6 Best Shoe Organizers for Closets to Keep Each Pair Tidy
Updated: Mar. 13, 2023Order in the closet! Get that pile of shoes under control with our picks for the best shoe organizers for closets.
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It’s an inevitability of modern life—every so often, your closet is going to get a little out of control. While clothes can be hung neatly or folded and tucked into a closet storage system, shoes can be a little more unruly. They accumulate on the floor, get separated from their mates and turn into an ugly pile-up. That’s why shoe organizers for closets are the heroes of a tidy closet.
Before you start shopping, we suggest a few preliminary steps before selecting the best shoes organizers for your closet. Start by sifting through every pair or shoes. Donate what you no longer wear and toss those that have reached the end of their useful life. Here are some ideas for what’s left:
- For shoes that you still love, but don’t wear very often, or for off-season shoes, consider keeping them in an under-bed storage bin, which are smart for small bedrooms.
- Winter boots, ski boots and heavy hiking shoes can go in basement storage bins.
- For shoes you wear almost every day, consider a handy entryway shoe storage bench.
For everything that remains in your closets, check out our picks for the best shoe organizers for closets and conquer shoe clutter once and for all!
Best Overall Shoe Organizer for Closets
Simple Houseware Six-Tier Shoe Rack
Nearly any type of shoe will fit on this six-tier shoe organizer from Simple Houseware. The shelf-style unit holds about 24 to 28 pairs of shoes—more if you count the side pockets for slippers and flip-flops. Each fabric shelf can hold up to 30 pounds, and it’s available in three colors.
Pros
- Sturdy fabric is breathable, removable and washable
- Panels can be removed for taller shoes
- Only 11 inches deep, so suitable for most closets
- Available in gray, white and bronze colors
Cons
- Assembly is required
Best Budget Shoe Organizer for Closets
Java Fabric Over-Door Shoe Organizer
If your twin objectives are to organize your closet and save money, look no further than this simple hanging shoe organizer, which holds 12 pairs of shoes and is available at a bargain price. It’s a space-saver for sure, as it doesn’t take up any room on the floor. The clear pockets make it easy to locate the pair of your choice, and your purchase includes the hooks you need to hang it over your closet door quickly.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly price
- Features 24 clear pockets
- Lightweight fabric construction
- Doesn’t take up floor space
Cons
- Pockets won’t fit boots and larger shoes
Best Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer for Closets
Brightroom Over-the-Door Mesh Shoe Organizer
With a slim profile and plenty of length, this over-the-door shoe organizer holds up to 13 pairs of shoes—more if you double them up—and truly maximizes space. The 26 pockets were designed to hold one shoe each, which is ideal if you have special pairs that you don’t want to risk rubbing together. We like that the mesh liner allows you to see your shoes while keeping them dust-free.
Pros
- Only weighs 3 pounds, but holds up to 25 pounds
- Roomy compartments accommodate larger shoes
- Includes a bonus shelf on top for accessories
- Doesn’t take up floor space
Cons
- Might not work on the inside of certain doors
Best Adjustable Shoe Organizer for Closets
Yamazaki Home Adjustable Shoe Rack
We appreciate the simplicity and flexibility of this adjustable shoe rack, which expands from 16.1 inches to 27.6 inches, depending on your needs and space. Two of these shoe organizers for closets can be stacked on top of each other, and your purchase includes metal clips in case you decide to add that extra rack down the line. This organizer allows you to stack shoes on the rack, as well as underneath on the floor. For such a simple option, it provides solid storage by keeping six to eight pairs together.
Pros
- Expands an extra 11.5 inches
- Has a simple, streamlined design
- Two can be stacked on top of each other
Cons
- Not super-sturdy
Best Hanging Shoe Organizer for Closets
Rebrilliant Creline Hanging Shoe Organizer
When bifold or sliding closet doors rule out back-of-door storage, a rod hanging organizer is a smart alternative. This 10-pair shoe organizer is solidly constructed with a resistant fabric body and cedar panel inserts. It hands from your closet rod, so you won’t have to give up any of that precious floor space. If you’re looking for a quick solution—that doesn’t require assembly!—consider this a no-brainer purchase.
Pros
- Works with rod and wire closets
- Made with solid wood for stability
- Features 10 pockets
- No assembly required
Cons
- On the pricey side
Best Extra-Large Shoe Organizer for Closets
Songmics 12-Tier Shoe Rack
If you have a Carrie Bradshaw-level shoe collection or share a walk-in closet with a partner, you probably need space for a lot of shoes. This extra-large shoe organizer has 12 shelves and holds up to 60 pairs of shoes—or more if you stack flat shoes, like sandals and slippers. It is solidly constructed with metal steel, and can be put together in just 15 minutes. Each shelf holds up to 40 pounds, so your heavy snow boots are no match for this shoe organizer for closets.
Pros
- Holds up to 60 pairs of shoes
- Has adjustable shelves for tall boots
- Shelves can be fixed horizontally or at an angle
- Includes an anti-tipping kit
Cons
- On the pricey side
What to Consider When Buying Shoe Organizers for Closets
Once you’ve done some spring cleaning of your shoe collection, you should have a rough idea of how many shoes you need to accommodate. From there, think about where do you want to put it—or rather, where can you put it? This will help you determine the type of shoe organizer you need. Make sure to measure the space before you buy. If you’re looking at a back-of-the-door organizer or a tall shoe organizer, check the dimensions first and make sure it will fit the closet before you purchase.
Types of Shoe Organizers for Closets
Shoe organizers for closets come in a few different configurations. Here are the most common:
- Shelf-style organizers: Most shelf-style organizers are two- or three-tier shelves that sit on the closet floor, though taller models are available. They are a simple solution and don’t eat up any space that would otherwise be used for clothing. Taller shelving units can hold dozens of pairs of shoes, but they take up a lot of wall space in the closet.
- Hanging organizers: Usually made of canvas-type cloth with a rigid material to add some heft, hanging organizers are suspended from the closet rod. They get shoes off the ground and within easy reach, but they use up clothes-hanging space.
- Over-the-door organizers: Made to hang on the back of a door, over-the-door organizers are appealing in that they get shoes off the ground without taking up space in the closet. However, they can be kind of clumsy on a door, and may interfere with closure on doors that open outwards.
- Box-style organizers: These are typically plastic boxes that can be stacked. Each box holds a single pair of shoes. They’re a neat way to keep shoes in sight, but they can be flimsy, especially if stacked too high.
How We Found the Best Shoe Organizers for Closets
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What is the best way to store shoes in a closet?
The “best” way to store shoes in a closet depends on your particular closet configuration and how much space you have to work with. A storage system that keeps shoes separate, orderly and within easy reach is a winning solution. When possible, keeping shoes off the floor makes it easier to clean the floor.
Is it better to keep shoes in boxes or out?
Shoes that are infrequently worn, like a special pair of fancy high heels, for example, can be stored in their original box. But once you start wearing a pair of shoes regularly, a cardboard box isn’t the best storage solution, as it prevents the shoes from airing out.
Can mold grow on shoes in the closet?
Shoes that get wet and aren’t dried properly before being tucked into the closet can form mold, especially if they’re put in a closed box. But generally speaking, mold won’t grow on shoes in a closet unless there’s a moisture problem in that area—and that’s a sign of a bigger issue that requires mold remediation.
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