The 10 Very Best Shoe Organizers
Take it from a shoe obsessive who color-codes her collection: The more pairs you own, the harder it becomes to store them — so much so that you might find limited-edition Stan Smiths in a pile at the bottom of the closet, Prada loafers in the entryway, and buffed-up Docs under the bed. A shoe organizer is the smartest solution, because having all your kicks in one dedicated space means more time wearing them and less time trying to find them. But the best organizer depends very much on the size of your collection and space. Then there’s the design element — a plastic underbed container may feel too sophomoric for your taste, while a mismatched wood rack could clash with the rest of your furniture.
Summary of items we will discuss in this buying guide :
Whitmor 36-Pair Over-the-Door Shoe Rack
StorageLab Underbed Shoe-Storage Organizer (Set of Two)
Moteph Shoe Storage Organizer
Seville Classics Freestanding Storage Shelf
Yamazaki Expandable 3-Tiered Shoe Rack - White
Yamazaki Line Adjustable Shoe Rack
Kousi Portable Shoe Rack Organizer
Vasagle Cubbie Shoe Cabinet Storage Bench
Katrawu Shoe Rack Bench
Shoe Slotz
Our top picks :
Whitmor 36-Pair Over-the-Door Shoe Rack
If you dream of a Devil Wears Prada–esque shoe closet, this over-the-door solution is a good place to start. Home organizer Caroline Solomon recommends it for those with lots of footwear and nowhere to put it. “The beauty of this setup is that it allows your clothes to be on full display in your closet, while the door becomes a shoe closet in itself,” she says. Former Strategist senior writer Lauren Levy is a Whitmor convert, since the organizer combines the best parts of an over-the-door option with those of a standard shoe rack. “When similarly tilted racks sit on the floor, shoes without heels will often slide off, but here, your door will prop up anything (like ballet flats) that can’t grip onto the coated metal bars,” she says. And unlike other over-the-door solutions, it’s a “rare hanging option that doesn’t involve any pockets.” The organizer does take more assembly, according to Levy, “though not more than ten minutes; no tools required.” And Strategist writer Dominique Pariso actually bought her own Whitmor after Levy evangelized about the rack, praising it for freeing up floor space and making getting dressed in the morning much easier as her shoes are all on display for her to choose from.
StorageLab Underbed Shoe-Storage Organizer (Set of Two)
For shoes you’re not reaching for daily, an underbed organizer is a good solution. Professional organizer Rolanda Lokey sums these up best: They’re “simple, practical storage for out-of-season shoes” that “conserve closet space.” Rachel Winkler of tidyspot recommends them for the same reason, pointing out that the dividers can be adjusted for summer-only wedges and taller winter boots. The clear cover will help you find shoes readily while keeping out dust bunnies, she adds.
Moteph Shoe Storage Organizer
If you have a “dreaded shoe pile,” Lee recommends this storage solution. You can think of it as a smaller version of the under-the-bed organizer. This box includes adjustable dividers that you can customize depending on the size of your shoes and a clear cover that not only guards against dust but lets you see what you have “without having to dig,” Lee explains. It’s helpful if you like to seasonally switch out your shoe collection. But the best part might just be how unassuming it is.
Seville Classics Freestanding Storage Shelf
As a more affordable rack, this Seville Classics rack is a favorite of Heidi Lee, founder of home-organization service Prune + Pare. It’s meant to be interlocking — you can connect several racks vertically (though it’s recommended that you stack no more than three on top of one another) or horizontally. If that sounds complicated, don’t fret, as Lee notes how simple it is to assemble the system by “clipping” the shelves into the iron frame. Lee appreciates the rack’s sturdiness and that it can hold up to nine pairs on its three shelves — with extra space beneath the for low-profile shoes such as sandals. The rack is so functional-looking — the slats on the shelves are its lone decor embellishment — that it works for both a dorm room and an entryway, she says.
Yamazaki Expandable 3-Tiered Shoe Rack - White
Japanese homeware company Yamazaki is known for its thoughtful, understated designs — it’s topped our lists of the best laundry baskets and dish racks. This expandable shoe rack — one of only two we heard about — is Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo’s favorite buy of 2022. You can expand it width-wise to hold between two to four pairs of shoes across, she explains, “giving the illusion that our shoes are kind of elegantly floating in space.” Like we’ve come to expect from the brand, the rack is “calming to look at, like the décor you’d see in a boutique hotel upstate,” Corsillo explains, adding that it’s “surprisingly slim and unobtrusive for how strong it is.” She likes how she can easily pick it up — the rack is currently one of the first things you see when you walk into her apartment — she can clean it up underneath without making a fuss.
