The bags are made of a pretty decent synthetic material and can be easily tossed in the washer to clean. I use them to bring shoes to work and place them in my large purse. I also pack them in my luggage when I need to travel. They are a great barrier from preventing your shoes from mixing with the other items in your luggage and thick enough where even if you have stilettos - it won't get punctured as easily when jostled inside a larger bag/purse or luggage.