There are different factors affecting the shipping costs of shoes. Here is the detailed information about “how much does it cost to ship shoes?”
Shoes are not only a type of footwear, but they are also a great gift for different occasions, such as holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. However, sometimes the shipping cost for shoes can even be more expensive than the shoes themselves. In addition, there is not really much information available online when it comes to the shipping charge for shoes. So, lots of you might wonder, “how much does it cost to ship shoes?”
What’s more, if you are a beginner in the world of shoe shipping, just a simple or minor mistake, like the wrong packing box or weight, can cost you a lot more.
There are different ways to ship shoes, like through USPS or post offices, UPS, etc. Each method of shipping will charge you different costs.
For instance, USPS generally charges $4.00 as a shipping fee for a pair of shoes. But the price can be from $26.35 for USPS fixed-price priority mail. In addition, you will need to pay between $4 and $72 for the USPS shoe shipping fee, depending on your shoe size, distance, and delivery speed. If you choose to ship shoes using parcel shipping services, you even need to pay more, which is from $13.69 to $150 to ship a pair of shoes.
So, if you are finding the answer to the question, “how much does it cost to ship shoes?”, this article will be really helpful. I will provide you with different methods to ship shoes as well as the shipping costs of each method. Additional tips to reduce shoe shipping costs will also be given.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship Shoes?
Shoes are among the easiest products to ship as they are not only durable but also lightweight. But with the increasing number of courier services, the shipping fees are constantly changing. While several couriers provide a flat rate for shoe shipping service, others will charge on the basis of shoe weight and delivery speed.
Here are some major elements that affect the exact pricing of shoe shipping fees.
1. Shoes’ weight
As you might know, the item’s weight is considered the most important factor when it comes to the shipping fee. For footwear or shoes, there are two things deciding the weight, which are packaging weight and the product weight itself. This all depends on the sender’s preference. For example, some individuals like shipping their shoes in the initial package, while others might love to ship their shoes in a different package to save shipping costs.
2. The Delivery Distance
In addition to the product weight, distance is also a crucial factor affecting the shipping fees. Generally speaking, the longer the delivery distance, the more shipping fee you have to pay. Besides, there is also a difference between global shipping fees and national shipping fees.
3. The Courier Companies
Usually, you will need to pay less if you use your local post office to deliver your shoes nationally. Nevertheless, several individuals just don’t like using the post office because they usually lose their parcels. What’s more, shipping shoes via the post office typically takes too long.
So, in this case, courier companies are a better choice for them. Of course, each courier offers different packages and shipping fees. Some companies even provide their users with insurance if the shipment is lost. And you can find parcel tracking services at almost all courier companies. Some couriers also offer express delivery, whose cost will be higher than the standard delivery.
4. The Shipping Quantity
The shipping fees can be increased or decreased depending on how many shoes you want to ship. Usually, USPS provides you with incredible packages for pacers with both a pair of various pairs of shoes. And as you know, the quantity will decide the shipping prices.
When it comes to shipping shoes, the quantity plays a significant role in the total cost. The more pairs of shoes you want to ship, the more you’ll have to pay. To find out more, check out this list of 34 common items that weigh 6 ounces and learn about their shipping costs.
5. Taxes
And the last factor affecting your shoe shipping fees is taxes. Usually, you will not be charged for domestic shipment. However, you will need to pay for duties and taxes if you want to ship shoes internationally. Normally, the recipient will be the one who pays the duties and taxes according to the import tax regulations of their country, which substantially increases shipping costs.
USPS or Post Office
This depends on the number of shoes you want to ship. If you are shipping only one pair of footwear, then USPS will be the best option as it is really cheap. However, USPS also provides different shipping services, but some of the best services for shoe shipping include retail ground, priority mail express, flat rate priority mail, and first-class mail.
The first-class mail service will be the best option for those who want to ship only one pair that can be delivered in a bubble mailer. The shipping cost for this service is from $4.00 only, making it one of the lowest-cost shipping choices for shoes.
