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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
If your closet is overflowing with too many pairs of shoes, it might be time to invest in a better shoe storage solution. A custom-built shoe storage system can be beautiful and functional, but also expensive, so if your budget does not allow for this option, there’s another solution, says Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founder of NEAT Method.
There are so many different, more affordable shoe storage options available today. From freestanding towers to bar hanging racks to over-the-door racks, and more, there are plenty of products to suit both your space and your budget.
The following are the best shoe storage solutions to help keep your footwear tidy.
Best Overall: Rebrilliant Burrier 50 Pair Shoe Rack
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Wayfair
Ample storage
Flexible design
Shoes don’t slip out
Wide shelves fit larger sizes
Doesn’t accommodate boots
Not the prettiest option
For those with large collections of footwear, the Rebrilliant Burrier Shoe Rack can fit up to 50 pairs of shoes at a time, keeping them neatly aligned on its 10 shelves. While it may not be the prettiest option out there, there are several factors that make this shoe rack stand out from other options.
First, its fabric shelves prevent shoes from falling down between shelves—a common issue with racks that simply feature bars. There’s also 5-1/2 inches of space between each shelf, allowing you to easily fit most shoes, sandals, wedges, and small heels, and the shelves are wide enough to fit shoes up to men’s size 13. Plus, it’s possible to split the rack into two individual pieces, creating two smaller shoe racks, if that configuration better suits your needs and your space.
Best Budget: Simple Trending 3-Tier Stackable Shoe Rack
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Amazon
Easy to wipe clean
High weight capacity
Adjustable design
A bit flimsy
If you’re looking for a basic, budget-friendly option that’s comparable in function to much more expensive options, consider the Simple Houseware 3-Tier Shoe Rack. While it may not be the most durable option out there, it’s easily adjustable to suit your needs. Assemble it with two shelves to house larger shoes, like boots, or assemble it with three to accommodate more standard-sized shoes.
The metal material is nice and easy to wipe down, too, which is useful when you’re housing dirtier items like shoes. And though the frame holds up to 20 pairs of shoes, it’s only about 12 inches deep, so you can fit the whole thing in your closet or even a tight entryway or mudroom.
Best Under-Bed: Onlyeasy Sturdy Under-Bed Shoe Storage Organizer
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Amazon
Slim design
Transparent cover
Easy-grab handles
Doesn’t accommodate larger shoes
No room for a shoe rack in your closet? Try the Onlyeasy Sturdy Under-Bed Shoe Storage Organizer instead. It comes with two durable fabric bins that are easy to slide underneath your bed frame.
Each of these organizers measures more than 2 feet long and holds up to 12 pairs of shoes to give you plenty of storage space. The clear see-through covers allow you to easily see what shoes are inside but still keep dust out. And thanks to two sturdy handles, you can even use these organizers for daily storage—just grab, and the whole thing pulls out from under the bed in a flash.
Best Hanging: Whitmor Over-the-Door Shoe Rack
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Amazon
Great for small spaces
Easy to assemble
Durable
Doesn’t accommodate larger shoes
You can keep your shoes easily accessible with the wildly popular Whitmor over-the-door shoe rack, which comfortably holds 24 pairs of shoes. Compared to other solutions, this one is not only convenient but also super-affordable.
The durable white resin shoe rack is ideal for a bedroom closet and can be hung on the front or back of the door—whatever best suits your space. It’s also a great option for small space dwellers, as the rack can be used to expand an entryway closet or even to add storage space to either side of a door.
Best Ottoman: Convenience Concepts Designs4Comfort Round Shoe Ottoman
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Amazon
Concealed storage
Provides a place to sit, too
Attractive
Doesn’t accommodate larger shoes like boots
Sometimes you don’t want your shoes out in the open—even if you’re stashing them in your own bedroom. This compact round ottoman, which features concealed shoe compartments, solves that problem in a clever way. The upholstered piece has a hinged lid that lifts up to reveal a surprising amount of storage: 12 separate storage compartments around the perimeter with an open storage area in the middle.
