Posted on Wednesday, 28th May 2025
Whether you're wondering how to store shoes in a small space, how to best organise them within your closet, or how to keep them white, efficient shoe storage can make a world of difference in keeping your home organised. Meaning no more tripping over shoes in the hallway or overcrowding your bedroom, our guide will help you tackle the clutter with 20 clever shoe storage solutions you can implement around your home.
If you’re looking for more storage space to hold your collection, we can help. Find your nearest Space Station unit to keep your shoes safe and sound.
The best place to keep your shoes depends on the kind of shoes you have, and how often you use them. School shoes, your gym trainers, smart shoes for work; those that you wear every day need to be in easy reach, so you can slip them on and go. To avoid cluttering up your hallway, though, occasional shoes like wedding-guest heels or summer sandals should ideally be stored out of sight and out of mind, until you need them next.
It’s not just about keeping your home neat and tidy, either. Thoughtful storage can help preserve the condition of your shoes, preventing cracking, fading and scuffing, which in turn means you'll spend less time repairing your shoes, and less cash buying new pairs.
A comfortable footrest on the outside with an effective storage space on the inside, an ottoman is a classic, aesthetic choice. From slippers and trainers to your favourite everyday heels, storing your shoes in an ottoman keeps them organised, without disrupting the layout of your room.
Storing shoes under your bed is a fantastic way to free up space. If you have a large shoe collection, your ‘special’ or occasional pairs can be kept safe under the bed, while shoes you frequently wear can stay in a more accessible location. Before placing them under your bed, you could also try enclosing them in fabric bags or boxes to prevent dust from accumulating.
Chances are that you have at least one awkward corner sitting vacant within your home. Rather than keeping these empty, you could consider fitting corner shelves to store your shoes.
Increasing your floor space whilst hiding your trainers and work shoes from sight, storing your shoes behind a door is particularly handy if you haven’t got lots of space to play with. There are plenty of ready to buy shoe storage options that will fit snugly onto the backs of your doors.
If you have a hectic family life or little ones running around, popping your shoes into baskets is a fast and effortless way to keep them tidy. Store them under tables, in unused corners, on top of one another; there’s endless options for you to play with.
Transforming discarded materials into furniture is a great creative way to increase storage space. Upcycling wooden crates lets you display your shoes exactly how you want to: you could paint them, stack them or even fit them with wheels for added mobility.
You take your time organising your clothes in your wardrobe, so why not organise your shoes here too? If you have any spare room on the clothes rail in your wardrobe, use a shoe organiser to hang your shoes, and save floor space at the bottom of your wardrobe, too.
There's typically a small gap between the top of your wardrobe and the ceiling – and you can use it to your advantage. Slot your shoes directly on top of your wardrobe, or in their original boxes if you have the space to do so.
Walking boots, painting shoes, garden scruffs: if you use shoes for dedicated jobs, it’s worthwhile keeping them altogether, especially if they’re for messier tasks like de-weeding. Placing them in a garage or outhouse stops extra dust and dirt from travelling through your house, too.
Ladders have surged in popularity in recent years, and for good reason, too – thanks to their height, ladder shelves create the illusion of extra space, even if they’re loaded with your favourite shoes.
If you have a particular pair of heels you like to show off, or collect limited edition pairs of trainers, putting them in a display cabinet is a great option; you could even add LED strip lights or spotlights in or around your cabinet for a gallery-like feel.
f you’re on the hunt for a more practical storage solution, a hallway bench offers the ideal balance of aesthetics and functional appeal. You can create a dedicated space for tossing them after a long day.
Dark and hidden from direct sunlight, your under-stair space is a great place to keep your shoes to prevent them from discolouring, fading or becoming laden with dust. This is particularly ideal for leather or suede shoes which need a little more love.
boxes Keep things neat and tidy with stackable storage boxes: bonus points if they’re clear, so you can easily find the shoes you’re looking for. If you opt for a plastic box, be aware that you’ll need to make sure that both your shoes and the box itself are completely dry, to make sure there’s no mould buildup.
If you’re low on space, you could try doubling up and storing your shoes in any suitcases you have waiting to be used for summer. Protecting your shoes from a build-up of dust, suitcases keep all your seasonal shoes in one place, and are perfect for stashing away.
Too many pairs to choose from? A rotating shoe carousel lets you spin and pick, practically displaying your favourite shoes, and those you might’ve forgotten about.
If you need a dedicated high heel storage solution, curtain poles are a clever choice, whether you’re displaying your shoes inside your wardrobe or as a feature in your home. Simply hook your heels over the back of the pole for a sleek, space-saving display that puts your most stylish pairs front and centre.
Tiered planter shelves aren't just for greenery; they can also double as eye-catching shoe storage. Their layered design keeps your favourite pairs on display, making it easy to grab and go while adding a touch of personality to your space. You could even reintroduce a few small plants or decorative items to your display.
If you've already got a rack that’s not big enough to hold your shoe collection, you could consider simply stacking the same rack on top, effectively giving you twice the room to play with.
Looking for a project? If you're into hand-crafting, or always keen to try something new, you could sew your own fabric shoe holder. Add custom pockets onto a large fabric panel for a soft, flexible shoe organizer that you can hang in your wardrobe or over the back of a door. If you’re looking for more ways to declutter your home, have a read of our top tips for storing your clothes.
Storing your shoes in their original cardboard boxes, isn't always the best approach - they can allow limited circulation, which can lead to moisture, and in consequence, mould. If you choose to store your shoes in their boxes, make sure you leave them to air out for a minimum of 24 hours after wear.
Your shoes can go mouldy when stored in your wardrobe for a number of reasons. If you stow them away while still damp - whether from rain, sweat, or a recent clean - the residual moisture can create a breeding ground for mould and mildew. If there’s limited ventilation in your wardrobe or you’re using non-breathable storage like tightly sealed containers, you might also see mould.
Choose a well-aired storage solution like a ventilated cabinet, open shelving or a hanging organiser. If you’ve just taken off a pair of shoes, don’t store them away straight away, but leave them to air out for as long as you can - at least a day if you can.
Adding odour-fighting deodorisers into your shoes can also help keep bad smells at bay.
Place leather or suede shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to stop them fading and opt for a well-ventilated location so they have room to breathe.
To keep your white shoes looking fresh, try and store them away from dust, dirt and sunlight, which can cause yellowing. If your shoes get marked while you’re out and about, spot clean them as soon as possible to keep the stain from growing.
