10 Simple Ways to Organize Your Shoes

There are a number of affordable shoe cabinets on the market; these specialized standing units take up a bit of floor and wall space, but keep your shoes well-protected and dust-free.

A chic bench with a built-in shoe rack gives you a place to sit down and put on your shoes, and a place to automatically deposit them at the end of the day.

If you have smaller feet (and therefore, shorter shoes), small, floating shelves in your mudroom or foyer can be a great spot to place brogues and sneakers that you wear often. A plain shelf works, but enclosed shelving is even better because your dirty footwear remains out of sight, but still close at hand.

If you have enough closet space, why not store your shoes in a lightweight organizer? They won’t work for boots or very heavy shoes, but offer quick and affordable storage otherwise. Look for one in a dark colour, which will hide the inevitable, occasional dirt and scuffing.

Shoe cubbies might have limited visual appeal, but they fit a lot of shoes and are economical in terms of both space and cost. They’re not ideal for heels and boots, but can be a perfectly serviceable option for storing dozens of sneakers, brogues or children’s shoes. And, you can use any leftover slots for hats and other accessories.

The inside of your closet or hallway door is usually dead space. Fill an over-the-door organizer with your less-used flats and sandals and keep them visible—but also put away.

A minimalist boot tray gives your wandering soles a visual home and keeps your entranceway looking tidier, while protecting your floor from dirt and water damage.

Avoid the temptation to chuck your casual shoes into a bin near the door; it’s a recipe for dirty markings and separated footwear. Instead, consider a storage bench at your entryway that can discreetly home a few of your favourite pairs of shoes.

If you own a few pairs of tall leather boots, a boot stand is a necessary investment that will help them sit upright and prevent creases and other material damage.

It’s always a good idea to store off-season footwear away in a less-visible, under-utilized area of your home. A covered but clear-lidded organizer protects accessories from dust and pests while keeping them easily accessible; some under bed storage options even come with rolling wheels…or you can always add your own!