How can you maximize your shoe storage?

To maximize your shoe storage , consider an item that is adjustable or just really works for your living space and collection. Ashley Murphy , co-founder of NEAT Method , notes, “You can also implement a stacking shoe rack, so you can store as many shoes as possible.” We loved this feature in the White Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf from The Container Store. Don’t forget about shelves on the top of your closet, which is a great place to store out-of-season or rarely worn items, she adds. Making use of this space can free up space on your shoe rack, as well.

What is the best way to store shoes in a small space?

If your space is small, consider a shoe rack that's designed for such a compact area, like our "best for small spaces" pick, the White Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf from The Container Store. The stackable design of both of these racks makes them flexible, while their tinier dimensions ensure that they won't take up too much floor space.

How do you store shoes after use?

The key to keeping your shoes in great condition is to take care of them after each use . ”Wipe off any dirt or dust with a cleaning solution appropriate for the shoe material, and use shoe shapers for dress shoes and boots to maintain their form,” says Murphy. If your shoes have accumulated any moisture, "be sure to let them dry out completely before putting them away, to avoid potential mildew," she adds. Of course, messes happen, which is why we tested the ease of cleaning each shoe rack. If you expect to track in a lot of dirt and mud, opt for a pick that's easier to wipe clean with a damp cloth and doesn't allow for mud to slip onto the area below. If you're worried about the longevity of your shoes, consider a pick that keeps them secure or helps them keep their shape. We love The Container Store's Natural Boot Rack for this reason—it helps boots stay nice and upright rather than folded over.

Should shoe racks be opened or closed?

You might be sensing a trend that many of the choices presented come down to personal preference, and the question of an open versus closed rack is no exception. While simple to use, an open shoe rack means that shoes are on display—yep, even the dirty ones, but they're easily accessible, too. On the other hand, closed racks keep shoes (and potential odors) behind doors or in drawers, but they pose an extra step to put them away or retrieve them. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but know that if you're looking to limit your (and your guests') exposure to your shoe collection for any reason, a closed rack will be your best bet.

The 9 Best Shoe Racks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Shoe Racks Test — The Spruce / Henry Wortock

There's no true one-size-fits-all for shoe storage, just as there's no true one-size-fits-all for shoes themselves. But if our recent lab testing tells us anything, it's that there are some key components and features you can look for to ensure that you're getting a rack that will meet your needs. Whether your needs include lots of room for tall boots, compact cubbies for plenty of kids' shoes, or versatile storage that can accommodate shoes of all shapes and sizes, we have an option for you, thanks to our rigorous testing in The Lab and in our own homes.

We put nearly 30 different shoe racks to the test, evaluating each shoe rack's capacity, setup, design, stability, ease of cleaning, and value. We also took notes about other helpful features, as well as any potential drawbacks, that affected our impressions and the rack's performance.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Open Spaces Entryway Rack at Anthropologie

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Rack at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

West Elm Mid-Century Shoe Rack at West Elm

Jump to Review

Best Large:

Vasagle 5-Tier Shoe Rack at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Small Spaces:

The Container Store Stackable Shoe Shelf at The Container Store

Jump to Review

Best for Garage:

Brightroom Rolling Entry Rack at Target

Jump to Review

Best Bench:

Vasagle Shoe Bench at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for College Dorm:

Jump to Review

Best for Boots:

The Container Store Natural Boot Rack at The Container Store

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Other Options We Tested
How We Tested
What to Look For
Standout Features
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce
What Is The Spruce Approved

4.8

Saks Fifth Avenue

View On Anthropologie View On Getopenspaces.com View On Madewell.com

Our Ratings

Setup

5/5
Design

4.5/5
Stability

4.5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Capacity

5/5

What We Like

Ample storage
Very sturdy, durable design
Simple assembly and maintenance
Handle makes it easy to move if needed

What We Don't Like

Expensive

With its contemporary aesthetic, spacious shelves, and durability, the Open Spaces Entryway Rack stood apart from the rest during our tests. We were pleasantly surprised that, while the stylish brand suggests placing six to nine shoes on this rack, we managed to fit 12 pair comfortably. So, whether your weakness is platform sandals or hiking boots, they'll all stay neatly organized on this three-shelf unit. The model's durable metal construction makes this freestanding shelf system incredibly sturdy, too, so you'll be able to enjoy it throughout multiple seasons. It's also equipped with a built-in handle, which you'll find helpful if you need to relocate the shoe rack from one room to another.

