The Best Ways To Store And Organize Shoes

Luxurious closet with shoe shelves

After 20 plus years of working with luxury clients, I’ve seen a lot of incredible closets. Whether you have a walk in closet with lots of room or a modest wall closet, with the right organization, your closet can become your favorite place to shop. These tips will help you organize and create your personal boutique.

Neutral colored shoes on shelves

Storing and organizing shoes can help keep your closet tidy, protect your footwear, and make it easier to find the pair you’re looking for. Here are some effective ways to store and organize your shoes:

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colorful computer graphic of multiple pairs of shoes on shelves

Shoe Shelves

To Shoe Shelf or Not to Shoe Shelf? If you’re lucky enough to have an incredible collection of Manolos and Louboutins, shoe shelves can be glamorously decorative. Pinterest and magazines showcase celebrity closets filled with shelves of sparkling, new shoes. But, like most of us, if you’re hard on your shoes or they aren’t all display worthy, shoe shelves can look a bit sloppy and get very dusty. But if you’re a diligent duster and/or are looking to shelve only the best of your collection, read on:  

Open Shelves are a great option for displaying and organizing your shoes. You can use dedicated shoe shelves or regular open shelving units.

shoe shelves hidden by curtain

I’ve also seen them stored on shelves with a curtain hanging in front of them to deter dust.

Organize

Arrange shoes neatly on the shelves by style (sandals, sneakers, pumps, boots, etc.) and color, and if you like, by subcategory (high heel, low heel, color, etc.). Use boot and shoe inserts to help maintain their shape.

Arrange

Save space by placing shoes one in front of the other or arranging pairs toe to heel.

Consider adding dividers or risers to maximize space and maintain uniformity.

rolling shoe rack with shoes on it

Shoe Racks

Shoe racks are a classic and efficient way to store shoes. They come in various styles, including:

Freestanding Shoe Racks:  These can be placed on the floor of your closet or bedroom. They come in different sizes to fit your space and can hold multiple pairs of shoes.

Stackable Shoe Racks:  These racks allow you to stack multiple levels of shoes, making the most of vertical space.

Shoes in their boxes with photos on them

Shoe Boxes

Often my clients preferred storing most of their shoes in the boxes or dust bags they came in. I’d attach photos of one of the shoes to identify which pair was in each box.

Clear plastic shoe boxes are an excellent choice for protecting your shoes while keeping them visible. They come in various sizes to fit different types of shoes, from flats to heels. Stack the boxes neatly on shelves or under your clothing racks for easy access.

shoes in cubbies

Shoe Cubbies

Cubbies or compartments can be built into your closet or added with a standalone unit. Each compartment holds a pair of shoes, making it easy to see and grab the pair you want. Cubbies work well for everyday shoes or those you wear frequently. It’s also a great choice for a mudroom, garage, or other entryway.

Hanging shoe organizer with shoes in it

Hanging Shoe Organizers

Hanging shoe organizers are versatile and can be hung on closet rods or hooks. Some are made to hang over the back of a door. They come with pockets or compartments, ideal for storing sandals, flats, or sneakers.

under the bed shoe organizers with shoes in them

Under-Bed Shoe Storage

Under-bed storage containers are perfect for shoes you don’t wear often or seasonal pairs. Look for shallow, long containers that slide easily under your bed. This option keeps shoes out of sight but still easily accessible when needed.

high heel shoes lined up on floor

On The Floor

You can simply keep your shoes lined up neatly under your hanging clothes. Consider using tension rods in the bottom of your closet to create a slanted shoe rack.

By choosing the right storage solution for your space and organizing your shoes thoughtfully, you can create a tidy and accessible shoe collection in your closet.

 

Edit Your Closet Course

Turn your closet into your favorite place to shop! I teach you the methods Hollywood stylists use to make your closet your personal retreat! You’ll learn all about Closet Boutique Organization and so much more. Click here to see all you’ll learn.

Until then,

Erin

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