How to Organize Shoes

Let’s be honest: shoes have a way of piling up fast. Whether it’s sneakers, heels, or sandals, it’s easy for your collection to take over your closet before you know it. If you’re wondering how to organize shoes without losing your favorite pairs in the chaos, you’re in the right place.

The trick is figuring out how to organize your space so everything has a spot and you can actually find what you need. Luckily, there are plenty of smart solutions out there to help so keeping things neat doesn’t have to be a chore.

I’ll admit it—I’ve always had a lot of shoes. Even back when money was tight, my collection seemed to magically multiply without me even realizing it. I’m not really a heels person; chunky flats are more my vibe, and don’t even get me started on sneakers. It feels like every time I scroll through Instagram, someone’s showing off a new pair I suddenly “need.”

Over the years, I tried all sorts of ways to keep my shoes organized. Some methods were just too complicated, and others didn’t really protect my shoes the way I wanted, so they didn’t last as long as I’d hoped.

Eventually, I figured out that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best way to organize shoes is to mix and match solutions—a little bit of this, a little bit of that. You want your everyday favorites to be easy to grab, while fancier or less-used pairs are tucked away safely so they stay in great condition.

Smart Storage Tips to Keep Your Shoes Looking Great

The real secret to organizing shoes is choosing ways to protect them so they last. Instead of just thinking about organizing everything into a specific area, look at the shoes themselves and choose options that keep their shape and free of dust or dirt. Things like fabric bags, clear shoes boxes, or forms for boots.

These options all help guard against dust, fading and help to keep their shape.

For the shoes you commonly reach for daily, options that are easy to grab and go are your best bed. Things like stacking racks or cubbies with dividers keep things in place without getting piled up.

If your shoes have a little room to breathe and some support, they stay in better condition and you’ll probably find yourself reaching for them more often.

How to Organize Shoes

Organizing your shoe collection doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking it step by step can help you create a system that works for your space and helps protect your shoes so they last longer.

Step 1: Gather and Sort

Round up all your shoes—even the ones hiding under the bed or deep in the closet. Once you’ve got the full collection, do a quick sort. Shoes you wear a lot, love the look of, or find super comfy? Set those aside as your Keep pile.

Now, take a look at what’s left. For each pair, ask yourself things like: “Have I worn these in the past year?”, “Are they easy to walk in?”, or “Do they still fit right?” Be honest. If a pair doesn’t make the cut, let it go—donate or toss. This way, you’ll have space for new favorites down the line.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Storage Space

Now, think about where you are keeping your shoes. If it’s in your closet, take a good look at the space. Is there enough room, or do you need to get creative? It’s perfectly fine to use more than one spot, such as formal options in a guest bedroom closet.

Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

1. Keep pairs you wear often on the floor—easy to grab and go.
2. Use top shelves for formal pairs or seasonal shoes you don’t wear much.
3. Wall space or over-the-door organizers are great for pairs you wear daily.

Take a moment to see how much space you really have. The goal is to pick storage solutions that work for you and don’t make things feel cramped, because if it’s crowded, you’re less likely to keep everything tidy.

Step 3: Clean Before Organizing

Now that your keep pile is smaller, it’s time to give your shoes a little TLC before putting them away. The goal here is to protect your shoes so they last longer, and a quick clean can make a big difference. Here’s how to do it:

1. Knock off any loose dirt—do this over a trash can or outside if you can.
2. Wipe down the tops, using the right cleaning method for each material.
3. Give the soles a quick wipe if they need it.
4. Check the laces and replace them if they’re worn out.

If you want to go the extra mile, condition any leather shoes or spray them with a water-resistant protector. A little upkeep now keeps your collection looking fresh and ready to wear.

Step 4: Bring in the Organizers

Now for the fun part—choosing organizers that fit your space and style. You don’t need to spend a fortune or have a giant walk-in closet to keep your shoes neat and put away. There are tons of clever options to make the most of every inch:

• For the Floor: Low-profile shoe racks are perfect for everyday shoes you want to grab quickly. Try a slatted wooden rack, a cubby bench (great for entryways), or even a large decorative basket for flip-flops and flats.

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• For Shelves: Stackable clear bins or pull-out shoe drawers help keep pairs visible and dust-free. Display your favorite sneakers or heels on floating shelves for a boutique vibe.

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• Vertical Options: Hanging organizers that go over the door or closet rod can hold several pairs, freeing up precious floor space. You can even use a corner shelf or even a bookshelf as a unique shoe display.