In our tests, this shoe rack appeared to be very durable and nicely made, and we weren't nervous that it would fall apart at all. We even hit it with a vacuum, and none of the shoes seemed like they were in danger of falling off. Each shelf is strong enough to hold up to 22 pounds at one time. Notably, there are almost 8 inches of space between shelves, as well, so you can easily fit most shoes, sandals, wedges, and small heels. There is a bit of assembly required, though the setup process was very quick and user-friendly.

This shoe rack is pricey, but if you have the budget for it, we think you'll be pleased with the quality construction. We can see it being a lovely and helpful addition to any entryway, closet, living room, or bedroom, especially since it's available in multiple colors, including black, dark green, navy, cream, light blue, and light pink.

How It Performed Long-Term

After two months of regular use, this shoe rack continues to impress. We have no complaints about this shoe rack's durability or size. We've enjoyed using it to regularly store up to 10 pair of shoes—and we've also found it handy for storing keys and other items you might need to grab before running out the door. All in all, it's a chic-looking and versatile piece.

Price at time of publish: $184

_{Capacity: 6 to 9 pair listed, 12 tested | Dimensions: 33.8 x 12.5 x 26.1 inches | Weight: 28.4 pounds | Material: Steel | Color: Black, dark green, navy, cream, light blue, light pink | Assembly Required: Yes}

The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock

4.4

Wayfair

View On Wayfair

Our Ratings

Setup

4.5/5
Design

4/5
Stability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

4.5/5
Capacity

4/5

What We Like

Bamboo material
Easy assembly
Sturdy design

What We Don't Like

Heels could slip through the slats
Relatively small

If you’re looking for a basic, budget-friendly rack that's comparable to much more expensive choices, consider the Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Rack. While putting it through its paces in the testing lab, we found it to be a great basic rack. While it may not be the best for tall boots or heels, it's a solid option for sneakers and flats.

The materials and the construction of the rack make it feel very stable. The rack didn't wobble much or shake when we hit it with a vacuum. It's made of bamboo and has a natural finish that'd blend nicely with most decor styles and color schemes. The shelves are designed with slats, so it's lightweight and airy, as well. It even promises to be moisture-resistant, a bonus for shoes damp from rain or snow.

Some assembly is required, but setup entails just putting two parts together. We didn't need any instructions for assembly, based on the simple design. At such a modest price, you might consider purchasing more than one shoe rack to organize any stashes of sneakers, slippers, and more footwear around your home. Since it's relatively small, purchasing multiples could be a good solution for those with larger shoe collections.

How It Performed Long-Term

Although we wish this shoe rack offered a bit more height between the shelves, we're generally very pleased with its performance after two months. In our home testing environment, we have opted to store it in an entryway closet, but it's definitely attractive enough to be left out in a hallway or living room. We have found the structure to feel stable when moving the shoe rack in and out of the closet, too. Overall, you can't go wrong with this shoe rack if you're looking for a simple, yet reliable, design on a budget.

Price at time of publish: $42

_{Capacity: 8 pair | Dimensions: 15.8 x 27.5 x 10.2 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Material: Bamboo | Color: Natural | Assembly Required: Yes}

The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock

4.4

west elm

View On West Elm

Our Ratings

Setup

5/5
Design

4.5/5
Stability

4.5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Capacity

3.5/5

What We Like

Made of solid wood
Made in a Fair Trade-certified facility
Stylish design is great for entryway

What We Don't Like

Only holds six to eight pair of adult shoes
Rocks back and forth a bit

If you're searching for an attractive shoe rack that you'll appreciate every time you step into your home, then look no further than this mid-century modern rack from West Elm. It sailed through our tests, and we noted that the piece was something we'd purchase for themselves, even with the higher price tag and the smaller, six- to eight-shoe capacity. It was that good.

Along with the chic design, it scored perfect marks for setup and ease of cleaning, and near-perfect scores for design and stability. "Nothing fell off when I jostled the shoe rack, and the shoes don't seem like they're going anywhere when I hit it with the vacuum," one member of our testing team noted. "However, the shoe rack itself does rock back and forth, because it seems like the legs don't 100 percent line up correctly." While this may seem like a caveat to this rack, we think, since the rack consists of just two shelves and is low to the ground, it's a non-issue. With such a strong performance in other categories and stylish design, it remains a standout choice.

Notably, the piece is also made of solid wood and manufactured in a Fair Trade-certified facility. All in all, we think that for the quality of the piece, it's offered at a fair price, and we could see it being displayed in an entryway with pride.

