How to Prep Shoes for FBA (2025 Guide)

Why Shoes Require Extra Attention

Shoes are one of the most profitable — but most delicate — categories in Amazon FBA.
They’re light, have consistent demand, and often resell for solid margins.
But improper preparation can quickly ruin your profits.

Shoes scuff easily, absorb odors, and are prone to label placement mistakes that lead to Amazon inbound issues.
Amazon’s FBA rules for footwear are also stricter than for most categories — every pair must be bagged, labeled, and protected to maintain retail condition.

This guide covers everything you need to know to prep shoes correctly for FBA — from inspection and labeling to poly-bagging, boxing, and shipping.

👉 This article is part of our Complete FBA Prepping Guide (2025 Edition).

FBA Requirements for Shoes

Amazon’s requirements for footwear are designed to ensure cleanliness, accurate identification, and protection during storage and transit.

Key FBA rules for shoes:

• Shoes must be new and unworn unless listed as “Used – Like New” in approved categories.
• Pairs must be securely fastened together (e.g., rubber band, poly bag, or shoe box).
• Each pair must be individually poly-bagged or boxed.
• Poly bags must include a suffocation warning if the opening exceeds 5 inches.
• Do not tape boxes shut directly; bag or wrap them instead.
• Apply the FNSKU label on the outside of the poly bag or shoe box — never on the shoes themselves.
• Left and right shoes must always remain paired.

⚠️ Failure to properly pair or bag shoes can result in delisting or disposal by Amazon.

👉 For official guidance, review FBA Product Preparation Requirements – Apparel & Shoes in Seller Central.

Required Supplies

Purpose

Recommended Supplies

Bagging

Clear poly bags (11x14 or 14x18), suffocation-warning bags

Pairing

Rubber bands or shrink wrap

Labeling

DYMO 550 label printer, FNSKU labels

Protection

Tissue paper, bubble wrap for premium shoes

Packaging

Cardboard boxes (12x9x6), packing tape

Inspection

Lint rollers, odor absorbers, gloves

Step-by-Step Prep Workflow

1. Receiving

When your shoes arrive from wholesalers, online arbitrage, or liquidation sources:

• Check ASINs and variations carefully (size, color, gender).
• Verify that SKU labels match your Amazon listings.
• Separate pairs by brand or condition for faster inspection.

2. Inspection

Amazon requires that shoes be in new retail-ready condition, meaning:

• No visible dirt, scuffs, or creases.
• Insoles and laces are clean.
• Boxes are undamaged and not crushed.

Inspect soles, inner linings, and tags.
If shoes show wear, list them as Used – Like New (MFN) instead of sending to FBA.

Pro Tip: Keep a microfiber cloth and shoe wipes on hand — minor smudges can often be cleaned easily.

3. Cleaning (If Necessary)

• Use disinfectant or mild soap wipes for soles and edges.
• Remove dust or residue from packaging.
• Insert paper or foam inside shoes to maintain shape.
• Wipe down boxes gently to remove sticker residue.

4. Labeling

Every pair of shoes must have a unique FNSKU label:

• Apply it on the exterior of the poly bag or on the outside of the retail shoe box.
• Never place labels directly on shoes.
• Cover or remove any manufacturer barcodes.

If the pair is boxed and not bagged, label the flat side of the box for easy scanning.

👉 For printing and automation options, see The Essential Software Stack for Running a Prep Center.

5. Bagging or Boxing

Poly Bag Option

For shoes that don’t come in retail boxes or for extra protection:

• Place each pair in a clear poly bag.
• Ensure the bag is fully sealed.
• Add a suffocation warning if required.
• Label the bag on the outside.

Shoe Box Option

If the shoes are in retail boxes:

• Inspect the box for structural integrity.
• Do not tape the box directly — use shrink wrap or place it inside a bag.
• Apply the FNSKU label to the outside.
• Add tissue or bubble wrap to fill empty space.

Bundling Tip

If selling multipacks or bundles (e.g., two pairs of the same style):

• Bag or shrink-wrap together.
• Add a “Sold as Set – Do Not Separate” label.
• Apply a single FNSKU for the entire bundle.

6. Final Packaging

When boxing for shipment to Amazon:

• Keep shoe boxes upright — don’t stack directly on delicate packaging.
• Use strong cartons and fill voids with packing paper.
• Avoid boxes heavier than 50 lbs.
• Include box content labels generated from Seller Central.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not sealing poly bags properly.
   → Leads to dirt or odor contamination in storage.
2. Placing labels directly on shoes.
   → Violates FBA rules and can damage materials.
3. Ignoring suffocation warning labels.
   → Mandatory on large poly bags.
4. Mismatching pairs or sizes.
   → Results in customer complaints and returns.
5. Overstuffing shipment boxes.
   → Shoe boxes can collapse or tear during transit.

Pro Tip: Keep all size and color variants clearly separated when prepping to avoid mix-ups.

Recommended Tools & Materials

• Label Printer: DYMO 550 Turbo or Zebra ZD421.
• Poly Bags: 11x14 or larger, 1.5 mil thickness minimum.
• Suffocation Warning Labels: Pre-printed or integrated bags.
• Rubber Bands: Non-marking, wide elastic bands for pairing.
• Odor Control: Activated charcoal packets for long-term storage.
• Inventory Tools: InventoryLab, SoStocked, or Excel template for tracking.

Shipping & Storage Tips

• Store shoes in a cool, dry environment to prevent odor and discoloration.
• Keep pairs together at all times — even during temporary storage.
• Avoid stacking heavy boxes on top of lightweight shoe boxes.
• For high-end sneakers, use bubble wrap and double-boxing.
• When shipping to FBA, mark each box clearly with “Footwear – Handle With Care.”

When to Outsource

If you’re dealing with dozens of SKUs, seasonal surges, or high-value footwear (e.g., Nike, Adidas, designer brands), outsourcing to a professional prep center can save hours per week.

Prep centers can handle:

• Bulk receiving and labeling.
• Poly bagging or shrink wrapping.
• Condition checks and quality control.

You focus on sourcing profitable pairs; they handle the logistics.

Quick Reference Checklist

Task

Done

Inspect for dirt, scuffs, or wear

☐

Clean and stuff shoes to hold shape

☐

Bag or wrap each pair securely

☐

Apply FNSKU label correctly

☐

Add suffocation warning (if required)

☐

Keep shipment box under 50 lbs

☐

Attach FBA shipment and box labels

☐

Protect the Pair, Protect Your Profit

Footwear prep is all about presentation — sellers who take the time to bag, label, and clean properly avoid returns and bad reviews. Your customers expect “new in box,” and Amazon expects precision.

Perfecting your shoe prep workflow ensures every pair lands at FBA in retail-ready condition — no scuffs, no confusion, no lost profit.

👉 Continue reading our Prepping Guides:

• Complete FBA Prepping Guide
• How to Prep Used Books for FBA
• How to Prep Fragile Items for FBA
• How to Prep Bundles & Multipacks

References

• Amazon Seller Central – FBA Product Preparation Requirements (Apparel & Shoes)
• Amazon Seller Central – Packaging and Labeling Guidelines
• Amazon Seller University – Footwear Prep for FBA Compliance