These boots were made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do! But what do they do, and where do they go, when you return home?

There are a lot of things that can ruin shoes, from humidity to old age. We’ve consulted the experts at Artiss to put together a comprehensive buying guide to show you how to store shoes and help you choose the perfect storage solution. Keep your shoe collection in shipshape and enjoy a more organised lifestyle at the same time.

Where Can You Store Your Shoes?

The type of shoe storage you choose depends on the types of shoes you own and where in your house you want to store them. Do you want your shoes close to the front door for convenience? Or do you prefer keeping your shoes on display in the bedroom? Are you an avid collector of heels? Or do you have your one dedicated pair of work boots or sneakers that you’re tired of tripping over? Are you buying for the whole family or your own personal collection? These questions will help determine the type of storage you need, whether it's shoe storage boxes, shoe cabinets, or a simple shoe organiser to keep your walkway tidy.

Storing shoes can be difficult, and you want to choose an option that ensures your suede shoes are protected from dust and sunlight. The materials your shoes are made of should come into consideration as some require more care than others. Always check your shoes' care instructions for details.

Budget

Your budget will be one of the biggest factors in your shoe storage buying journey. Luckily, there is a nearly endless supply of storage types in all kinds of materials, from affordable plastic over-the-door hangers to elaborate stylish metal entryway racks. No matter the budget, you’ll be able to find the perfect solution for your home.

A great money-saving tip - choose a shoe storage method that is multi-functional. This might be a hanging solution that you use for more than just shoes, a shoe cabinet with the benefit of a tabletop, or other storage units such as drawers.

Top Shoe Storage Solutions

Shoe storage boxes

You can store your shoes anywhere in the house, with shoe storage boxes the sky is the limit. They are a great solution for long term shoe storage, and you can even use them to keep your bags and coats together, ready to grab on your way out of the door. Choose your own set up to fit all kinds of footwear, from running shoes to boots to dress shoes, this storage solution is easy to clean while helping to protect your shoes from bacteria and mould growth with great ventilation. You can even add decorations

Over-the-door storage

Keep your clothes and shoes in the same place and off the ground with an over-the-door shoe hanger. These hangers go over the top of any door and allow you to display all your shoes in a way that saves on space and makes top-to-toe outfit planning as easy as opening your closet. Of course, you can place this anywhere that suits you, as long as there is a door with enough clearance. These storage options come in all sorts of shapes and materials. With some, you can hang your shoes on a tilted shelf, others use wires, while the most affordable options usually use plastic pockets or cubbies.

Hanging storage

Similar to the over-the-door options, this storage unit hangs amongst your clothes off the ground. It offers mostly the same functionality as over-the-door storage, except it sits adjacent to your clothes, rather than over your door. The most common organisers of this kind come in the form of linen pockets or cubbies built to store individual pairs.

Under-bed storage

If you’re short on space, then you can’t go wrong with under-bed storage. Coming in a variety of styles and materials, you can purchase under-bed units made out of fabric, plastic or metal. If you’re considering under-bed storage, try a model that can be zipped or otherwise closed shut, has dividers to separate individual pairs, and is transparent so you can easily see what’s inside.

Stackable containers

Whether you’re an avid collector or just obsessed with organisation, stackable containers are ideal. They're often transparent, but can also come in opaque colours, and feature either drawers or drop-down fronts to provide easy access to your shoes. With a smooth base, this type of shoe organiser is ideal for a shoe collection that's heavy on heels, especially those taking a thin stiletto shape. Most importantly, stackable containers keep shoes dirt and dust free, while ventilation holes keep the air circulating and humidity out. With help from Artiss, you won't have to head to the container store with a tape measure to find the right fit for your shoes.

Shoe racks

The classic rack that we all know and love, shoe racks are perfect for those looking to store shoes in style. A typical shoe rack is usually two or three-tiers, but you can certainly get racks that are taller and wider. Wire racks are not ideal for high-heeled shoes or boots, but you can avoid damage by covering the wire with foam or buying a flat shelf. You can purchase shoe racks with wheels and removable shelves, as well as others designed specifically for boots or other long shoes. 

Shoe cabinets

A shoe cabinet combines the best of a shoe rack and functional cabinet, with the addition of additional storage and a multi-purpose surface. It can act as an entryway unit, holding all your heading-out-the-door essentials, protecting your shoes and keeping them out of sight and out of the way. You can get cabinets with flat shelves/racks, and others that feature pull-out/tilted drawers. This second style is slimmer than regular cabinets, so if you have a narrow entryway or lack floor space, this option can be a great space-saver for your home.

Storage shoe benches

Combining seating and storage, a storage bench is great for those of us who like functional furniture. Sit down, kick off your shoes after a long day, and rest assured knowing your shoes are safe and out of the way. If practicality is key, look for a storage bench that has a cushion on top, rather than a hard surface.

Storage ottomans

While these are great functional additions to your living space, they are not the best way to store your shoes! As we mentioned, putting all your shoes into a single container without additional shoe organisation may lead to the shoes becoming disfigured, scuffed or otherwise damaged amongst other shoes.

Other shoe storage options

Can’t find the perfect set-up? Don’t worry! There are plenty of small, more affordable options that you can use to store your shoes, whether you’re looking to upgrade your current storage or need to create additional storage space. Shoe rack organisers, portable storage bags and waterproof pouches are small additions that can help you make the most of your storage options.

