
Best 10 Shoe Racks
As Of July 2022
We did the
Never Again A Wet Rag, Go Get Yourself A Shoe Rack!
Every day our shoes take us places. We are sure you own some sneakers, wellies and walking shoes, but what can you wear to work? How about a date? How about the beach? How about a date at the beach?
There's a saying that you can never have enough shoes. What if there are so many pairs in your wardrobe that you can't close the door or too many piled up in the hallway that you trip over them? It was about time that you searched for some storage ideas! So, what’s the best way to store your shoes, boots, sneakers, heels, and sandals?
Keep on reading and manage to reach a storage nirvana!
Types of shoe racks
Set Of Clear Plastic Shoe Boxes
One of the cheapest and easiest to find shoe storage solutions is a set of clear plastic shoe boxes with ventilation holes and front access.
They're larger than most boxes, so you can easily store your taller sneakers upright. You can see through them and find your shoes on the run, and they also have holes, so your favourite shoes get aired. You can buy as many cases as you like, making them a must-cop for all those sneakerheads out there!
Storage Bench
Have you ever fallen trying to wear your favourite shoes? With a bench for storing your shoes, you can have somewhere to take a load off instead of hopping around as you put on and take your shoes off each day.
Most of them are crafted from solid wood and MDF board, making them durable and sturdy for everyday use.
It would be best to place this rack by the door. It could also be a fantastic decor extension in your mudroom, your bedroom or closet if you don’t mind walking throughout your house with your outdoor shoes on.
Tier Shoe Rack
With the tiered ones, you’ll find out that you have many options to choose from when it comes to the number of tiers you want. For example, a functional yet attractive three-tier rack for shoes is made for a small space or mudroom.
The top shelf of a tiered rack can be used for taller boots or decor items — whatever suits your fancy.
You can also use two tiers and secure them together or buy a rack with 5 or 6 decks. Some of them are also expendables and can be adjusted to fit your growing collection.
Cubby-Style Storage Rack
They come in many materials, like wood, plastic and metal and many sizes and prices. You can choose a steady cubby rack, according to the number of your shoe collection.
Cubby racks are mostly seen in bedrooms or even beside the entrance door, especially in family houses. The smaller ones can accommodate sandals or other low-profile shoes. Bigger ones are ideal for sneakers, tennis and running shoes.
Pocket Shoe Files
Shoe files have pockets, usually 10-20, for anyone with no room on the floor but have some hanging space to spare. The transparent vinyl makes it easy to see which pair you're grabbing.
They are ideal for ballerina shoes and sandals, but not any other kind of shoes, like sneakers, boots and sports shoes. A pocket shoe file takes up little room in the closet and you can see all the shoes on both sides of it.
Over-door Organiser
They are cheap and simple to install. There are dozens of pouches in which you can store more than just shoes. You can stash anything from cleaning supplies to snacks to socks and other shoe related needs in the pockets.
Do you like to keep some of your shoes in your closet but want the ones that you wear all the time more accessible? An over-the-door organiser will be your best bet. Just have in mind that you can’t use this for heavy shoes. Over-the-door racks for shoes are typically made of plastic pockets that can break easily. If, however, you are a big fan of flip flops and ballet flats, this could very well be a great organiser for you.
What is great about this type of organiser is it is relatively inexpensive. It is also convenient because it does not take up any space in your closet or floor. Afraid of none of your shoes fitting? Want a friendly tip? Put the shoes in heels first, and the results won’t disappoint you!
Under-Bed Shoe Organizer
We know very well that the attic storage is not easily accessible, and it's a pain to put your winter shoes in storage during the summer and vice versa. An under-bed organiser is perfect if you want to keep your off-season and special occasion footwear out of sight but still accessible. Just place it under the bed when summer ends and let it surprise you with ”new” pairs next summer.