If you want to ship 1-2 pairs of shoes in small or big packages, the retail ground service of USPS will be the ultimate option. But you will need to wait around 8-10 days for the shipping. But if your shipment is not urgent, then this is among the most economical selection. The retail ground fees start from $7.70 only, with the shipping time in 2-8 days.
However, the best options for shoe shipping with USPS might be priority mail express and flat rate priority mail. In addition, priority mail express service also comes with a flat rate choice.
Unlike retail ground mail, flat rate priority mail makes sure of prompt delivery. It is also considered among the most inexpensive shipping choices if your package weighs between 0.81 lbs to 70 lbs.
You will have various boxes to choose from, and typically, the shipping cost will be changed even when your parcel weight is increased a little bit. So, flat rate priority mail will be a great option if you want to ship multiple pairs of shoes in a single cardboard box.
The table below shows the flat rate prices of USPS based on the box size.
Box size | Flat rate price |
Padded flat rate envelope(12 ½” x 9 ½”) | $8.30 |
Small box(8 ⅝” x 5 ⅜” x 1 ⅝”) | $8.30 |
Medium box(13 ⅝” x 11 ⅞” x 11” or 11” x 8 ½” x 5 ½”) | $15.05 |
Large box(23 11/16” x 11 ¾” x 12” or 12” x 12” x 5 ½”) | $21.10 |
If you choose to ship shoes using the flat rate priority mail, it is crucial to know the accurate size of your shoebox. After that, you need to pick a properly sized box from the post office for your package.
In case you choose a flat rate priority mail option, remember not to use your own box to ship. Instead, you can pack your footwear in your box and then pack the box again using the box from USPS. Basically, it will take from 1 to 3 business days to ship your parcels for the USPS’s flat rate priority mail option.
Another shoe shipping option from USPS is priority mail express, which costs from $26.35.
Below is an example of shipping costs based on different shipping services from USPS. For instance, you want to ship shoes from Miami to LA. The distance between these two locations is 2734 miles, and your parcel’s weight is 5 lbs. The shipping fees will be as follows:
- For USPS, the shipping fee is only $23.90. The shipping time is 8 days.
- For USPS priority mail, the shipping fee is $26.70. The shipping time is 4 days.
- For USPS priority mail express, the shipping fee is $71.35. The shipping time is 2 days.
You can also choose USPS to ship shoes internationally. But in this case, you should opt for priority mail international or priority mail express international service for fast and hassle-free shipping.
The price for a shoe parcel of 5 lbs if you want to send using through priority express is around $90. And the shipping time is between 3 and 5 days. On the other hand, the priority mail option takes around 6 to 10 days to deliver your 5 lbs package of shoes, with the estimated cost of about $72.
In case there is no USPS in your region, the post office is still a good option to send your parcels. For standard shoe shipping, it takes around 8-12 dollars, with the average weight of parcels of around 2 lbs. For shoes, the standard weight is also typically 2 lbs.
But the actual weight of your parcels might be increased by 300-350 grams due to the packaging. For instance, some people prefer to ship their shoes using their own initial box, while others love to dual-box their shoes for some reason. Therefore, the final shipping fee can significantly increase as the actual weight of your parcel will also increase.
Let’s see the price range varied according to the box dimensions and shipping distance when you ship shoes using USPS.
Box size | Philadelphia → Miami | Philadelphia → Los Angeles | Chicago → Dallas | Cleveland → San Diego |
10″ x 5″ x 5″5 lbs (single pair) | $13.65-$60.80 | $23.90-$71.35 | $13.65-$60.80 | $23.90-$71.35 |
14″ x 12″ x 8″20 lbs (approx. 5 pairs) | $40.75-$131.30 | $64.10-$147.25 | $40.75-$131.30 | $164.10-$147.25 |
18″ x 14″ x 12″40 lbs (approx. 10 pairs) | $61.20-$233.70 | $98.40-$260.30 | $61.20-$233.70 | $98.40-$260.30 |
Parcel shipping (UPS or FedEx)
In addition to USPS, parcel shippers, such as FedEx or UPS, are also another great option if you just don’t like USPS or have no USP in your area. With FedEx and UPS selections, you can choose flat rates or different rates to ship your shoes.