When closed, the ottoman can be used as a place to perch while you put your shoes on for the day. The entire piece weighs just 15 pounds, so you can move it as needed.
Best Rack: The Container Store 2-Tier Bamboo Stackable Shoe Shelf
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Courtesy of The Container Store
Sustainable material
Room to expand
Attractive
Doesn’t accommodate larger shoes like boots
You may only have a few pairs of shoes now, but what if your collection of footwear expands down the road? These stackable bamboo shelves give you room to grow, as you can simply buy more if you ever need to house additional pairs of shoes. Each rack features two slatted shelves that can hold three or four pairs of shoes on each.
Beyond function, the bamboo has a sleek natural wood finish that would make a pretty addition to your entryway, too. Another nice bonus: Because bamboo is easily renewable, it's an environmentally-friendly material you can feel good about having in your home.
Best Boxes: Rebrilliant Stackable Shoe Storage Box
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Wayfair
Stackable
Easy to see contents
Durable
Don’t accommodate larger shoes
If you’re looking for a shoe storage solution that’s easy to scale and can fit inside your existing closet, you’ll probably like the Rebrilliant shoe storage boxes. These polypropylene boxes are large enough to comfortably accommodate most flat shoes, and the clear plastic material allows you to quickly locate the pair you’re looking for.
They’re an effective storage solution, especially since the boxes in the set of 12 (and beyond, if you choose!) stack perfectly on top of each other, allowing you to put them on the floor or up on a shelf. What’s more, the durable plastic is virtually unbreakable, so you can use each box for years to come.
Best Cabinet: IKEA STALL Shoe Cabinet
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Ikea
Doubles as a piece of furniture
Easy to assemble
Concealed storage
Doesn't accommodate larger shoes
Don’t want your family’s footwear out in the open for anyone to see? The IKEA’s STÄLL Shoe Cabinet lets you tuck shoes out of sight behind its three pull-out doors. And though it’s freestanding, the entire unit is less than 12 inches deep, making it an ideal solution for even the smallest spaces.
Just keep in mind: The cabinet is made mostly from particleboard, and because it’s from IKEA, you’ll have to assemble it yourself. Overall, though, there’s plenty of value here. Despite its small footprint, the cabinet can fit a minimum of 18 pairs of shoes in an aesthetically-pleasing manner.
Best Bench: Charlton Home Benton Shoe Storage Bench
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Wayfair
Looks like an actual piece of furniture
Doubles as a place to sit
Doesn’t accommodate larger shoes
If you tend to kick off your shoes as soon as you walk into the house, the Charlton Home Benton Shoe Storage Bench is a convenient shoe storage option for your entryway. The sturdy bench features two rows of open shelves where you can place a total of 10 pairs of shoes, and you can comfortably sit on top of the bench to put footwear back on when it’s time to head out again.
The bench is more sophisticated than your average shoe storage solution, too. Since it’s crafted from a combination of solid and manufactured wood, it looks more like a piece of furniture rather than an organizational product. The overall design of the bench is classic to suit a variety of décor styles, too.
Best Outdoor: Room Essentials Rolling Shoe Tower
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Exceptionally durable
Easy to wipe clean
Large capacity
Not the most attractive option
When you’re storing shoes outside or in the garage, it’s important to look for durable material. Particleboard, for example, won’t hold up to the elements. Instead, opt for something like the Room Essentials Rolling Shoe Tower, which is made out of incredibly durable steel that’s easy to wipe clean (essential for dirty boots or kids’ sportswear).
It has an impressive 50-pair capacity, making it an especially great option for families. As a nice bonus, the tower has smooth-glide caster wheels, so you can move the whole thing from place to place if you need to.