Yamazaki Line Adjustable Shoe Rack
Another adjustable rack from Yamazaki is the Line, which has an even cleaner look than the one above. You have a choice between a single-shelf model or a double-decker. Solomon introduced me to it in our guide to the best closet organizers, promising that it holds “more shoes on it than you might think at first glance.” Width-wise, the rack expands from 15 to a little more than 27 inches, with a low-enough profile to sit at the bottom of a closet underneath hanging clothes. Solomon suggests putting shoes like flats and loafers on top and storing heavier sneakers beneath to give the architectural design some visual balance. Her recommendation was so convincing that I now have one sitting in my online cart, and I’m just waiting for a sale to check out. I think it’s an excellent option for an entryway since it practically disappears into the background.
Kousi Portable Shoe Rack Organizer
Freestanding shoe cubbies take up floor space, but they’re probably a better option for those with many shoes. A recommendation from Lokey, this organizer is made up of individual “boxes,” with each holding up to four pairs of shoes. There’s a horizontal divider in each section that can be removed to make space for taller pairs. You could go for translucent or white doors, too. Lokey adds that because every cubby closes, it’s easy to transport. “It’s a great, versatile choice for those who prefer visibility as well as people who may want to keep their shoes mostly out of sight,” she says.
Vasagle Cubbie Shoe Cabinet Storage Bench
For a piece that combines seating with shoe storage, Lokey recommends this cushioned bench with cubbies. She calls it “functional storage that is great for kids, the elderly, or anyone who would like the practicality of having built-in seating adjacent to their most frequently worn shoes.” The bench comes with a removable cushion, and the side shelves can be adjusted for taller boots.
Katrawu Shoe Rack Bench
It was almost impossible for Ann Lightfoot, co-founder of Done & Done Home, to name her all-time favorite shoe-storage solution. But the one she always comes back to is this bench. Since shoes are out in the open, there’s no wondering about where a pair is. It’s “a win if everyone can find their shoes at a moment’s notice and no one is tripping over errant footwear when they walk in the door,” she says. Although it’s on the industrial side in appearance, Lightfoot likes that it’s classic enough for almost any entryway. You can choose between a three-tiered design and a five-tiered one with a stepped configuration to hold more pairs. And the top of the bench can act as another shelf for grab-and-go items like keys.
Shoe Slotz
To squeeze even more space out of whatever solution you choose, Decker suggests trying these Shoe Slotz, which “increase storage space and prevent shoes from getting damaged sitting on top of each other.” These are almost identical to the ones Strategist contributor Alison Freer likens to “individual two-story condos for every single pair of footwear.” Schrier uses something similar, agreeing that these “literally double the amount of shoes you can store on a flat rack or on the floor.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, optimizing your footwear storage is a breeze with the 10 very best shoe organizers featured in this guide. As you embark on the journey to declutter your living space and streamline your shoe collection, it's essential to consider the most critical points before making a buying choice:
- Storage Capacity and Size:
- Determine the ideal storage capacity and size for your shoe collection. Whether you have a vast assortment or limited space, selecting an organizer that accommodates your needs ensures a tidy and efficient storage solution.
- Design and Style:
- Prioritize shoe organizers with a design and style that complements your home decor. Look for features such as sleek aesthetics, versatile color options, and customizable configurations to seamlessly integrate with your living space.
- Durability and Material:
- Check for durability and high-quality materials. Opt for organizers crafted from sturdy materials, whether it's robust plastic, metal, or breathable fabric, to ensure the longevity and resilience of your shoe storage solution.
- Accessibility and Visibility:
- Assess accessibility and visibility features. The best shoe organizers provide easy access to your footwear while allowing you to see your entire collection at a glance, making it effortless to find the perfect pair for any occasion.
- Versatility and Customization:
- Consider versatility and customization options. Choose organizers that offer adjustable shelves, modular designs, or stackable units to adapt to your changing shoe storage needs over time.
- Ease of Assembly:
- Check for ease of assembly. Opt for organizers with user-friendly setups, including clear instructions and minimal tools required. Hassle-free assembly ensures you can enjoy your organized space without unnecessary delays.
- Space Efficiency:
- Determine the space efficiency of the organizer. Whether it's an over-the-door, under-bed, or freestanding unit, selecting an organizer that maximizes space utilization ensures you make the most of your available storage area.
- Durability and Stability:
- Assess the durability and stability of the organizer. Sturdy construction and reliable stability prevent sagging or tipping, providing a secure and reliable storage solution for your shoes.
- Additional Features:
- Explore additional features such as built-in handles, ventilation, or dust covers. These extras can enhance the functionality and convenience of your chosen shoe organizer.
- Budget and Value for Money:
- Determine your budget and seek value for money. The best shoe organizers offer a balance between quality and affordability, ensuring a worthwhile investment for maintaining an organized and clutter-free living space.
By keeping these critical points in mind, you can confidently select the best shoe organizer that aligns with your preferences and declutters your space effectively. The 10 featured organizers not only excel in these aspects but also provide a variety of options to suit different storage needs and style preferences. Step into an organized and stylish living space with a top-notch shoe organizer that transforms the way you store and access your footwear.