Shoe Cabinet
They are like bookshelves, just with small swinging doors at the front. They are modern looking and are perfect for those who prefer enclosed storage and a clean look. They come with shelves for keeping your most-worn pairs handy.
If you want to invest in shoe organisation, cabinets are a durable solution for maintaining your shoe collection for the years to come. They are made of sturdy materials that last in time, offering a lot of storage space at the same time. They look classy and make the perfect choice for your entryway. For those people, who appreciate privacy a bit more, a cabinet for your shoes is for you.
There are shoes of different sizes and shapes, especially if you share your rack with your other half or family. Make sure to read below all the things you need to know before buying your new shoe saver:
1. Space Available for Storage
To start with, you should know the exact size of the rack cabinet you need. You will find many racks that can accommodate any number of boots and shoes. Before getting an ideal solution for storing your shoes, check for the available space to place the stand.
You need to use your measuring tape to find the length, width and height of the rack you plan to buy. Then, check for that space in the room, under your bed and even inside your closet. You can do this process vice versa. The point here is, measure the distance aptly before buying.
You own a pair of shoes of different dimensions from flat slippers to shoes, heels to gumboots. It is not practical to buy separate racks for these different shoes. Before the purchase, it is essential to consider your footwear collection and buy the best-suited one based on that. If you plan to buy more shoes but not a new storage cabinet shortly, a rack with adjustable shelving would be a perfect solution.
2. Functionality
- If you have an exclusive collection of expensive leather heels, go for a closed cabinet design to keep your shoes safe and dust-free. If you want to store more daily wearables, an open-shelf design would be appropriate. If you choose the design with doors, and flaps, see whether it allows the shoes to breathe or not.
- A hanging rack for shoes works as an efficient space saver. They usually hang over a closet or bedroom door and are great if floor space is a serious issue.
- Open racks make it look like you have a lot of space in the room. You can also place hangers or holders on top of it to maximise space.
- Tier racks are for those with large collections of footwear. A 10 tier rack can fit up to 50 pairs at a time. Being so tall, you have to make sure you have enough space for it before you buy it.
- Dual-purpose racks are very convenient in everyday life. They usually have a bench on top, so you can leave your wallet or keys when entering.
- Storage benches may take up a lot of space but are very practical since it gives you a place to sit while wearing your shoes or anytime.
- Cabinets can be a great addition to your bedroom when you want to store many shoes and have a lot of space. They can hold a lot of shoes and can also be used to store other items.
- Under the bed organisers slide underneath your bed frame, taking no space at all inside your room. You can usually fit 16 pairs and four pairs of boots into one organiser.
3. Material
The capacity of the rack is also determined by how durable the unit is. The material quality represents its appearance too. They are made of different materials, such as wood, plastic and metal.
- Wooden racks have an excellent silhouette and a promising look. You can find them in various wood sorts and completions, like dark, troubled cherry and espresso. Many designs have got carved designs on them, which allows proper airflow. Others have got cabinets attached, wherein you can stack your expensive leather heels dust-free. Finally, wooden racks are long-lasting and resistant to decay, cracking, or warping.
- Plastic racks are lightweight in transposition and affordable. They are also durable, hardwearing and resistant to rust, allowing them to have a longer lifespan. They can be found in a vast range of colours as well as designs. Choosing the right colour and design will complement the overall look and feel of your home.
- Metal racks look stylish and suit every home décor. The two main types of metals used are steel and iron. They can be heavy but also steady, sturdy and durable. They are friendly to the pockets and have an attractive appearance.
Be smart, and find a way to choose the furniture, which is a perfect balance between good looks and usefulness!
4. Air for shoes
We all know that there are times that our feet sweat throughout the day, and as soon as we return home, we tend to put those off and pile them up inside the rack. But if that cabinet does not allow our shoes to breathe, there is a high chance that our shoes will get smelly, and bacteria will be built up. Or on a rainy day, we can not keep the wet shoes outside the rack, nor can we keep them inside a closed one!
