Let’s be real—good shoes don’t come cheap these days, so tossing them in a messy pile just doesn’t cut it anymore. If you’ve ever spent 20 minutes digging through a mountain of sneakers just to find one boot (just me?), it might be time to rethink your shoe storage.
There are loads of clever ways to keep your kicks in check—from classic wardrobes and open shelves to hallway display cabinets and sneaky under-stairs drawers. Some folks go full Marie Kondo with labeled boxes, while others prefer showing them off in all their glory.
But if you’re into more creative or space-saving tricks, you’ll love the less conventional options—think wall hooks, magnetic racks (yes, for shoes!), upcycled crates, even hanging pockets and moldings over the door. The best part? A ton of these can be DIYed on a weekend.
I’ve rounded up all my favorite smart and stylish ideas to help you keep your shoes comfy, visible, and perfectly organized. Let’s step into it!
A built-in like this offers shelves, hooks, and bins all in one tidy space. It's great for families or anyone who wants a drop zone near the door. Keeps shoes off the floor and everything else within reach. (@simplybettercabinetry).
Clear storage boxes make it easy to stack and protect your shoes while keeping everything visible. They're great for tight spaces or closets where dust can be an issue. Plus, no more digging—just grab and go. (@evohome_official).
This built-in cabinet hides shoes behind clean-lined doors, blending into any hallway. Inside, there’s enough space for several pairs, plus room for extras. It’s a good way to reduce clutter while still having easy access. (@fromlondontomanchester).
Clever use of IKEA hooks to occupy wall space for shoe storage.
Awesome shoes storage idea for a bedroom that saves lots of space but is still very functional.
Contemporary turquoise built-in is in interestin space saving solution for a bedrrom that features storage for lots of things.
Wall bars or angled rails let you hang shoes vertically, saving floor space and keeping them visible. This works well for everyday shoes near the door. It also doubles as a quirky decor feature. (@homeandgardenzim).
A drawer-style shoe unit like this keeps clutter completely out of view. It’s perfect for narrow hallways or entryways where space is limited. You can even sit on top if it's bench-style, adding extra function. (@everything.envy).
Floating shelves, like these IKEA Lack ones, work great for displaying shoes without bulky furniture. They’re simple, clean, and let your shoes shine. Use anchors for support, and they’ll hold several pairs easily. (@ikeahacksru).
Adding lighting under or above each shelf turns basic shoe storage into something special. It makes your favorite pairs stand out while helping in low-light areas. Works especially well with glass shelves or built-ins. (@philip_or_flop).
These sliding shelves are a smart way to store shoes in deep cabinets or closets. They pull out smoothly and help you use every inch without losing pairs in the back. Ideal for a sleek, organized setup that still feels easy to use. (@myfittedbedroom).
A full-height bookcase turns into a great shoe storage wall when you add enough shelves. It keeps all your pairs neat, easy to reach, and visually organized. Perfect if you’ve got a big collection or just want to use vertical space efficiently. (@interiorby_toa).
DIY rolling shoe rack.
Floating DIY copper shoe rack.
DIY Industrial iron pipe shoe storage system (via instructables).
This pallet shoe rack adds rustic charm while keeping floors clear. It’s budget-friendly and easy to build with a few boards and screws. Great for boots, casual shoes, or entryway storage. (@onabudgetofficial).
Even a narrow bathroom could fit enough cabinets to store all your shoes.
Contemporary room divider in an apartment of shoeaholic.
DIY ladder shoe shelf.
Contemporary staircase storage solution.
Cute entryway with sliding under bench storage.
This is how a built-in wardrobe could be used to store your whole collection.
DIY ikea under bed shoe storage hack from a kitcehn cabinet door.
Even small IKEA LACK shelves could be used to display your favorite high-heel shoes.
If you hae a walk-in closet you don't need to bother with anything but open shelves.
IKEA lack shelves and EXPEDIT bookcase serve well as a cheap shoe display.
IKEA LACK shelves hanged in a V-shape could serve as a creative shoe display.
Awesome pull-out shoe shelves could solve access problems for many wardrobes.
Open storage for shoeboxes is also an interesting way to go.
Styilish entryway shoe storage under benches and in a tall cabinet.
Under-stairs is a perfect hidden shoe storage solution.
When you're using drawers to store your shoes you could separate them by family members.
Simple cardboard boxes with photo labels work as a charm.
DIY shoe rack made made of ceiling moldings.
You can use shoe boxes in your closet but just make sure they are labeled right. Photos are the best labels.
Vintage shoe rack would look great in any interior.
Pull out shoe storage could be quite easy and practical to use.
Probably the simplest way to declutter your mudroom.
Hanging solution for any wall.
You can create a functional under bed shoe storage.
Super cheap DIY shoes storage for a mudroom from old crates.
That's how creative shoe storage cabinets looks like.