The 12 Best Shoe Storage Solutions of 2023

Whether you're a bonafide footwear fanatic or someone who owns a modest amount of shoes, you need somewhere in your home to store them. While you could certainly stash a few pairs in the oven à la Carrie Bradshaw, this isn't advised—even if you never cook.

"It sounds so simple, but once you have a system for your shoes, the only way to keep it organized is to put items back where they belong," says Laura Bostrom, a professional organizer and the owner of Everyday Order.

There are racks, boxes, benches, under-the-bed containers, cubbies, cabinets, complete closet systems, and everything in between. The right option for you really depends on where you'd like to keep your shoes and whether you want them out of sight. Other considerations include how many pairs you own, how much available space you have, your aesthetic preferences, and, of course, your budget.

Here, the best shoe storage solutions.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQS
Why Trust MyDomaine

The Container Store 3-Tier Grippy Shoe Rack

View On The Container Store

Dimensions: 25-46 x 8.5 x 18 inches | Material: Hardwood | Amount of Storage: 3 shelves

A shoe rack, like The Container's Store's 3-Tier Grippy Shoe Rack, is a classic option that'll work well in both a closet and an entryway. The expandable design has plenty of room for different shoe styles, creating extra space no matter where you place it.

The rack expands from 25 inches to an impressive 46 inches, accommodating up to 21 pairs of women's shoes and up to 15 men's styles. With 6.5 inches between each tier, you should have no problem fitting most styles and sizes.

The shoe rack is made with a sturdy hardwood frame and is offered in two finishes—walnut or natural. Foam-wrapped metal bars prevent shoes from sliding off as well, so you won't have to worry about having to straighten up once you place shoes on it.

Better Homes and Gardens Bamboo 3 Shelf Shoe Rack

View On Walmart

Dimensions: 28.66 x 13.18 x 23.81 inches | Material: Bamboo | Amount of Storage: 3 shelves

If you're looking for shoe storage on a budget, the Better Homes & Gardens Bamboo 3 Tier Shoe Rack is a great pick. The design offers three spacious shelves, offering plenty of room for shoes of all different styles and sizes.

The shoe rack is made of durable bamboo wood and offers a natural look that'll work well with just about any design aesthetic. It's designed to accommodate up to nine pairs of shoes, with space for boots and other taller shoes on top and flatter options on the bottom two shelves.

4.8

Saks Fifth Avenue

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

Dimensions: 33.8 x 12.5 x 26.1 inches | Material: Steel | Amount of Storage: 3 shelves

Open Spaces' Entryway Rack is a bit of an investment piece but one look at the stylish design and it's easy to see why it's worth the splurge. The rack offers a clean, modern design you'll be happy to see on display.

"I'm partial to this streamlined entryway shoe storage rack, which is easy on the eyes and makes it easy to grab and go out the door," says Shira Gill, a professional organizer.

The rack is offered in a range of seven chic colors—black, dark green, navy, light blue, cream, light pink, and lavender. The durable design is made of steel and offers three shelves, each of which has a 22-pound weight capacity. A bit of assembly is required, but it includes an Allen wrench and screws that'll help get the job done.

Pottery Barn Lucy Mango Wood & Steel Storage Bench

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn

Dimensions: 39.25 x 18 x 18.5 inches | Material: Steel, mango wood | Amount of Storage: 1 shelf

Pottery Barn's Lucy Bench is a multipurpose option that'll make a stylish addition to an entryway, mudroom, bedroom, or studio. The bench features a single shelf, offering a convenient yet practical spot to place a few pairs of shoes.

The bench is made from solid mango wood and has a steel shelf, offering a sturdy construction throughout. It's completed with a striped cushion on top that's removable, so it's easy to clean or switch the look of the bench.

Birch Lane Stackable Organizers 25 Pair Stackable Shoe Rack

View On Birchlane.com

Dimensions: 24.13 x 11.63 x 31.5 inches | Material: Manufactured wood | Amount of Storage: 25 cubbies

Whether you have a big family or a large shoe collection, this cubby-style unit from Birch Lane might be your best bet. The rack offers space for 25 pairs of shoes, making it easy to save space and stay organized.