A good cabinet for shoes should allow the proper amount of air to avoid situations like this described above. Otherwise, just make sure to air the rack from time to time!
5. Budget
You found your perfect one, but now you have to check the price. Don’t panic! Think smart and make the right investment! If you don’t own many shoes, don’t let your money flow effortlessly on a giant unit. Various small, subtle and less intricate pieces are available, and many of them look equally classy. Go for them. Count the number of footwear you own and keep a rough idea of how much extra space you will need for the new ones. Also, keep in mind that if you need extra space for your footwear, you can always make a plus-one rack yourself!
If you need a big, strong, long-lasting rack, put the hand deep in the pockets and choose the one you need. Don’t worry. You can find what you need at a variety of prices, for you to pick the one you can afford. So go and shop the rack smartly!
Where should I keep my shoe rack?
Before buying your shoe rack, you should think like you already have it in the house. So, imagine that you finally bought it, and now you have to find the perfect space to place it. It could be anywhere in the house, the bedroom, the living room, beside the entering door or even the bathroom. Ensure that you place your rack in an accessible space and have in mind the aesthetics aspect.
Near front door
Having a rack beside your entering door means that as soon as you kick your shoes off, they can be put away. A combination of tier rack and hallway bench is a nice-looking entryway option. Inside the bench, you can put the shoes you wear more often or the casual shoes you wear out for quick errands. This can also be a place to sit while wearing your shoes or just a resting area after a long day. Having a dual-purpose rack allows you to leave your wallet or keys when entering without worrying about missing them again.
Bedroom
Placing it in your bedroom is a good option if you own an extensive collection of shoes, rather than just everyday pairs. A closed shoe cabinet will look beautiful inside your bedroom but will also be practical.
Bathroom
They are convenient when hanging them on your bathroom’s door. They take no space from the floor, and you can use them for shoes, cleaning supplies, children’s clothing, accessories and more.
Living room
Our living rooms are usually the most spacious room in the house. You could place a cabinet rack there, that blends nicely with your decoration. It can accommodate many pairs of shoes and create additional multi-purpose storage at the same time.
Just for a moment, think of your everyday life, where you spend most of your time and how you’re going to need this shoe stand and there! You have answered the question of where to keep your rack with shoes!
How to decide the right storage solution considering your number of shoes and space availability?
Maybe you own 10 pairs, or maybe 100! Perhaps you already have one or two racks for shoes already, or maybe this will be your first one. All these are essential information when it comes to buying your new shoe keeper.
What is important is the number of shoes you have. A small number of shoes won’t need a big rack. If you live alone and have 10-20 pairs, choose a 2 tier shoe rack or a regular shoe cabinet. But maybe you have a big family, you are a sneakers’ collector, or you love heels(who doesn’t?). In case you have more than 20 pairs, you might reconsider the big rack idea. Choose a 10 tier rack for extra space. No matter the number of shoes you have at the moment, always have in mind that you may buy more next year. Start counting!
Besides the shoes, you need to know the space available in your place. Don’t choose a rack that will not fit well or make the room look full. Always measure the available space before buying one so you can check all shoe storage options and find the one that best fits your place.
In case you want to set your rack in a small room, choose a small 2 tier rack or an over-door organiser. If you need the rack for your not so spacious closet room, you can place a 2 tier open rack under your hanging clothes and accessories. These options are great because most of the time are expandable and stackable, so if any changes you can adapt them to your needs. Finally, a pull-down cabinet rack would look great, and be practical at the same time, to place your keys or a decorative vase, beside the door.
Always have in mind…
Too many shoes? Never! You just need some more shoe storage.
As you can see, there is a massive range of styles and types when it comes to shoe storage ideas. Using some (or all!) of the products listed here is your best bet in making your closets, floors and homes more organised and your shoes easier to find. You might even discover a pair you once loved but had forgotten along the way.
Good luck to you, and Yay for organised shoes!