How to Store Shoes: 11 Genius Tips
Whether your sneaker collection has officially gotten out of control or the pile of shoes by the door is driving you crazy, finding the best way to store your shoes is a must.
From Vans to Versace—this guide can help you store any type of footwear. Instead of shoving all your shoes in the bottom of the closet, check out these ideas and storage tips to keep your shoes in great shape in short- and long-term storage!
Short-Term Shoe Storage
We know it’s tempting to simply toss your shoes onto the floor after a long day, but properly storing them will help keep them in good condition. Here are some of our favorite short-term shoe storage ideas and tips:
1. Storage shoe trees
Vertical shoe trees or pegboards make a convenient storage solution for everyday shoes. Keep them off the floor, organized and out of the way. Hanging shoes for a long period of time can stretch and deform leather, so be sure to switch up the way you hang them to prevent any damage.
One thing to note: another type of shoe tree is a block that sits in a shoe while it’s not being worn to help keep its shape. Avoid permanent folds and creases and maintain your shoe’s shape by using these shoe trees.
2. Shoe racks or shelves
There are a variety of shoe shelves, racks and cabinets to choose from. Pick one with an open face so air can circulate around your shoes. Shelves are also a clean and attractive way to display your designer shoes—from Jimmy Choos to Jordan 1s. It’s a good idea to put a small shoe rack by the entryway and other high traffic areas to encourage family and guests to remove their shoes before tracking dirt throughout your house.
3. Shoe boxes
Shoe boxes are an excellent storage option. Boxes offer protection from sunlight and prevent dust build-up. Plastic storage containers can also be used to store and display your collection, just be sure to clean and dry your shoes before storing to avoid mildew growth. Whether you use the original shoe box, a plastic shoe box or even a photograph storage box, make sure it is acid-free.
4. Over the door organizers
If you’re looking to store your shoes in a small space, an over-the-door is the way to go. You can keep flats, sandals and lightweight shoes in these convenient storage organizers.
5. Baskets or hangers
Casual sandals and flip-flops can be stored in baskets or bins. But if you’re feeling crafty, try building these DIY shoe hangers. Simply cut the bottom rung of a wire hanger and bend the ends up into a curled hook. You can also store lightweight sneakers and flats on these hangers.
6. Under the bed storage
Another way to conserve space is to store shoes under your bed. There are a number of under-the-bed storage options, including gliding shelves and rolling racks to keep your shoes out of the way buy easily accessible.
Tips for Storing Different Types of Shoes
There are a few things to consider when storing different types of shoes. Check out these tips to store everything from designer heels to your favorite sneakers.
1. How to store heels
If your closet is full of platforms, wedges and chunky heels, it can be difficult to figure out how and where to store them all. For short-term storage, hook them on crown molding, get a shoe shelf or even check out some of these tall shoe organizers from The Container Store. Put your designer heels on a shoe rack or above your closet. (Find long-term storage tips further down!)
2. How to store boots
Storing big and bulky boots shouldn’t cause undue stress. Consider shoe shelves or a tall cabinet. You can also use boot hooks to hang your boots, or lay them flat in a plastic storage bin (just make sure they are clean and dry before storing). If you store boots for an extended period of time, be sure to put acid-free paper or unbleached muslin fabric in the bottom and add a rolled insert of acid-free cardboard to prevent damage at the ankle.
3. How to store sandals
You can store casual sandals in a variety of ways, including on a shoe shelf, in boxes or bins, or on DIY hangers described above. Store-bought flip-flop hangers are also convenient and conserve space.
4. How to store sneakers
Keep your sneaker collection in great shape by displaying it on shelves or a cabinet. For an added level of protection, put them in clear plastic shoe storage boxes, just make sure they are clean and completely dry before storing them. If you’re storing your sneakers long-term, stuff and wrap them in acid-free paper and take out the laces.
Storing your sneakers in the original cardboard shoe box can lead to a higher risk of moisture build-up, but sneakerheads know throwing away the original box will decrease resale value. Carefully collapse the shoe boxes (so you can put them back together if needed) and store them in a large plastic tote to conserve space.
5. How to store leather shoes
Leather is used for everything from formal dress shoes to everyday work boots and everything in between. Help your formal shoes keep their shape by stuffing them with acid-free tissue or inserting a shoe tree, and clean and condition them before long-term storage.
Long-Term Shoe Storage
Shoes protect your feet, provide support and can make or break an outfit (it’s true). So, we understand the need to keep all your shoes—even the ones you only wear occasionally—in great condition. In order to keep them protected in long-term storage, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to prepare and store your shoes. Always follow the 6 golden rules for long-term storage.
Storing your shoes correctly will keep them safe from pests, mildew and heat damage. Here are some of our favorite long-term storage tips:
1. Clean shoes before storage
Be sure to thoroughly clean your shoes before putting them in storage. Wash off any dirt or debris and let them dry completely. Any dirt on your shoes can attract pests, and moisture can lead to mold and mildew. Here’s a great guide for cleaning your shoes from Nike.com.
2. Stuff your shoes
In order to maintain the shape of your shoes, you should use a shoe tree or stuff them with acid-free tissue to absorb excess moisture (do not use newspaper). It’s also a good idea to add silica packets in lightweight shoes to help protect against humidity and reduce moisture.
3. Pack your shoes for storage
After you have prepped your shoes for long-term storage, it’s time to pack them. Either put them in their original box and put that box in a plastic storage bin, or put your shoes directly in a plastic storage container for shoes. Even though it may seem easier to simply put the cardboard box in storage, a sturdy plastic container is necessary to stop pests.
4. Consider climate-controlled storage
It’s best to keep your shoes in a climate-controlled environment, as major temperature changes and high humidity can weaken fabrics, stiffen leather and damage glue.
Our temperature-regulated units stay between 55 degrees and 85 degrees to help mitigate any damage from humidity. Don’t keep your shoes in the attic or basement for a long period of time, protect them in climate-controlled storage.
Shoe Storage FAQs
How do you store shoes in a storage unit?
Be sure to thoroughly clean and dry shoes before putting them in a storage unit. You should also remove the laces in sneakers and condition or deodorize if necessary. Stuff and wrap them in acid-free paper, put them in the original shoebox (without the original paper), and put that box in a plastic tote. Or, put your shoes in a plastic shoebox. We recommend renting a climate-controlled storage unit!
How do you keep shoes from getting moldy in storage?
To help prevent mold, consider putting silica gel packets in your shoes and wrapping them in acid-free paper. You also need to make sure your shoes are completely dry before packing them for storage.
How to store shoes in a closet?
If you want to store your shoes in a closet, consider getting a small rack or shelves, using an over-the-door organizer or shoe hangers.
How do you store a lot of shoes?
The storage tips above can help you store your entire shoe collection! If you have a lot of shoes to store, consider putting off-season footwear in a storage unit to save space. You can also use a variety of storage methods—including over-the-door organizers, shoe shelves and under the bed storage to create enough storage space for all your shoes.
Tying it Up: Shoe Storage
We hope this guide has inspired you to organize and store your shoes! If it’s time to free up some space in your closet, keep some of your shoes with us. Our climate-controlled storage units are the ultimate storage option for your off-season or rarely used footwear.
Store Space offers premium storage solutions and a range of unit sizes. Just find your nearest facility with our storage location finder. We care about shoes!
