30 Genius Shoe Organizer Ideas to Maximize Your Small Space
We've got everything from creative DIYs to clever picks from top brands, like Ikea.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
We've all heard the expression: "clean house, clean mind." It's easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life and forget to designate time to cleaning and organizing our living spaces — but the benefits of doing so are huge. According to Select Health, decluttering can help reduce stress, improve sleep, promote a healthier diet, increase productivity and even improve relationships. So, what are you waiting for? To help you get started, we've rounded up these shoe organizing ideas — which include clever organization methods from bloggers and DIYers, as well as the best shoe organizers on the market right now.
Clear your house of clutter, starting with those shoes you have lying on the floor of your wardrobe closet, lazily tossed in boxes in your garage or piled up in your small entryway. For a coat, bedroom or walk-in closet, choose hanging shoe organizers for over the door, install built-in shelves or pick up a rolling drawer cart. If you call yourself a sneaker buff or want to display or Carrie Bradshaw-level collection, we've included clear stackable boxes and statement shoe racks that will turn your shoe collection into home decor. There's also a number of decorative ideas that will transform your entryway and reinvent your mudroom. And, don't worry, we haven't forgot about toddler and baby shoes.
Bring order to your space as you browse through this curated list of our favorite shoe organizers ideas — your mental health will thank you later!
Vintage Bench
Add a personal touch to your entryway with a piece of vintage furniture, like this distressed red wooden bench that provides a ton of extra storage.
Repurposed Bar Cart
Wheeled storage — like this tiered bar cart — easily glides out of the way when you want to access the rest of your closet.
RELATED: 30 Super-Smart Tips for Your Most Organized Closet Ever
Make the most of your space with this shoe storage cabinet that consists of five stackable tiers that can double as a full-length mirror — making it a great choice for the bedroom.
Convenience Concepts Shoe Ottoman
Sure you can use any stylish storage ottoman to keep your shoes out of view, but this one has 12 separate storage compartments.
Mudroom Pantry
No mudroom, no problem. Turn an extra closet into a makeshift mudroom by putting shoes on center shelves and adding storage to the back of your doors.
The genius of this bamboo shelf is that it has spots for both flat and tall shoes, so you can fit as many pairs as possible — with room leftover for a cute houseplant.
DIY Ladder Organizer
Fashion your own clothing rack out of two ladders, a pair of planks, and a dowel. Shoes fit tidily at the bottom, while a rack up top can hold an overflow of shirts and jackets.
Easily arrange these shoe organizers to fit your unique space. Every set of eight is designed to store 32 pairs of shoes, but you can stack together as many sets as you need to accommodate your footwear collection.
Woven Basket Shoe Holders
Even kids can get on board with this easy organizing system. Designate a cute basket to each family member to corral entryway clutter.
A simple bench tucks neatly in any corner, while a powder-coated steel rack underneath hold slippers, clogs, or your favorite flats. Sustainably sourced natural mango wood also earned this piece the Fair Trade-Certified seal.
Create your own shoe gallery with these transparent, drop-front shoe boxes. The sleek cases are easy to stack, and they're available in red, blue, white or black to match your aesthetic.
Custom Shoe Drawers
If you have extra space in your little one's closest, take a note from designer Lisa Adams of LA Closet Design and add your own built-in drawers. For a faster solution, you can go for a rolling drawer cart instead.
A clutter-free entryway is totally possible with a slim cabinet that can house your crew's sneaker collection. The furniture-like look of this unit brings polish to what's typically a family dumping ground.
Wooden Shoe Bin
If you only need to keep your everyday shoes within reach, try tucking them away in a decorative bin. In this bright foyer by Style by Emily Henderson, the wooden crate fits effortlessly beneath a super sleek bench.
Get Open Spaces Three-Tier Entryway Rack
Your options are endless with a a multi-use rack like this one. Use all three tiers to store your shoes, or reserve some of the space for houseplants, home decor and storage baskets.
Stacked Entryway Crates
Customize a storage system to your mudroom by attaching wooden crates with binder clips. Note: Stash heavier objects on the bottom to stabilize the shelves.
The downfall of some shoe organizers is that you can't see all of your pairs. Avoid that problem completely with a rotating rack.
If you're working with a tight or crowded space, go for a vertical storage solution. The eight-tier organizer is designed to fit one pair of shoes per tier (two if you're storing shoes for your little one).
If you do it well, showing off your shoe collection can elevate your home style. This stylish shoe rack will display up to nine pairs of shoes, plus there are three functional cubbies and additional shelf space ideal for decor.
Hang your shoes with the rest of your clothes in a closet shoe rack that can hold 18 pairs. The transparent design makes it easy to spot any pair quickly.
Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Watch Next
How to Remove Blood Stains from Your Clothes
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies
How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
How to Clean a Mirror