How It Performed Long-Term

There's not much to dislike about this stylish shoe rack. We found it easy to use during our two-month, real-world testing period, and we appreciate that it doubles as additional decor. If we had one complaint, it's that we wish the rack were either slightly wider or slightly taller to better accommodate more shoes and shoe types, such as tall boots. However, we still think it's a worthy splurge, especially if you'd like to accomplish a specific aesthetic with a functional design.

Price at time of publish: $220

_{Capacity: 6 to 8 pair | Dimensions: 27 x 13 x 16 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Wood | Color: Natural wood, acorn finish | Assembly Required: Yes}

The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock

4.3

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ashleyfurniture.com

Our Ratings

Setup

4/5
Design

4/5
Stability

4/5
Ease of Cleaning

4/5
Capacity

5/5

What We Like

Sturdy compared to similar models
Large capacity
Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t accommodate larger shoes without gaps
Unclear instructions

A narrow shoe organizer that also earns accolades for being spacious may sound like an oxymoron, but in the case of this piece from VASAGLE, it's a reality, too. We were able to store 15 pair of shoes on this rack without any issues, making it a standout option for large shoe collections.

This rack is a breeze to take care of, too. We had no problem wiping up messes from the top faux-wood shelf with a paper towel in our lab testing. While the shelves below are made with a canvas-like material, we found that they also cleaned up quickly—and we suspect that the dark-colored material makes it simpler to hide or remove smudges.

Large shoes do tend to hang over the front or back edge a bit, but the fabric shelves are taut, making the piece very effective at what it does. Putting this shelf together also requires some effort. With over 30 parts, setup took a bit of time, and the instructions were only so-so. Once you have this five-tier rack built, though, we think you'll appreciate it as much as we did.

How It Performed Long-Term

If you have the space for a taller shoe rack and need additional storage for lots of shoes, we can't recommend this option enough. We stored this rack in a closet during long-term testing and found that it was easy to pull out and push back in without feeling like it was going to tip over. We do wish the shelves were all faux wood rather than fabric, but that is just an aesthetic concern and not a functionality issue.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Capacity: 9 to 12 pair | Dimensions: 11.8 x 29.5 x 35.8 inches | Weight: 10.8 pounds | Material: Steel, polyester fabric, particleboard | Color: Rustic brown and black, rustic brown and bronze | Assembly Required: Yes}

The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock

4.2

The Container Store

View On The Container Store

Our Ratings

Setup

5/5
Design

3/5
Stability

4/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Capacity

3/5

What We Like

Stackable design
Sturdy construction
Comes fully assembled

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t accommodate larger shoes like boots
Shelves are not adjustable

The Container Store White Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf leaves you with room to grow your shoe collection. Each rack features metal, mesh shelves, and has the ability to expand, since the product is stackable. We noted four pairs fit comfortably on the unit itself, while the floor space carved out by the design adds room for an additional four pair. Even if it's in a high-traffic area, you can count on it to be sturdy. No shoes fell off or tipped over when we hit the rack with a vacuum during testing.

It also arrived fully assembled, so all you need to do is set it in place—or stack it, if you're setting up more than one. If you're looking to store a whole shoe collection, be mindful that you have 7.5 inches between the shelves, and they're not adjustable, so only the top rung will hold boots or other tall shoes. Still, a clean, crisp design and budget-friendly price tag make this piece worth adding to your cart.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Capacity: 3 to 4 pair | Dimensions: 31 x 10 x 8 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Steel mesh, epoxy | Color: White | Assembly Required: No}

The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock

4.8

Target

View On Target

Our Ratings

Setup

4/5
Design

5/5
Stability

4.5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Capacity

5/5

What We Like

Rolling design
Easy to assemble
Incredibly sturdy

What We Don't Like

Doesn't accommodate larger shoes on lower levels

The wheels on this Brightroom Rolling Entry Rack make it super-practical for a garage, or any other space with hard flooring. Its powder-coated metal construction makes it durable and easy to wipe clean. A set of wheels makes it easy to maneuver as needed.

If you don't intend to move it often, have no fear that it will still stay in place, though. When it comes to stability, one of our testing team members said they "grabbed the rack and shook it, spun it around, and smacked the daylights out of it with the vacuum." Nothing fell off. While some boots on the top rack shifted slightly, the rack was otherwise very stable. We had a small stick vacuum, and the head went completely under the rack, meaning you don't have to move it to clean. That's a real win, if you ask us. Just know: The lower level doesn't accommodate larger shoes well.

