Shoe Storage Ideas: How to Store Shoes & Sneakers Correctly
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Shoes are often the cornerstone of our outfits, but storing them efficiently can be a challenge. From towering piles in the entryway to untidy closets, unorganized sneakers can make your home feel cluttered. But with the right shoe storage solutions, you can maintain a tidy, stylish space.
Fortunately, finding the right storage solution can make a huge difference in keeping your space organized, efficient, and stylish. It also helps to protect your shoes so that they’re safe and secure.
Whether you choose a dedicated shoe cabinet or an over-the-door rack, there is a storage method to help you keep your footwear neatly organized and easily accessible. Let’s explore some of the best shoe storage ideas.
Declutter & Prep
Before you start, you need to prepare your sneakers for storage. Shoe collections can quickly get out of hand, with numerous pairs you no longer wear clogging up your precious space.
Consider donating or selling any footwear you no longer use. This not only frees up space but ensures your shoes go to a good home.
Once you’ve sorted your footwear, assess whether any remaining shoes need cleaning. If so, our tips on how to clean shoes have you covered.
Your final consideration should be how you want to organize your shoes. Possible ideas include arranging your footwear by type, such as sneakers or boots, or by material, such as suede, leather, mesh, and so on. Alternatively, you could sort by person, neatly stacking them for mum, dad, and the kids.
Shoe Storage Solutions
Now that you’ve prepped your shoes, it’s time to explore the best storage solutions for your collection. Here are our favorite shoe storage ideas for inspiration.
Over-the-door shoe rack: Perfect for utilizing the often-wasted space behind doors. With pockets holding various types of shoes, this solution keeps your footwear visible and within reach.
Built-in closet shelving: Customized to fit your needs, allowing different shelf heights and depths to accommodate everything from flats to heels to boots.
Under-bed storage boxes: Shallow boxes designed specifically for shoes that slide out easily, making them a practical option for storing out-of-season or less-frequently worn footwear.
Entryway bench with built-in storage: Typically features seating on top with cubbies or drawers underneath for shoe storage. It’s perfect for putting on or removing your shoes while storing them neatly.
Vertical shoe rack: Ideal for small spaces, these racks utilize vertical space and can fit into narrow areas. They often have multiple tiers and can be placed in closets, entryways, or even bedrooms.
Shoe towers: Similar to vertical racks, but often come with enclosed sides to prevent dust from settling on your shoes. They’re perfect for keeping shoes off the floor and neatly organized in a vertical format.
Shoe cabinets: Shelves or drawers that keep shoes hidden while organizing them efficiently. They can be installed in various areas of the home, including entryways and closets.
Stackable shoe bins: Come in various sizes and can be stacked or placed side-by-side. This method is great for storing shoes in closets or under beds and allows easy visibility and access.
Rolling shoe carts: Can be moved around easily and typically feature multiple tiers for organizing shoes. They’re great for closets with limited space or use in entryways.
Under-shelf organizers: These hang down from your closet shelves and provide space for storing shoes without taking up additional floor space.
Shoe trays in the entryway: Can catch dirt and moisture from shoes while keeping them organized. Easily cleaned, perfect for kids’ shoes, sneakers, or snow-covered boots.
Shoe hooks: Install individual or grouped hooks on your wall to hang shoes by their heels or straps.
Storing by Shoe Type
One of the best ways to store shoes is by type. This allows you to reach for the appropriate footwear depending on the occasion quickly. For example, in a rush before the gym? Simply grab your neatly stacked sneakers from the entryway bench.
Or, perhaps you need a pair of heels for that fancy work dinner you’ve been invited to? They’re ready and waiting together in the shoe cabinet.
Sneakers
Sneakers like to be stored somewhere that keeps them ventilated, and they should be easy to grab. Open shelves, cubbies, and storage solutions near your front door are all good ideas.