The design is made of manufactured wood and features 25 square compartments of equal size. The unit is ideal for sneakers, heels, and other smaller shoes, though the top can act as an additional shelf for boots and booties. Plus, the freestanding piece is designed to stack with other units as well, so you can expand the storage options and create your ideal piece.

The Storage MAX Underbed Organizer with Wheels

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Dimensions: 33.8 x 26 x 8 inches | Material: Wood | Amount of Storage: 1 compartment

If you have unused space underneath your bed, consider DormCo's Storage MAX. The organizer utilizes offers an additional drawer in your room, making for a great space to store any shoes you don't need for the current season.

The organizer is made of solid wood and is offered in three finishes—white, natural, and sonoma. One of its key features is the built-in wheels, which make it easy to pull it out from under the bed with minimal effort. Plus, you won't need any tools to put it together, making assembly a breeze.

Dotted Line Bamboo Entryway 8 Pair Shoe Rack

Courtesy of Wayfair

View On Wayfair

Dimensions: 28.37 x 10.62 x 25.25 inches | Material: Bamboo | Amount of Storage: 4 shelves, 1 side compartment

The Dotted Line 8 Pair Shoe Rack is a versatile piece that's as functional as it is stylish. Perfect for an entryway, the piece is a great storage solution that'll save space and double as a decorative detail as well.

The rack is made of solid bamboo and has a natural finish that'll brighten up the entryway. It features four slatted shelves that can hold up to eight pairs of shoes, so there's plenty of room in case you have any guests over. Plus, there's a side compartment that's a great solution for taller boots or umbrellas.

The Container Store 2-Shelf Shoe Stacker

View On The Container Store

Dimensions: 31 x 11.5 x 11.5 inches | Material: Medium-density fiberboard | Amount of Storage: 2 shelves,

Recommended by Bostrom, The Container Store's 2-Shelf Shoe Stacker is the ideal solution for closets. The simple design offers additional shelving and is stackable, so you can store your shoe collection however you see fit.

The piece is made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and is offered in two colors—white and natural. It's a two-tier design that can hold up to eight pairs of women's shoes or six pairs of men's. Though you can place it on the floor of your closet like a typical shoe rack, it could also be placed on a shelf or stacked with other units for a larger style.

View On The Container Store

Dimensions: 8 x 15 x 5.25 inches | Material: Paperboard, linen/cotton blend | Amount of Storage: 1 pair of shoes per box

To preserve the integrity of your footwear and make your closet look professionally organized, The Container's Store's Linen Cambridge Drop-Front Shoe Box is the way to go. The individual boxes will store one pair of shoes per box and are stackable, making organization easy.

"For out-of-season or occasional-use shoes, these chic drop-front storage boxes keep your favorites dust-free," says Gill.

The boxes are made with a durable paperboard frame and finished with a gorgeous cotton and linen blended fabric. Each features a drop-front door with a magnetic closure and clear plastic screen, making it easy to spot which pair is stored in the box.

4.2

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Bloomingdales

Dimensions: 9.8 x 26 x 34.3 inches | Material: Steel, wood | Amount of Storage: 6 shelves

Yamakazi's Tower 6-Tier Steel Shoe Rack will make a great addition to your home, whether it's in a closet, entryway, or mudroom. The versatile piece has a modern design and includes a variety of storage options that are sure to come in handy no matter where you put it.

The storage piece is made of steel and wood and is offered in either black or white. It features five metal tiers, leaving plenty of room to store multiple pairs of shoes. Plus, there's a wooden tabletop and a few side hooks, offering additional storage for keys, sunglasses, and other odds and ends.

Urban Outfitters Hanging Canvas and Bamboo 10-Tier Closet Organizer

View On Urban Outfitters

Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 44 inches | Material: Fabric, bamboo | Amount of Storage: 10 shelves

It's easy to make the most of your space with this hanging organizer from Urban Outfitters. The vertical design offers 10 tiers of storage, allowing you to store multiple pairs of shoes without having to take up too much room in your closet.

The organizer is made with a neutral-colored canvas and finished with a bamboo lining in each of the sections. You can attach it to a rod in your coat closet or wardrobe using the upper velcro straps, making it easy to slide it back and forth as needed. It's worth noting that the design has a 12-pound weight limit, so you'll want to use it for flats, heels, and other lightweight styles.