How It Performed Long-Term

We opted to place this shoe rack in a toddler boy's room during in-home testing, and we discovered that it can hold twice as many children's shoes. The metal surface makes it easy to wipe down in the instance of muddy play shoes or other sticky messes. We also rolled this around the wooden floors of one of our homes, and the wheels continued to feel sturdy after two months of regular use.

Price at time of publish: $70

_{Capacity: 9 to 12 pair | Dimensions: 24 x 32 x 14 inches | Weight: 14.3 pounds | Material: Plastic, steel | Color: Black | Assembly Required: Yes}

The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock

4.3

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Our Ratings

Setup

3/5
Design

5/5
Stability

4/5
Ease of Cleaning

4.5/5
Capacity

5/5

What We Like

Looks like an actual piece of furniture
Doubles as a place to sit
Can store decor as well

What We Don't Like

More involved assembly process
Back piece felt a bit flimsy

If you're looking for the best shoe storage benches on the market, the Vasagle Shoe Bench is our top pick. It's a convenient shoe bench idea for your mudroom or entryway. The padded bench is the perfect place to sit to put on or take off your footwear after a trek outside. The shoe rack also has two rows of open shelves, where you can place a total of 10 pair of shoes or other items. During testing, we found that this bench really does have it all for a busy household: a comfy bench for perching and adjustable cubbies for shoes of various sizes. Ultimately, we'd be happy to add this piece to our entryway.

The bench is more sophisticated than your average shoe storage solution. It looks more like a piece of furniture rather than an organizational product, because it’s crafted from solid and manufactured wood. It's also fairly stable. We only noted that the back piece felt a bit flimsy, and the bench rocked slightly with our movement. Still, we think this bench is a good product at a good price. It comes in three color pairings, too.

How It Performed Long-Term

After using this bench in one of our homes, we've decided that it's a great pick for a family. Kids can comfortably sit on it to put on their shoes, and it holds up to 20 pair of shoes (if you double up in the cubbies). We've managed to store a variety of shoe types and really appreciate its sturdiness. In two months of testing, the bench hasn't felt like it were going to tip over, and cleaning the top part of the bench is a cinch using a vacuum.

Price at time of publish: $96

_{Capacity: 10 pair | Dimensions: 40.9 x 11.8 x 18.9 inches | Weight: 35.4 pounds | Material: Particleboard, foam, cotton-linen fabric | Color: White and gray, espresso and brown, rustic brown and brown | Assembly Required: Yes}

The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock

4.2

Simple Trending 2-Tier Stackable Shoe Rack

Amazon

View On Amazon

Our Ratings

Setup

3.5/5
Design

4/5
Stability

3.5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Capacity

4.5/5

What We Like

Easy to clean
Large capacity for its size
Stackable design

What We Don't Like

Not as stable as other options

When you’re storing shoes and decorating in a dorm, something small and efficient is going to do the trick. This two-tiered rack, which happens to be adjustable, from Simple Trending is just that—with the ability to stack more than one, if you're so inclined. We appreciated its basic design, noting its durability and easy set-up process. Even with its super modest design, it still holds up to 9 pair of shoes.

The smooth metal makes it easy to clean, and because the shelves are solid, you don't have to worry about heels getting lodged in between gaps. Plus, the shoes did not move, even when we knocked the rack. All in all, if straightforward and budget-friendly are what you're after in a shoe rack, this is a good choice for you.

Price at time of publish: $16

_{Capacity: 6-9 pair | Dimensions: 11.5 x 26.8 x 14.5} _{inches | Weight: 2.29 pounds | Material: Metal | Color: Black | Assembly Required: Yes}

4.3

The Container Store

View On The Container Store

Our Ratings

Setup

5/5
Design

4/5
Stability

4/5
Ease of Cleaning

3/5
Capacity

5/5

What We Like

Helps boots keep their shape
Compatible with hanging items in your closet
Easy to tuck away when not in use

What We Don't Like

Dirt and debris can fall through
Not as versatile as other options

If you're looking for a way to store boots and only boots, this rack from The Container Store is ideal. The design promises to help boots keep their shape, and it accommodates shoes of varying sizes. The rack was able to accommodate four pair of tall boots easily, and it could also hold shorter boots, if that's the majority of your collection. Just know that if you're using the rack with muddy or dirty boots, the area around it may require extra sweeping and cleaning, since the rack's shape won't catch much dirt or debris.

