

• Clear end panel for the size label
• Kraft and one colour is common
• Inside print for premium lines

Shoe box or paper bag?

A shoe box is the right pick for a pair that is stocked, stacked and tried on. A paper bag is the right pick for light footwear such as flip-flops and slippers.

Flip-flops, slippers and some sandals are often sold in a paper bag, a band or on a hanger, because a full box costs more than it adds. Knee-high boots sit at the other end and need a long, deep boot box that is closer to a carton in build.

A standard shoe box is not designed as a postal carton. Shoes sold online usually go out in their shoe box inside a bag or an outer box, unless the shoe box itself is made from heavier corrugated and designed to ship on its own, which we can do.