The flat-rate pricing option is considered one of UPS’s most competitive options compared to USPS. FedEx, on the other hand, offers the same regulations as USPS when it comes to the flat-rate delivery option. In other words, instead of using your own packing like UPS, you will need to use FedEx’s packaging for flat-rate shipping.
In terms of price, flat-rate delivery is less expensive than variable rate delivery, but the shipping time is not really versatile.
Packaging size is the key factor affecting flat-rate pricing. This is because different boxes, like small, medium, large, extra-large, will have different fees. But the delivery distance and delivery are not important in this case. If the packaging of FedEx and USPS is estimated on the basis of the box dimensions, UPS evaluates their packages according to their volumes.
FedEx offers 6 different shipping speeds for the flat-rate service, while UPS offers only 3 options. Both offer the maximum weight per box of 50 lbs for the flat-rate delivery option. But FedEx’s flat-rate shipping fee is more expensive than UPS., which is between $12.35 and up to $212.95 and from $15.50 to $62, respectively.
The four most crucial elements affecting the prices, in this case, are distance, weight and size of the box, and delivery speed. For a package of 5 pounds or a pair of shoes, delivered nationally, FedEx will charge you from $13.69 to $145, depending on the shipping delivery and distance. On the contrary, you have to pay from $14.42 to $138.57 if you use UPS.
For a larger packaging of 20 lbs, FedEx charges anywhere between $28.02 to $249.62, depending on the shipping speed and distance. On the contrary, UPS charges between $43.10 and $241.
You can compare the price of different box sizes between UPS and FedEx options:
Box size | FedEx | Shipping fee | UPS | Shipping fee |
Medium | 11 ½” x 2 ⅜” x 13 ¼”8 ¾” x 4 ⅜” x 11 ¼” | $12.35-$148.95 | 251-650”3 | $15.50-$33.50 |
Large | 12 ⅜” x 3” x 17 ½”8 ¾” x 7 ¾” x 11 ¼” | $19.05-$165.10 | 651-1,050”3 | $21.00-$50.00 |
Extra Large | 11 ⅞” x 10 ¾” x 11”15 ¾” x 14 ⅛” x 6” | $30.85-$212.95 | 1,051-1,728”3 | $25.00-$61.50 |
If your package is heavier, let’s say 50 pounds, you will need to pay from $51.45 to $380.50 for FedEx, while the shipping fee will be around $54.16 and $384.48 for UPS, depending on the delivery speed and distance.
For the accurate UPS shipping fees, you can refer to their official website. They provide you with a calculating function on their site, allowing you to know the exact shipping price of your shoes/parcels.
For FedEx and UPS one rate options , you can be charged different fees, depending on the box size and delivery distance.
Box size | Philadelphia → Miami | Philadelphia → Los Angeles | Chicago → Dallas | Cleveland → San Diego |
10″ x 5″ x 5″5 lbs(single pair) | FedEx: $13.69-$126.43UPS:$16.42-$124.76 | FedEx: $19.06-$145.34UPS:$20.07-$138.57 | FedEx: $13.69-$126.43UPS:$14.42-$120.99 | FedEx:$19.06-$145.34UPS:$20.07-$138.57 |
14″ x 12″ x 8″20 lbs(approx. 5 pairs) | FedEx: $28.02-$223.96UPS:$31.50-$218.43 | FedEx: $50.26-$249.62UPS:$52.91-$241.39 | FedEx: $28.02-$223.96UPS:$29.50-$214.66 | FedEx:$50.26-$249.62UPS:$52.91-$241.39 |
18″ x 14″ x 12″40 lbs(approx. 10 pairs) | FedEx: $51.45-$339.39UPS:$56.16-$327.76 | FedEx: $89.20-$380.50UPS:$93.90-$384.48 | FedEx: $51.45-$339.39UPS:54.16-$323.99 | FedEx:$89.20-$380.50UPS:$93.90-$384.48 |
If you are curious about how much your shoes actually weigh, check out our article on shoe weight, which provides you with a comprehensive table of different shoe weights. Knowing your shoes’ weight can give you a better estimate of your overall shipping cost with UPS or FedEx.
What is the Cheapest Way to Ship Shoes?