ULG 1 Pack Over Door Organizer with 5 Large Pockets 10 Mesh Side Pockets, 44 lbs Weight Capacity Hanging Storage Organizer with Clear Window Kids Toys, Shoes, Diapers, Dark Grey, 5 LayersSLEEPING LAMB Short Hanging Shoe Organizer for Closet Storage with Mesh Side Pockets Holds 8 Pairs, Hanging Shoe Rack Hanger RV, Camper, GreyWhitmor 30 Sections Hanging Clothes Closet Organizer, Space Saving Breathable Fabric Shoe Storage for Bedroom, Laundry, Dorm, Crosshatch Gray

 

• Under the Bed: Don’t let this space go to waste—use low rolling bins, zippered fabric containers, or even repurposed dresser drawers to stash off-season shoes.

Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer – TEAR-RESISTANT Heavy Duty 600D Material – Fits All Styles Men’s and Women’s Shoes, Up to 16 Pairs – Extra-Strong Zipper – Grey – Perfect for College DormsStorageWorks Shoe Organizer Under Bed for Closet, 2-Pack Ultra-thick Fabric Shoe Storage Containers with Bottom Support and Adjustable Dividers, Fits up to 24 Pairs, BeigeKOSIWU Under Bed Shoes Storage, 2 Pack Rolling Under-bed Storage Containers with Wheels, Under Bed Shoe Organizer Breathable Mesh Fabric with Metal Frame

 

• Along a Wall in the Bedroom: Wall-mounted cubbies, pegboards with hooks, or floating shelves offer storage while doubling as decor. Show off your shoe collection like artwork.

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Want to get creative? Here are a few extra ideas:

• Upcycle sturdy cardboard shoeboxes: Wrap them in colorful contact paper or fabric for a more polished look.
• Pool noodles or wine bottle holders make excellent boot shapers (and keep them standing tall).
• Tension rods can create quick DIY shelves for flats or keep heels neatly aligned under hanging clothes.
• Magazine holders can store sandals, slides, or even flip-flops upright in tight spaces.
• Repurpose a hanging sweater organizer: Each compartment can fit a couple of pairs of shoes quite comfortably.

With a little imagination and the right solutions, you can tailor your shoe storage to fit your space—and your style. Before you know it, you’ll have a system that looks good, works for your routine, and keeps your favorite pairs always within reach.

My Favorite Shoe Organizer

People often ask me how I store my shoes, and after testing out a few options, I’ve found my absolute favorite: this shoe storage zipper bag. It’s super affordable, keeps my shoes protected, holds a ton, and the clear top makes it so easy to see what’s inside.

It fits perfectly on the floor of my tiny closet, holding most of my shoes without hogging all the space.

Step 5: Special Storage Tips

Want to give your favorite formal and delicate shoes a little extra TLC? Try these simple and creative tricks to help them look their best (and last longer):

• For boots, stuff them with rolled-up towels, pool noodles, or even empty water bottles—whatever helps keep them standing tall and in shape.
• Store heels or dress shoes you don’t wear often in fabric bags, hat boxes, or clear stackable bins to protect them from dust and scuffs. Bonus points for labeling the boxes so you can grab the right pair at a glance.
• Keep delicate or embellished shoes safe by slipping them into soft pouches, or nestling them in their original boxes with some tissue paper for extra cushioning.

A little extra care goes a long way. With the right storage, your special pairs will stay looking fabulous for every big event.

Step 6: Create a Routine

Congrats on getting your shoes organized. Now let’s make sure things stay in their place. The secret? Build a simple routine and this clutter-free habit: Put your shoes all the way away every time you get home—no kicking them off at the door or leaving them under the bed.

If you need a shortcut, keep a shoe basket near your entryway to toss shoes in, and be sure to empty it weekly.

The whole point is to make your system easy to stick to, so don’t be afraid to use clever shortcuts—they’re your best friend for keeping things tidy with minimal effort.

Step 7: Check In and Tweak as You Go

Take a few minutes every month or so to see how your system is holding up. If you notice shoes piling up in the hallway or getting lost under the bed, it’s a sign your setup might need a little tweaking.

Don’t be afraid to rearrange things or try a new organizer—your needs can change, and your system should work for you, not the other way around.

Step 8: Keep It Fresh

Whenever you get a new pair of shoes, try to let go of one you no longer wear. This simple swap helps keep your collection manageable and your space clutter-free. Plus, it makes room for new favorites without the overcrowding.

I hope you found some great and helpful tips on how to organize shoes. Remember, the best system is one that matches your space, your habits, and your personal style. Start by giving your collection an honest sort, make the most of your storage options (don’t be afraid to get creative), and keep up with simple routines that make life easier.

Before you know it, you’ll have a space where every pair is easy to find and lasts as long as you need them to.

More Tips for Your Closet Space:

• Best Way to Organize the Closet
• 10 Best Closet Organizers
• Easy Steps to Organize Closets