Materials

Shoe collectors have debated over the years whether certain materials are more or less suitable for storing your footwear. Answers vary, but the main takeaway is that breathability is an important factor.

Cardboard

Many people choose to simply store their shoes in the box they came in. While this is an effective and affordable solution, is it the best option? Not according to the experts at Artiss. Due to poor circulation, your shoes are likely to absorb moisture and wear out faster when left in cardboard boxes. Additionally, cardboard is not very durable, and the boxes are more likely to get dirty, break or bend under pressure. They may also deteriorate due to moisture or pests.

Wood

A popular material that is also strong and durable, wood will give you a lot of value for money. It is aesthetically pleasing and comes at various price points so you can choose a piece within your budget that won’t sacrifice aesthetics. Some types of wood, such as cedar and pine, won't only repel odours and moisture, but also insects, making this a long-lasting storage option.

Metal

Metal shoe racks are the perfect choice for durability, especially if you choose rust and corrosion-resistant material. They are more expensive than other materials but also more durable and they have a higher weight capacity. You will often see metal shoe racks in garages and undercover outdoor areas.

Plastic

Plastic is an affordable option that is also flexible. Plastic shoe storage often comes in individual boxes or other modular styles. However, be aware that ventilation can be a limiting factor here, as it is with cardboard.

Fabric

Fabric shoe storage solutions are an ideal choice especially if you’re using breathable fabrics such as cotton. Fabric is also a versatile option if you’re buying a multifunctional piece. 

Benefits of shoe storage solutions

There are plenty of benefits to cleaning up your shoes, beyond just keeping the house clean. Get ready for your mornings to become more manageable, your shoes cleaner, and your life easier to manage than before.

Everything in one place

Keep your shoes in a single space where you can see them all at once. Planning an outfit is now just a matter of opening your cupboard instead of rifling through a pile. With all your shoes in one place, you don’t have to worry about whether you still have those hot red pumps… you can see them right there! With the proper organisation, you’ll never double up on shoes again.

Protected shoes last longer

Your shoes put up with a lot: dirt, wind, rain, dust, even damage from the sun. And then they come home, get kicked into a corner and have to deal with trampling, theft by pets, and the potential tragedy of being lost under a chair somewhere. Properly stored shoes remain protected from most things that life throws their way. You know where they are at all times, and they won’t collect dust or fall prey to disfigurement. 

Walk to the bank

Did you know that out of the 24 billion shoes that are made globally, 90 per cent will end up in landfill? I’m sure we’re all guilty of having thrown out a pair of shoes prematurely because they were misshapen. Proper shoe storage stops shoes from falling apart before their time, which means you won’t have to go through the pain of buying them so often. Shoes that stay together, save together: both your wallet and the planet.

How Do You Store Shoes for Longer Term Storage?

Stay on top of shoe cleaning

We know what it’s like to be tired after a long day, but you should take the time to clean your shoes before putting them into storage. Whatever dirt and other gunk have built up on your shoes will wear away at your shoe and make things worse over time, especially if they have attracted moisture. 

Don’t just let them pile up

If you’re in the habit of throwing off your boots and piling them against the wall, you’re doing your shoes a massive disservice. If you pile them on top of each other, over time they will become misshapen, and materials might be permanently damaged. Keep a small shoe storage unit by your door for your everyday shoes. 

Fill your shoes for long-term storage

If you’re not planning on wearing your shoes for a long period of time, you should fill them to prevent sagging or reshaping. This can be with the help of a shoehorn, moisture-wicking fabric, or acid-free tissue paper. Avoid newspaper, dyed fabric or anything else with inks or dyes.

Pick the right storage for the right shoes

Depending on your shoes, you may need a particular way to store them. For instance, wire shelves are cheap and easy to install, which may give them an edge over flat shelves. However, heels are more likely to get stuck and scuffed on wire shelves. Using baskets, bins or containers are also not ideal, as shoes are more likely to be damaged or deformed every time you rummage through them. You also cannot see all your shoes laid out and once, making it harder to sort.

Store shoes in climate controlled spaces

Nothing can ruin a shoe’s value more than the weather. Extreme temperatures and humidity can ruin the fabric of the shoe and loosen any glue holding it together. The easiest way to prevent this is to keep the shoes in a place you can control the temperature, but if you’re not lucky enough to have an exact thermostat, just keeping them in a cool, dry place should be enough. 

Use silica gel packs to keep away moisture

We’ve all seen those tiny packets in shoe boxes, new lunchboxes or any other packaging that says ‘DO NOT EAT: SILICA’. Now, you have a use for them! Silica packets are used to keep products moisture free. You can collect and reuse silica packets you receive when you purchase a new item, or you can easily purchase silica packets in bulk online. Put them in your shoes while they’re sitting in storage and sit back knowing your shoes are being protected.

Artiss can help you keep your shoes under control

Need some help finding the best shoe storage ideas to get organised? Get your shoes under control with Artiss. We're one of Australia's leading furniture brands across a range of marketplaces. Shop our wide range of shoe storage options, from cabinets with ample storage to boxes that stack. Want more ways to organise your home? Check out our guide to decluttering to find the most visually appealing ways to free up space. Even better, Artiss storage comes in all sorts of materials to suit your existing décor, whether you want a natural wood grain or you’re trying to cultivate a Scandinavian vibe.

Shoes are made for walking, and Artiss pieces were made for easy storage. Shop the Artiss collection today and experience our competitive prices, prompt shipping and friendly, Australia-based customer service.