Most of you might want to compare the service and price of different couriers before determining how to ship your shoes. There are a lot of shipping companies for you to choose from that offer some of the best methods to ship shoes, such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc. Although shipping shoes is not really costly, it is better to compare the delivery services of various couriers. This way, you can find the most affordable shipping rates to ship your shoes.
But before looking at the shoe shipping fees of different couriers, it should be pointed out that almost all people prefer the First Class shipping option from USPS if they want to ship lightweight packages. Another great option is the UPS Ground service. For this shipping service, it will take around 1 to 5 days to ship your shoes, depending on your delivery distance.
The chart below lets you know the estimated shoe shipping fees using different couriers.
For example, price estimates for national shoe shipping service from Los Angeles to Miami for a 5-lbs shoe package of 10in x 5in x 5in.
Courier Services | Shipping fee | Shipping time |
USPS Priority Mail Express 2-Day | $71.35 | 2 days |
USPS Priority Mail 2-Day | $26.70 | 4 days |
USPS Retail Ground | $23.90 | 8 days |
FedEx 2Day | $58.30 | 2 days |
FedEx Ground | $19.06 | 2 days |
UPS 2 Day Air | $54.08 | 2 days |
UPS Ground | $20.07 | 4 days |
Easyship USPS Priority Mail | $9.56 | 2 days |
Easyship USPS Parcel Select | $20.66 | 7 days |
Easyship USPS Priority Mail Express | $60.35 | 2 days |
But with the same weight and dimension of the shoe package, the shipping fees and delivery time will be different, depending on the shipping destination. For instance, the delivery destination of the table below is from Los Angeles to Hong Kong.
Courier Services | Shipping fee | Shipping time |
USPS Priority Mail Express International | $88.55 | 3-5 days |
USPS Priority Mail International | $71.25 | 6-10 days |
FedEx International Priority | $195.40 | 4 days |
FedEx International Economy | $173 | 5 days |
UPS Worldwide Express | $173.89 | 4 days |
UPS Worldwide Saver | $171.19 | 4 days |
Easyship SF Express Economy Express | $17.77 | 6-7 days |
Easyship DHL Express WorldWide | $48.35 | 1-2 days |
Easyship USPS Priority Mail Express International | $79.17 | 3-5 days |
Easyship USPS Priority Mail International | $67.69 | 6-10 days |
Beginner’s Guide on How to Reduce Shoe Shipping Costs
There are different ways to reduce your shoe shipping fees. One of the first and worth noting things is to pack your shoes properly. In fact, packaging is among the most important factors affecting shipping costs. This is because if you pack your shoes in the wrong way, it can lead to bully shipment, and you will need to pay extra for that additional weight.
Because most shoes are solid and lightweight, you can easily pack them correctly without occupying too much room. And remember that a solid delivery box is the most crucial element during shipping.
Choosing the right box to wrap your shoes is also critical. For example, if you only ship a pair of shoes, you can wrap them using bubble wrap and pack that package in a small/medium cardboard box. In case you need to ship various pairs of shoes, cardboard boxes are still a better option.
Corrugated boxes will be the best choice when it comes to long-distance or international shoe shipping. But if you want to ship pumps or high heels, it is recommended to use bubble mailers or bubble wrap and continue with dual-boxing.
You must pack these shoes carefully and correctly to prevent them from getting damaged during transit. For fragile shoes along with accessories and other sundries, you should use bubble mailers/bubble wrap and flat cardboard mailers.
How To Ship Shoes In Their Original Boxes?
Some of you might want to remove the initial shoe box to decrease shipping fees. However, others might prefer using their original boxes while shipping shoes. But you should remember that shipping shoes in their initial boxes might damage your shoes. In particular, transiting can damage your box, which will then damage your shoes.
Nevertheless, if you still want to get your shoes shipped using the original box, here are some tips.
1. Using Dual Boxes
Using two boxes is considered a must if you want to ship your shoes in the initial box. This way is very simple to do. You just need to pack your shoes whatever way you want, put them in the initial box, and then use another box to wrap that box.