You could organize your sneakers by casual wear, active wear, and running shoes. Try to ensure that frequently worn pairs are most accessible.
Boots
Boots need a bit more space and support to keep their shape. This is where tall shelves, built-in closet shelving, and shoe trays come in handy (especially if your boots get dirty).
You could organize them by height or purpose, for example, everyday wear, hiking, waterproof, etc.
Heels
Heels need to be stored in a way that prevents scuffing and other damage, such as closet shelving, shoe hooks, or if you want your best heels out on display, stylish shoe racks that complement your home decor.
Organization ideas include grouping them by heel type, height, or style. Make sure you avoid stacking and crowding, as this could cause embellishments.
Kids’ Shoes
Let’s face it, storing kids’ shoes can be a nightmare. To make it as stress-free as possible, keep them low and accessible so children can reach them and put them away independently (if you’re lucky).
You can organize them by use, such as school, sports, and day-to-day wear, and store them in shoe bins, trays, or cabinets.
Maximizing Small Spaces
Whether you have a large family or just love collecting shoes, maximizing small spaces lets you stay organized without sacrificing the treasured pairs you cherish.
Vertical storage solutions are one of the most effective strategies, whether that’s an over-the-door rack or a shoe tower. Taking advantage of unused height means you don’t need much floor space.
Hidden storage, such as under-bed boxes and cabinets, keeps shoes accessible but out of sight. You may even want to consider multi-use furniture, like entryway benches that double up as seating areas.
Seasonal Rotation & Off-Season Storage
Are you under pressure to store shoes away that you’re not using? Or maybe you’ve simply run out of space and need to consider seasonal rotation.
Rotating shoes by season not only prevents clutter and frees up space, but also helps protect your shoes and keep them in fantastic condition.
Here are some tips on the best way to store shoes seasonally:
Store shoes in breathable containers
Place them in clear boxes or use labels to make them identifiable
Utilize spaces like under the bed, the loft, and closets
Clean all of your shoes thoroughly before you store them away
When the weather starts to change, you can then easily use the same containers and fill them with last season’s footwear.
Display vs. Concealment
Choosing between displaying and concealing your shoes is always a tricky predicament. This decision will usually be decided by your style preferences, how much space you have, and, ultimately, how nice your shoes are.
The benefits of displaying shoes are that they turn your collection into a visual feature and make it easily accessible. For fashion lovers and collectors, this is a popular choice, especially if you have designer pairs that are too fabulous to hide away.
Alternatively, concealing your shoes works better for people who prefer a clutter-free, tidy home. It’s also better for protecting your shoes from sunlight and dust.
For most people, finding a balance between display and concealment is the best way to solve the conundrum.
Maintenance & Tips
You’ve put our shoe organization ideas into practice, and everything looks great, but how do you keep your sneakers fresh, clean, and neat? These top tips will prolong the lifespan of your shoes and ensure they continue to look brand new:
Prevent dirt buildup on your shoes by wiping them down after use
Stuff boots with tissue paper or newspaper to help maintain their structure
Make sure damp shoes are dry before you store them
Add natural, softly-scented deodorizers to keep sneakers fresh, or use Aromatic Cedar Shoe Trees (men and women)
Organize shoes by how frequently you wear them
If the order starts to look messy, reorganize it before it gets out of hand
Keep your shoes clean with Clarks’ care products, such as Instant Shine Sponge, Rain and Stain, Shoe Refresher, and Shoe Care Kit
By consistently cleaning and organizing your sneakers and boots, your storage systems stay efficient, and your footwear remains in excellent condition.
Conclusion
Feeling inspired by our shoe storage ideas? We encourage you to find the right solution to suit your lifestyle, as the best way to store shoes is always a personal choice.
Perhaps, after following this process, you’ve realized you have space for a few more stylish pairs of shoes to add to your collection?
If so, look no further than Clarks for the latest, fashionable sneakers for men and women, and boots. Don’t forget about the kids.