Although the shape and style is less versatile than those of other racks in our roundup that double as shelving, this design nails its true purpose of boot storage. It also comes fully assembled and is sized to slide under hanging or longer clothes in your closet for added convenience. You also can fold it down when it's not being used.

If you're specifically in need of a shoe rack to hold tall boots, rather than tossing them on a shelf where they fold over, this piece gets the job done.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Capacity: 4 pair | Dimensions: 37.38 x 9.63 x 19 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Natural wood, steel fasteners | Color: Natural | Assembly Required: No}

The Container Store 4-Pair Natural Boot Rack — The Spruce / Henry Wortock

The 9 Best Hall Trees of 2023

Final Verdict

After thoroughly testing shoe racks in The Lab, our best overall pick is the Open Spaces Entryway Rack, because its design is versatile and durable, and it can work in a variety of spaces. It had a tested capacity of 12 pair of shoes, including tall boots. For a budget-friendly solution, consider the Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Rack. It holds eight pair of shoes and is stackable, giving you the ability to add to it as needed.

Shoe racks testing photo with vacuuming near racks — Henry Wortock

Yamazaki Shoe Rack: This attractive choice boasts one of the highest capacities of racks tested (18 pair, plus an additional three if you utilize the floor space underneath it), and it features a wooden top shelf. However, the unique design of slatted rods proved to be less user-friendly than other choices, especially for high heels. We found that heels poked through the widely spaced slats, making it difficult to place shoes on the rack below. However, if you don't need to store any high-heeled shoes, it may still be worth your consideration.

West Elm Floating Lines Shoe Rack: While we appreciate the sleek, minimalist design of this rack, as well as the edge that keeps shoes in place, we didn't find enough features to warrant its higher price tag. We found it easy to set up, but the instructions were poor—something that could be a hurdle for buyers who don't find assembly projects intuitive. We also found it difficult to justify the price, considering its basic design with limited capacity.

Elfa Utility Mesh Shoe Storage Over The Door Rack: While we've had positive experiences with Elfa, and recommended other products from The Container Store's line, this rack doesn't fit the bill. While we appreciated that it's customizable, the different parts slot into the main pole in a complex way, and the setup ultimately required three people. One member of our testing team noted, "I feel like I need an engineering degree to figure this thing out." We also had concerns about the overall safety of this rack and worried that any of the pieces could fall off. Renters or anyone with children would likely not find it suitable.

We purchased 30 shoe racks and tested them side by side at The Lab. The testing process included the setup of each rack, where we followed the instructions and built each piece with a timer running, to get a sense of the length and difficulty of the process. Once each rack was set up, a collection of shoes was then placed on it, just as we would do in our homes, to test its capacity. Shoes came from all categories and sizes, including men's, women's, kid's, and boots. Any adjustable components were tried at each modification point, too.

Once the shoe rack was loaded, we considered its stability. We nudged it with a medium amount of force and also bumped it with a vacuum. The rack's ease of cleaning was also considered when we sprinkled damp soil on it and then wiped it clean to see how it fared.

Once these steps were completed, we also considered the rack design, as well as the overall value, taking our entire experience into consideration for the latter. We also used nine shoe racks in our homes across the country to determine how they held up with regular use. We reported our individual experiences after two months, which are incorporated throughout the roundup. Our team of editors compared the wealth of data that came from the testing process to present this list of tried-and-true racks to add to your living space.

Organization Options

If you’re looking for a high-capacity shoe storage option, a rack is most likely your best bet. While the styles and designs can vary, most shoe racks consist of either a shelf or a compartment system with designated space specifically for—you guessed it—shoes. Both options can be great solutions, and deciding between them comes down to preference and your household's individual needs.

Other features can factor into the decision, too. For example, our choice for garages, the Brightroom Rolling Entry Rack Black at Target, includes wheels for easy movement across a smooth floor—while the White Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf from The Container Store is stackable and lets you expand on your vertical storage space. Both of these racks proved to work well in our testing. Next, you decide what will work well for you.

Consider the type of shoes in your closet, as well. During our long-term testing, we found ourselves wishing for a wider or taller shoe rack that could accommodate boots and bulkier shoes. While this may not be a concern for every household, it's still a noteworthy consideration. If you have a large collection of shoes, we recommend rotating your most-worn shoes by season. Try keeping your in-season pairs on the rack for easy access and stowing off-season options in one of the best plastic storage bins.