The dual-box method is still a good option even when you choose to ship your shoes using the flat rate priority mail service. Although some people don’t like or do not recommend using double-box for this flat rate priority mail option, at the end of the day, your final purpose is to keep your original shoe box intact. So, using a double box is still good.
2. Using Packaging Paper to Fill Up
If your shoes are small and lightweight, then their original box might also be small. So, in this case, you can use packaging paper to fill the second box up. By doing this, you can prevent the shoebox from shifting during shipping or transit.
This method is typically useful when you ship your shoes overseas. This is because your parcels tend to get the most trouble when shipped globally, while dual-boxing is not enough in this case. In addition to the packaging papers, you can use shipping peanuts to fill the second box to avoid movement on the initial shoebox.
You also need to note that the final weight of your parcel will substantially increase if you use double boxes. But there is no need if you choose the flat rate priority mail option to ship shoes.
However, I highly recommend you check the box dimensions before you opt for the dual-box method. This way, you can find a suitably sized box.
How to Pack Shoes to Ship Domestically or Internationally?
Since shoes are quite sturdy, they will not easily get damaged like some items. Here are the detailed instructions on how to pack shoes to ship.
- Clean your shoes if they are used. You should clean all the upper and outsoles of the shoes. And don’t forget to let the shoes entirely dry before packing.
- Use packaging paper to wrap your shoes to keep them safe during transit. The paper can also keep your shoes from moving and getting dirt during transferring if you are packaging several pairs. Make sure to secure any zippers, buckles, or other decorations to prevent breaking or snagging during transit.
- Put the wrapped shoes in a properly sized box. It’s best to use a box that is as tiny as possible to perfectly fit your shoes. But it should not be too small; otherwise, it can damage your shoes’ shape. You need to leave a little bit of added room around the shoes, so you can pad them with bubble wrap or crumpled paper.
- Secure the packaging box using packing tape. Then clearly label your package according to your carrier’s specifications.
If you still keep the original shoebox, you can pack your shoes to that initial box, then put that box into a bigger one with cushioning for added protection. This is optional as it depends on the shipping distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the shipping costs for shoes?
Firstly, you need to weigh your shoe package. Then use a shipping fee calculator from the courier’s website to find out the shipping cost. There are different factors affecting the final shipping price. For instance, if your package is tiny but heavy, you can calculate the shipping fee according to the dimensional volume, which can be a bit cheaper. Just remember that when you are calculating the shipping fee by weight, you need to use the total weight of your parcel, not the item itself.
How much does it cost to ship only a pair of shoes?
The shipping fee for a pair of shoes depends on the package size and delivery speed. In this case, the parcel shipping service and USPS will be the most suitable method. And here is the estimated shipping cost if you want to ship a single pair of shoes.
- For USPS: the shipping cost is from $3.80 to $71.35, varying based on the shipment size and shipping speed. Longer shipping time can reduce the overall fee.
- For parcel shipping: it costs between $13.69 and $146.34, depending on the delivery provider, shipping distance and speed. Besides, the accurate box weight and shipping destination can also change the shipping fee.
How do I ship shoes in the initial shoebox?
You might want to use two boxes if you want to ship shoes using the original shoebox. First, pack the initial shoebox in a bigger box, such as your own packaging or box from the USPS priority mail option. Then, seal the package, clearly label it, and ship based on the specific courier’s instructions.
How do I ship shoes without a packaging box?
You can use any solid packaging or box that comfortably and safely fits the shoes. Before sealing the box, remember to wrap the shoes, cushion them with bubble wrap or crumpled paper. Bubble mailers or poly mailers are other cheaper alternatives to ship shoes without a box.
What size box should I use to ship shoes?
It is recommended to use a box that is a little bit bigger than the shoes themselves. This way, you will have enough room to suitably pad the shoes. The ideal size box for shipping only a pair of shoes is the USPS priority mail shoe boxes.
Conclusion
I hope that by far you can answer the question, “how much does it cost to ship shoes?” buy your own. There are different ways to ship shoes domestically and internationally. You can opt for USPS or other courier services. But always compare the shipping fees as well as other elements, such as shipping time, speed, etc., to choose a suitable method to ship your shoes.