The best shoe storage ideas acknowledge the limitations of your space, the size of your feet, and the number of shoes in your possession. They should be easy to make use of, so you don’t ignore them completely, and relatively affordable and easy to install, because if you were going for a custom-designed closet, let’s face it, you wouldn’t be here. Only you know exactly which combination is right for your needs but we’ll at least get you started with a few shoe storage ideas—some of which, we will admit, are more practical than others.
Here’s what: this exercise in determining how to store your shoes, then buying the things, and then using them, doesn’t sound very fun, sexy, or cool, on paper or in this article, but there is a special, gratifying feeling you will get when your stuff has a logical place to belong, when your shoes stay crease-free, when your entryway isn’t a legitimate fire hazard. Stay with us and we promise this feeling will come eventually. It’ll be worth it. But first you’ve got to get your hands dirty and your shoes off the floor.
Super Storage Furniture
Before we get into the storage cubes and plastic boxes: have you considered new furniture? Look, we’re not saying these pieces were made for shoe storage, or that they’ll even hold every single pair you own, but they’d take a little work off your closet’s plate, not to mention look incredible in your home.
Balutto Associati Rialto storage bench
This Italian storage bench will give your bedroom some high-end hotel energy with its textured fabric and curved lines. Plus, it’ll fit a dozen or so shoe storage boxes so you can finally declutter your closet.
Cate and Barrel baro wood storage bench
This white-washed wood storage bench works in any home, from cabin to condo. Position it in your entryway to keep your floors clear of Birks and Nikes, or whatever shoes the rest of your family is liable to trip over when they walk in the door after you.
Kartell Componibili bio storage unit
These ’60s-era Italian storage units are stackable, come in all kinds of sweet colors, and look great as bedside, entryway, and closet-side furniture. They’re also a particularly lavish way to store your vintage Italian loafers, too.
Ikea Mackapar shoe storage
Stack two of these narrow shoe cabinets on top of each other for an interior design upgrade and king-worthy shoe storage system all in one. We’d also recommend swapping out the legs with a
custom set.
Bins and Baskets For Semi-Visible Areas
If you plan on stashing shoes under a bench, bed, or other open-bottom piece of furniture, buy a receptacle that does what it needs to do and also, ya know, looks good. Because nothing bricks a nice bed frame or entryway seating like an overstuffed Ikea bag.
Kolkata azad low leather storage bin
We love the low, wide shape of these storage bins and the fact that they’re crafted from black or brown leather, which means they can handle a beating and still look beautiful. (An important detail, considering the price.)
Hay color crate
Hay’s wonderfully affordable stacking crates come in a variety of sizes and over a dozen great colors. Mix and match them to your heart’s content. There’s no wrong combination.
Puebco shoes box
If you prefer something more pared down and simple, stack two or three of these wire baskets on top of each other and let your shoes do all the talking instead.
Texxture Scarborough baskets
We promise you’ll find a use for this trio of baskets that includes, and then goes way beyond, shoes. And yes, we’re talking about your library of old issues of GQ.
Shoe Racks (for Those With Deep, Spacious Closets)
Look, we’re generally not into shoe racks as home decor unless you have a special hand with interiors or happen to be an NBA player with an endorsement deal and then it’s like, as you were. But if you’ve got the closet space to hold a standalone system? Rack it up.
The Container Store large drop front shoe storage
These plastic cubes can be endlessly stacked to meet your shoe-storing needs, filling an entire wall of your closet if you so desire (and trust, many a sneakerhead already has done just that).
Urban Outfitters stackable bamboo shoe rack
What this shoe rack lacks in capacity, it makes up for in pleasing cubed lines. Plus, you can always stack them up until your collection is served.
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Munto quick fold shoe storage box (2 row, 6 tier)
Like the Container Store Ootion, this shoe storage system holds up to size 13 shoes and has individual doors so you don’t have to stack and unstack boxes to get the pair you want. This particular one also has sunlight-proof doors and quickly opens and collapses which comes in handy on, say, moving day.
Open Spaces entryway shoe rack
This is the rare open shoe rack we’d argue would work in a bedroom, entryway, or closet equally well. It holds 10 or so pairs, so you can keep the heroes of your collection front and center for your fit-concocting pleasure.
Shoe Storage for Smaller Spaces
OK, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to business here. Handsome benches, delightful baskets, and walk-in closet shoe storage aside, these are the heroes that are going to keep your shoes protected, organized, and crumple-free in even the smallest of spaces.
StorageLab under bed shoe storage
Use these under-bed drawers for all of your off-season shoes, twice-a-year joints, and performance gear (think: climbing shoes). All of the dividers are removable, so you shouldn’t have a problem stashing away pool slides in the summer and snow boots in the winter, for instance.
The Container Store over-the-door shoe bag
Ah, the blessed over-the-door shoe holder. Ugly as all hell, and yet so effective at preventing your closet from triggering an anxiety attack. This eco-fabric version is nicer than most but, still, always keep the shoes on the inside of your closet door.
Misslo 8-shelf hanging shoe system
If your closet is wider than it is deep or has sliding doors, you might prefer a hanging system. Go double-wide to get 16 pairs lined up and ready to duty. P.S. You can find narrower options but if you’re into high-tops, boots, or wear a size 11 or up you’ll probably need this larger profile option in order to fit both shoes in one compartment.
Iris USA organizer shelf
You don’t need to go all California Closets to recognize the opportunity to use up the dead space between where your clothes are hanging and the floor of your closet. These simple, actually attractive risers come in a few different sizes and give you twice the shoe-storage.
Some Helpful Shoe-Storing Accessories
You’ve come this far in your shoe-storing journey, you might as well round things out with these helpful extras. Some might say it’s overkill, but those people have probably never experienced the strangely gratifying pleasure of an Eagle Creek packing cube.
MyGift distressed gray wood boot storage rack
This one is dedicated to anyone who has ever retrieved a positively trampled, borderline ruined pair of boots from the back of the closet after a season of not thinking very much about boots. Do your wallet and your sanity a solid and throw them on this boot rack next time, so they remain at attention until you’re ready to wear them again.
Eagle Creek pack-it multi-shoe cube
If you care about shoe storage on home court, you care about shoe storage during away games too. Eagle Creek makes our favorite packing cubes, including those expressly designed to store your shoes.
Earth Wise 100% cotton shoe storage bags
Those dust bags that came with your shoes are a good idea to put into use when you aren’t wearing them. If you tossed those along with the packaging, or want to protect even the humble pair of Havaianas, you can easily order blanks on Amazon.
Cedar Space cedar shoe tree
Whether you own a single pair of dress shoes or wear a different pair every day, you need some cedar shoe trees. They’re an old school favorite for a reason; your shoes won’t crease or warp even a little bit when these are tucked inside.