Best for Small Spaces: Pottery Barn Slim Shoe Rack
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Pottery Barn
Durable
Easy to wipe clean
Slim design
Doesn’t accommodate larger shoes like boots
If you’re looking for a shoe storage solution for a cramped entryway or studio apartment, you don’t have to sacrifice function for floorspace. This slim shoe rack from Pottery Barn provides the best of both worlds and is easy on the eyes. At just shy of 8 inches deep, the powder-coated steel rack is slim enough for smaller hallway-style spaces or tight closets. The material also wipes down easily, so you’ll have no trouble cleaning it if need be.
If there’s any downside, it’s that the rack does have somewhat limited storage potential—it accommodates just 12 pairs of shoes and isn’t great for larger items like boots.
Best for Entryway: Open Spaces Entryway Rack
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Open Spaces
Flexible design
Modern aesthetic
Multiple colors available
More difficult to keep organized
If it’s flexibility you’re looking for, that’s exactly what you’ll get with the Open Spaces Entryway Rack. It’s a shoe rack, yes, but it pulls double duty in other ways, too. Use it to stash baskets or bowls for car keys and other essentials, or even put little trinkets atop the shelves as décor.
You can choose from multiple colors—a traditional black to a more contemporary pink—to suit your décor style. And the sleek, curved lines make the piece look stylish and right at home—something that can’t be said for many other more utilitarian shoe racks.
If you’re looking for a highly functional shoe rack to house your entire collection, the Rebrilliant Burrier 50-Pair Shoe Rack is a great option (view at Wayfair). It will keep up to 50 pairs of shoes neat and tidy, plus has a flexible design to accommodate varying sizes. It’s also easy to wipe clean. For a small-space solution, consider the Pottery Barn Slim Shoe Rack (view at Pottery Barn), which holds 12 pairs and is less than 8 inches deep to fit nicely in even the tightest areas of your home.
What to Look for in a Shoe Storage Solution
Organization Options
There are so many different shoe storage options available today, ranging from basic racks and boxes to dedicated shoe cabinets and under-bed containers. There are also plenty of hanging options, as well as concealed storage solutions like ottomans. If you’re looking for a high-capacity option, a rack is most likely your best bet. But if you’re tight on space, you might prefer one of the more clever—but limited—solutions like a storage ottoman, a hanging rack, or an under-bed box.
Material
Do you want something really easy to wipe down? Opt for a metal option, since you can freshen these up with a simple rag. Just note: These types of shoe racks aren’t typically the most aesthetically pleasing. If you’re keener on something stylish that blends in with your space, look for solid wood or fabric.
Assembly Process
Most shoe storage solutions require some assembly. The process is usually quite simple, especially for a rack, which entails connecting a few bars. That said, larger, more furniture-like shoe storage solutions like benches and cabinets may require full assembly.
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How can you maximize your shoe storage?
“If you have open shelving, you may need to adjust the shelves to fit various heights of shoes and maximize your storage space,” says Ashley Murphy, co-founder of NEAT Method. “You can also implement a stacking shoe rack, so you can store as many shoes as possible.” And 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.
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What is the best way to store shoes in a small space?
If your space is small, use bins to store items like sandals, flip-flops, and slippers, says Hagmeyer. Stacking clear shoe boxes or fabric shoe boxes can also help maximize vertical space on shelves, she explains.
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How do you store shoes after use?
The key to keeping your shoes in great condition is taking care of them after each use, says Murphy. ”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.” And 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.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer who has written for The Spruce since 2017. With a background in interior design, she’s an expert on all things home, and she has ample experience storing her own collection of shoes, which once contained more than 30 pairs of high heels.
It was later updated by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with more than 12 years of experience writing for outlets like The Spruce and Good Housekeeping. She’s an experienced product tester who considered hundreds of products and reviews before making her selections. Not to mention, shoe storage is a primary concern in her household of six. She uses a combination of racks and baskets to corral the whole family’s shoes.