Material and Color

The material and color of your shoe rack, along with the design, are the main contributing factors to its appearance, so your personal taste will likely be a big influence on your decision. The material can also be a significant factor for the overall durability of your rack. Shoe racks made of metal and wood can be sturdy and easy to maintain, while lighter-weight materials and fabrics can be less hardy, but still attractive and sometimes even less pricey.

Assembly Process

Most shoe storage solutions require some assembly. We rated assembly and instruction details for the racks we tested, to help you factor that in. While the majority seemed to suit most skill levels, be sure to double-check the requirements before making your final purchase, so you won't find yourself with a project that you're not comfortable completing. In that case, don't hesitate to loop in a trusted friend or call on a pro to support you.

Handles and Wheels

While the majority of shoe racks are stationery pieces, the ability to move them can certainly come in handy. As we noted in our assessment of the Brightroom Rolling Entry Rack, easy movement can be a definite benefit, with dirty boots or muddy cleats getting collected right as they're removed.

For anyone who likes to rearrange their furniture and adjust their organization system regularly, or even for people who anticipate a move in the near future, wheels and handles can make things so much smoother. As always, be sure to double-check weight limits, and be careful carrying heavy loads.

Eco-Friendly Material

If you're making an effort to add more eco-friendly products into your life, you'll be happy to know that you'll find lots of options when you're shopping for shoe racks. Bamboo, a renewable material that grows super-quickly, is found in a variety of shoe racks, including our "best budget" pick, the Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Rack at Wayfair. Not only is bamboo good for the environment, it also is attractive and often moderately priced.

FAQ

How can you maximize your shoe storage?

To maximize your shoe storage, consider an item that is adjustable or just really works for your living space and collection. Ashley Murphy, co-founder of NEAT Method, notes, “You can also implement a stacking shoe rack, so you can store as many shoes as possible.” We loved this feature in the White Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf from The Container Store.
Don’t forget about shelves on the top of your closet, which is a great place to store out-of-season or rarely worn items, she adds. Making use of this space can free up space on your shoe rack, as well.
What is the best way to store shoes in a small space?

If your space is small, consider a shoe rack that's designed for such a compact area, like our "best for small spaces" pick, the White Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf from The Container Store. The stackable design of both of these racks makes them flexible, while their tinier dimensions ensure that they won't take up too much floor space.
How do you store shoes after use?

The key to keeping your shoes in great condition is to take care of them after each use. ”Wipe off any dirt or dust with a cleaning solution appropriate for the shoe material, and use shoe shapers for dress shoes and boots to maintain their form,” says Murphy. If your shoes have accumulated any moisture, "be sure to let them dry out completely before putting them away, to avoid potential mildew," she adds.
Of course, messes happen, which is why we tested the ease of cleaning each shoe rack. If you expect to track in a lot of dirt and mud, opt for a pick that's easier to wipe clean with a damp cloth and doesn't allow for mud to slip onto the area below. If you're worried about the longevity of your shoes, consider a pick that keeps them secure or helps them keep their shape. We love The Container Store's Natural Boot Rack for this reason—it helps boots stay nice and upright rather than folded over.
Should shoe racks be opened or closed?

You might be sensing a trend that many of the choices presented come down to personal preference, and the question of an open versus closed rack is no exception.
While simple to use, an open shoe rack means that shoes are on display—yep, even the dirty ones, but they're easily accessible, too. On the other hand, closed racks keep shoes (and potential odors) behind doors or in drawers, but they pose an extra step to put them away or retrieve them. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but know that if you're looking to limit your (and your guests') exposure to your shoe collection for any reason, a closed rack will be your best bet.

Shoe racks testing other options we tested over the door rack — Henry Wortock

Dena Ogden is a lifestyle and commerce writer who’s been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022. She's written about everything from baskets and bins to carpet shampoos and robot vacuums. For this piece, she reviewed and assessed the detailed responses from our savvy shoe rack product testers, who got their hands dirty by setting up and testing nearly 30 different shoe racks in The Lab. She also combed through product descriptions and listings and factored in additional features like size, features, material, and design. Ogden currently uses both a metal shoe rack and a hanging shoe rack and intends to upgrade to a single combo rack to rule them all.

For additional insight, we also spoke with Ashley Murphy, co-founder of NEAT Method. Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce, revisited this roundup to add our long-term testing insights. Phelps evaluated our team's feedback and incorporated it into the long-term insight callouts you see throughout the roundup.

Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.