The best way to store shoes is clean, completely dry, in a cool spot away from direct sunlight, and with enough room that pairs are not crushed against each other. Everyday shoes belong on an open rack near the door; seasonal and special-occasion pairs keep best in boxes or cloth bags with shoe trees or paper inside.
In this guide
Before you store them
- Clean them. Dirt and salt left on shoes stain and degrade the material over time.
- Dry them fully. Damp shoes go mouldy and smell. See how to dry shoes.
- Deodorise if needed; see how to get rid of shoe odor.
- Sort. Donate or recycle pairs you have not worn in a year.
12 ways to store shoes
| Idea | Best for |
|---|---|
| 1. Open shoe rack by the door | Everyday pairs; lets them air out |
| 2. Shoe cabinet with tilting drawers | Narrow hallways; hides clutter |
| 3. Bench with storage underneath | Entryways; somewhere to sit while putting shoes on |
| 4. Over-the-door organiser | Flats, sandals and children’s shoes in small rooms |
| 5. Clear stackable boxes | Sneaker collections and occasional pairs; dust-free and visible |
| 6. Original boxes with a photo or label | Dress shoes and seasonal storage |
| 7. Under-bed drawers or bags | Out-of-season shoes |
| 8. Closet shelves or cubbies | Keeping pairs together at eye level |
| 9. Wall-mounted shelves or rails | Displaying sneakers; hanging heels by the heel |
| 10. Shoe slots (stackers) | Doubling shelf capacity by stacking one shoe above the other |
| 11. Boot racks or hangers | Tall boots, upright or hung by the shaft |
| 12. Boot tray by the door | Wet and muddy footwear |
How to store each type of shoe
- Leather dress shoes: insert cedar shoe trees to hold the shape and absorb moisture, and keep them in cloth bags or boxes. Polish before long storage; see how to polish shoes.
- Sneakers: open racks for daily pairs; clear boxes for those you want to keep clean. Stuff with paper to prevent toe-box creases; see how to uncrease shoes.
- Boots: store upright with boot shapers, rolled magazines or pool noodles in the shafts so they do not fold and crease.
- High heels: on shelves or rails, not piled, so heels and embellishments are not scratched.
- Suede: in breathable cloth bags, away from light, which fades it.
- Sandals and flip flops: in a basket or hanging organiser, away from heat.
Related: How to Make Heels More Comfortable: 9 Tips That Help
Seasonal and long-term storage
- Stuff shoes with acid-free tissue or plain paper, not printed newspaper.
- Add silica gel packets to boxes to control moisture.
- Use breathable containers for leather. Sealed plastic traps moisture and encourages mould.
- Choose a cool, dry, dark place inside the home. Avoid attics, garages and damp basements, where heat and humidity break down glue and rubber.
- Check on them every few months.
Soles that have been stored for years can become brittle and separate; see how to fix shoe sole separation.
Small-space tips
- Use vertical space: tall, narrow racks and the backs of doors.
- Store pairs heel to toe to fit more on a shelf.
- Rotate by season, keeping only current pairs within reach.
- Keep a “one in, one out” rule.
- Use the floor of a wardrobe with a two-tier rack instead of a pile.
Mistakes to avoid
- Putting shoes away damp or dirty.
- Piling shoes on top of one another.
- Storing them in direct sunlight or next to a radiator.
- Wrapping leather in plastic bags.
- Leaving wet shoes in a closed cupboard.
Moving house or travelling? See how to pack shoes.
Looking after shoes is also the simplest way to reduce waste. See eco-friendly shoes.
Found a neglected pair at the back of the closet? See how to restore old shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to store shoes in boxes or on a rack?
Racks are best for shoes you wear often, because they air out. Boxes are best for occasional and seasonal pairs, because they keep out dust and light.
Should I keep shoes in their original boxes?
You can. Cardboard is breathable and protects from dust. Label the boxes so you can find pairs easily.
How do I stop shoes going mouldy in storage?
Clean and dry them fully first, use breathable containers, add silica gel, and store them somewhere cool and dry.
Do shoe trees really help?
Yes. They hold the shape, reduce creasing, and cedar ones absorb moisture and odour.