Conneticut 10 Pair Shoe Storage Cabinet.

Wayfair

View On Wayfair

Dimensions: 8.1 x 16.2 x 54.3 inches | Material: Wood | Amount of Storage: 5 shelves

Latitude Run's Conneticut Shoe Storage is what multipurpose design is all about. The piece offers multiple shelves for shoe storage hidden behind a mirrored door, making for a truly versatile piece that's sure to be appreciated.

The cabinet is made of wood and is offered in either a white or black finish. It includes five shelves and can hold up to 10 pairs of shoes, so you'll have plenty of space to organize your favorite pairs. The unit requires some assembly and includes the necessary wall mount to secure it in place.

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend The Container Store's 3-Tier Grippy Shoe Rack (view at The Container Store) because it's expandable, has a high storage capacity, and features nonslip metal bars that'll hold shoes in place. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Better Homes & Gardens Bamboo 3 Shelf Shoe Rack (view at Walmart) is made of durable bamboo wood and has a stylish design.

What to Look for in Shoe Storage

Placement

When choosing a shoe rack, it's worth noting where you'll want to place it to better inform what size and type of unit you need. If it's for an entryway, mudroom, or anywhere else that'll be on display, you might want to consider more stylish options, as well as picks with more shelving. If it's for a closet, however, stackable options and adjustable designs will be your best bet.

Capacity

Shoe storage solutions are designed to help you stay organized and create more space, so it's important to choose one that'll actually work for the size of your shoe collection. Before you start shopping, determine how many pairs of shoes you need to store, as well as types—sneakers, sandals, and boots will each take up different amounts of space.

Once you've counted, note the capacity each storage solution offers. Some may be boxes for individual pairs, while others are open shelving units or closed cabinets. Check the dimensions of each tier or compartment, too, as some models aren't designed to accommodate larger men's sizes.

Type

There's a wide variety of shoe storage solutions out there, including boxes, benches, racks, hanging organizers, under-the-bed compartments, cabinets, cubbies, and comprehensive closet systems.

When it comes to shoe storage, however, it's sometimes worth thinking outside the box. Depending on your needs, you might consider getting a unit not specifically designed for shoes, like a bookshelf, a media console, or a storage ottoman. If you're placing it out in the open, you may want a more stylish design, or one that includes other types of storage, like hooks and cabinets.

FAQS

What's the best way to store off-season shoes?

If you're short on space, Gill recommends organizing your shoes by usage, making the ones you need more accessible."Tuck away out-of-season and occasional-use shoes to maximize space in your prime real estate storage areas," she says.

The best way to store footwear you won't wear for several months is in a covered container, whether it's individual boxes or a breathable bin. This will keep dust out while fending off mold and mildew growth by preventing moisture from getting trapped.

How can you keep your shoe storage area clean?

The best way to keep a shoe storage area clean is to have an organizational solution in place. When you keep frequently used pairs in a designated unit and stash out-of-season styles in another location, it'll be much easier to keep your space tidy.

Of course, tidy doesn't necessarily mean clean. A few strategically placed utility mats will go a long way in keeping your storage area (and the floors throughout your home) clean. Beyond that, vacuum regularly to get rid of dried mud and debris and occasionally mop or wipe everything down.

What are some creative shoe storage methods?

If you're looking for a methodical approach to organizing your shoes, Gill recommends sorting them by both type and usage. By separating the pairs you currently wear from those you won't use for several months, you can save time and fuss when tidying up and curating outfits.

"Casual flats and flip-flops can be contained vertically in an open basket to maximize space. Running, hiking, and active shoes do well by the front door, in an entry closet, or even on a porch or mudroom lined up on boot trays," says Gill, noting everyday favorites can be displayed on shelves or in cubbies for easier access.

Why Trust MyDomaine?

Theresa Holland is a freelance writer for MyDomaine. For this roundup, she interviewed professional organizers for product recommendations and tips, then reviewed dozens of units from various retailers, ultimately selecting options that were thoughtfully engineered, visually appealing, and versatile. She has a 2-Shelf Shoe Stacker from The Container Store in her closet and appreciates its simple, convenient design.