Who doesn’t have too many shoes? Seriously, show me that person because I need to be like them. I would save so much money!
Ever since I could remember I was a shoe collector. Before I had a job, I’d either get my older sister’s hand-me-downs or whatever was at Payless (pretty sure it doesn’t exist anymore). I get it. Now that I’m a mom, shoes are damn expensive just to have a kid either not wear them or tear them up in a few days.
But, I would dream about my next pair of shoes before I even had my money saved up to buy them. There was this one pair of Nike Dunks…remember those? I called them the ‘nacho cheese’ Nikes and they were fabulous. Simple, but the Nike Swoosh was a nacho cheese color.
Don’t ask me why I needed them, but at the time I knew I would have made it in life if I owned that specific pair of Nikes.
Well, I got a job and started working towards my ‘Nacho Cheese Nike Dunks’. Now, those Nikes were a cool $65 or so at the time so I saved up and one night I remember going to the mall and getting those Nikes! I really did own them!!! Sad to say, I have no clue what happened to them, but I did own them at one point and at that time, my life was complete.
My obsession didn’t stop there and needless to say, I have a lot of shoes that need organizing. So, I started researching ways to organize all my shoes and came across a ton of shoe storage ideas!
So, let’s jump in and learn how to organize your shoes and 42 of the best storage ideas I found.
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
What is the Best Way to Organize Shoes?
Yourself! There is no need to hire a professional organizer to make your shoe storage dreams come true! There are plenty of options below to help you get started.
But honestly, the best way to store shoes is what works for you. You need to consider both your space and cost. Buying storage organizers can become a bit pricey so keep that in mind. There are definitely some DIY options that could save you some moolah. You can buy some organizers and then DIY the rest as an option too.
Also, don’t think that your storage is only your closet. You can get real creative in how you display your shoes and where you store them. Look at all the options below and consider what could work for you in your space.
Getting Started on How to Organize Your Shoes
Step 1: Declutter Your Shoe Inventory
You most likely don’t need all the shoes you have so the first step would be to declutter your shoe inventory. I like following the Marie Kondo method of decluttering and I throw every single shoe into one big pile then take one pair at a time to decide if it’s staying or going.
I also follow Marie Kondo’s main rule…does the pair of shoes spark joy? If it’s a no, it’s going to the donate pile. If it’s a yes, it’ll stay in the keep pile.
Step 2: Prep Your Shoe Inventory for Storage
Not all of your shoes may be easily accessible depending on how much space you have to work with. If you don’t have much space, you may need to only keep what’s in season out and store away whatever is not in season.
Before you store away any shoes, make sure you prep them so they are preserved especially if they are going to be in a closed box/bin.
- Leather Shoes
- Suede Shoes
- Sneakers
- Mr. Clean Magic Erasers (for the soles on sneakers)
Cleaning your shoes even if it’s just the white soles with a magic eraser may take some time now, but when you go to grab those shoes later you will thank me. All your stored shoes will be in tip-top shape and ready for you to use at any time.
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Step 3: How to Organize Your Shoes into Categories
Again, if you are limited on space, organizing the shoes you plan on keeping into categories will help solidify which storage options will work best. Some categories you may store away and some you may need easy access to on a daily basis. Here are some helpful categories to consider:
- House Slippers
- Flats
- Flip Flops
- Tall Boots
- Booties
- Gym Shoes (specific for weight lifting, running, track shoes, etc.)
- Tennis Shoes/Sneakers
- High Heels
- Wedges
- Special Occasion (water shoes, gardening shoes, etc.)
Step 4: Find Organization Products that Work for You
Now that you’ve decluttered and organized your shoes into categories, it’s time to decide on the product you’ll use to store them and talk shoe storage solutions. Check out the options below based on what kind of storage you’re looking for.
Closet Floor Shoe Storage
If you have floor shelving in your closet like I do, these shoe stackers are great! Your shoes can be easily and neatly stacked without them falling all over when you need to access a pair. These are even great with you have floor space to work with.
Loving this clear stacking option from The Container Store. These are a great option for a smaller vertical space to use for closet shoe organizers within your closet.
This white 4 shelf unit also works for a small closet space. This can be used in your closet, but also in other spaces in your home as well.
Under the Bed Shoe Storage
If you’re feeling in the DIY mood, this is such a clever, functional, and aesthetically pleasing design from Anika’s DIY Life. I love everything about this DIY shoe storage option!
This under-the-bed storage is a great option because not only can you fit a good amount of shoes in here, but I like that your shoes are fully protected and the drawer slides right out for easy access. This also makes it look like the storage under your bed is organized.
On the Door Shoe Organizer
I’m loving the fact that you can store 36 pairs of shoes with this over-the-door shoe storage option from Whitmor. It’s pretty sleek looking too which is a win when it comes to any over-the-door storage.
Door organizers are great for storing shoes and this one holds 36! The price on this from Wayfair is unbeatable too!
Now, this option from PBTeen doesn’t hold as many shoes (still not bad at 26 pairs if you double them up), but it is made out of recycled material and I do like that it doesn’t look like plastic.
In a Closet Shoe Storage
I mean, you could be a badass like Michelle Smith and turn a whole coat closet into your shoe storage dream!
On a Shelf Shoe Storage
This open shelving storage option from IKEA is so amazing! I love the look of it and it can store so many shoes. Again, using the vertical space is so genius and saves so much room.
If you have a shoe collection that is swoon worthy and you like displaying them, this is a fantastic option. It’s sleek and again (I know I keep saying it), it uses that vertical space we so often neglect.
