10 Brilliant Ways to Organize Your Shoes

Organizing your collection of shoes can be tricky, but not with a few smart tricks up your sleeve. Though not as foldable or store-able as other clothing items, there’s a set-up and system that works for almost every collection of heels.

Whether you want to put a big bright spotlight on all your favorite shoes or you’re looking for a convenient way to dry your soaking rain boots, these 10 ideas will help you learn how to organize shoes in a way that works for you.

1. Take Advantage of Closet Door Space

Door-hanging shoe organizers have stood the test of time because they work. These systems use the underutilized real estate on the back of closet doors and keep your shoes ready, waiting, and easy to access whenever you need them. 

Heels, flats, and sneakers alike will all fit neatly in the compartment of a hanging organizer, but you’ll need another system for boots or other similarly high-topped shoes. 

2. Invest in a Chic and Sleek Shoe Rack

Shoe racks can be design statements in their own right, and there are plenty of stylish options for the various areas of your home. For your entryway, for instance, you can choose a rattan shoe rack that’s also a bench where weary travelers can take a seat to take off their shoes. Or you might choose to invest in a built-in shoe rack to store your surplus of sneakers out of sight. 

3. Showcase Your Shoe Collection with See-Through Stacking Drawers 

If your shoe collection is one of your crowning achievements, give it the attention it deserves by choosing the right storage system. See-through stacking drawers will keep them safe from elements like sunlight and dust while also putting them up on a pedestal for all to see. 

4. Build a Closet Cubby System

Cubby systems are easy to DIY, especially if you’re looking for a project to do with scrap wood.  They’re also a great way to give each pair of shoes its own designated place. Whether you choose to build one yourself or buy a prefabricated option, make sure that the cubby size is large enough to accommodate two shoes to keep everything in its place. 

5. Keep Shoes Out of Sight with a Hideaway Cabinet 

Trying to embrace minimalism but not sure where to put the shoes you wear regularly? A hideaway cabinet will keep them organized and safe from the elements and out of your direct line of vision. That means no more having to hide your dirty running shoes when company comes over.

6. Install a Sliding Shoe Drawer for Easy Access

Consider a sliding shoe drawer if you already have a shoe rack installed in your closet but still struggle with organization. These units allow you to store multiple pairs of shoes in each drawer without the struggle that usually comes with piling shoes on top of each other. Simply slide out the compartment and grab what you need.

7. Hang Shoes on the Wall for Surprising Decor 

Some shoes are meant to be seen in addition to worn, and these pairs are perfect candidates for hanging on the wall like decor. All you need is a hammer, a nail, and a step-stool to get this surprising storage system up and running in a matter of minutes. Once the nail is on the wall, hang your shoes for all to see.

8. Transform a Bookshelf into Makeshift Shoe Storage

If you have an old bookshelf lying around and are looking for a way to turn it into something new, transform it into your next great shoe storage system. Leave as is or add custom-fit wood separators to create a makeshift cubby set-up.

9. Hang Certain Shoes from Your Clothing Rack

No room for tall shoes like boots in your shoe rack or cubby system? Clip them to a pants hanger and store them on your clothes rack. If you’re worried that a clip might create an indent in your vintage suede shoes, use a boot filler with a hook to suspend them from a shirt hanger.

10. Use a Wall Coat Rack to Drain Rainy Boots in Your Mudroom

If your rain boots are still wet days after you last used them, a wall coat rack might be able to help. Add one to your mudroom and use it to hang wet boots and rain shoes upside down for better drainage.