Free-standing Shoe Rack Options
Now, if you have more space, this free standing rack with multiple shelves is a great option. This is a great way to use up vertical space within your home.
I love the look of this free standing closet option with shoe storage from Walmart. It’s a great price and the modern design will go with any home.
Cubby Shoe Storage
This has to my favorite way to store shoes; a free-standing cabinet full of shoe cubbies from Lowe’s! It reminds me of gymnastics or school where everyone had their own little cubby for their things.
Another great shoe cubby design that stacks vertically and can fit in a lot more places than the other option. This option holds a whopping 36 pairs of shoes as well.
Who doesn’t love a good entryway bench!?! I just love this simple and sleek design. And get this, this shoe cubby storage bench is from Amazon at a great price! Win
Using Cabinets as Shoe Storage
This slanted cabinet is everything. I love how it’s functional and you can hide your shoe storage, but also allows for a great stepping display of your plants!
Loving the color on this cabinet. It can easily be used in several different rooms and no one would ever suspect it was full of shoes!
A simple entryway cabinet that can easily store and hide shoes for the family and guests!
For a Small Space
I’ve heard so many good things about this IKEA shoe cabinet. The best part is, it’s super slim and can fit a lot of small spaces easily.
This has to be one of the prettiest shoe storage options I have ever seen. It’s just so cute and chic. I love how slim this cabinet is. It’s just perfect for any tiny space.
With Shoe Boxes
Having clear boxes is such a great idea for shoes. Sometimes yo don’t want to the hassle of adding labels and having to make sure the labels look great so clear boxes for the win! These clear shoe storage options from The Container Store can also be stacked!
If you aren’t into full on clear shoe boxes, here is another amazing option. You can still see from the front what shoes they are, but it’s a sleek option that The Container Store has in two different colors as well. These can also be stacked, but not as high since there aren’t any grooves to hold the stacked boxes in place like the clear ones can do.
Another clear stacking shoe storage option, but instead of these drawers sliding out, the fronts open up. You can see here how well these shoe boxes can stack. Definitely a great display option for the sneaker fanatic!
Entryway Shoe Storage
Here’s a simple entryway option especially if you don’t have much space for a cabinet style piece. This is almost identical to the one we have at home and we love it. Eventually, I’d like a cabinet, but this works for the space we have.
Here’s another great option if you area really low on the space. This rustic z-frame shoe organizer can hold up to 90 pairs of shoes, but is a bit more compact.
If you do have a bit more space in your entryway, here is an option that hides the shoes and is a great stand alone piece as well.
Boot Storage Options
If you wear winter boots during the cooler months or it rains/snows a ton where you live, this boot rack is awesome. You can even add a rubber mat underneath that can collect water as it drips off the boots.
This outdoor pallet boot holder from 3 Hen Coop is so adorable and easy! All you need is literally a pallet (try finding them free on Facebook Marketplace!) to lean up against an outdoor wall. Genius!
How awesome is this shoe storage situation? I love that they created shelves that are different heights specifically to address both ankle boots and tall boots. A lot of shoe storage options like this don’t account for that. Having the option to modify the height depending on your current need is even better!
If you only need something to catch the water during the cooler months for your snow boots and don’t want a big structure, this wine cork DIY mat is both adorable and practical. Place this in your mudroom for easy access once you get inside. Also, huge bonus…look at all the wine you get to drink to make this!!! Learn how to make this and get your DIY on with Earnest Home Co.
Here’s another adorable option to hang your boots outside from The Mom Bot. Again, super simple without a ton of supplies needed to recreate this DIY option.
Wall Shoe Storage
- Using Wall Hooks
I must admit, when I saw people using wall hooks as shoe storage, I wasn’t a fan. But then I found this! Love the look of this and it goes so well with the vibe of this white, brick wall. Image from IKEA.
- Using Crown Molding
Here’s an interesting DIY shoe rack idea using crown molding from Shoe Tease. Who would have guessed you could use crown molding for something like this?
DIY Shoe Storage
Using a Garden Grid
Using a Plate Rack
Refinish an old plate rack to easily store flats, sneakers, and even high heels (just turn them facing out!) The slim design is great for small spaces and apartments!
Using PVC Pipes
This PVC Pipe shoe storage idea from Home Stories A to Z is purely badass. Who would have thought something so functional could be turned into this amazingness??? Just love this idea and the staging of this.
Using Crates
Get creative and use some old crates laying around or try scoring some for cheap on Facebook Marketplace (can you tell I’m obsessed?). This is an easy DIY option and super quick to do! Learn how from Creating Really Awesome Fun Things.
Sandal Holders using Wire Hangers
Another very unique DIY option from Tip Junkie to organize your sandals. Again, very easy to do and keeps these guys organized and off the floor! I’m definitely looking into this DIY!
Ladder Shoe Organization
I mean, YES PLEASE! I know this shoe ladder from Pottery Barn only holds 4 pairs, but it’s just so cute! Maybe not super functional, but I like the idea of putting this right outside a door under a covered patio for guests. This goes so well with their all-in-one organizer for an entryway option like the one pictured here.
Loving these two options for shoe ladders. Look how adorable the kiddos ladder is! How fun would that be to have them organize their own shoes using these? That’s currently my daughter’s chore; to organize the family shoes near the front door. I love that this would get them excited to have their own space for shoes.
I love this DIY shoe ladder from Homemade by Carmona. It’s perfect for right outside and some garden storage as well. The perfect place to store your outdoor-only shoes or if you have a covered front porch, a great option for guests to leave their shoes when visiting.
I would love to know what options you are using for shoe storage around your home. What is working best for you and what isn’t? Email me an let me know at alreadytiredtomorrow@gmail.com
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