Keep your footwear from piling up with these easy garage shoe storage solutions
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Keep your footwear from piling up with these easy garage shoe storage solutions
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
This shoe organization cabinet features a contemporary design with a charcoal gray finish and silver hardware that complements just about any style. And for extra garage storage needs, pair two cabinets side by side for a more streamlined aesthetic. Although one cabinet can accommodate 15 pairs of shoes, larger shoes might need to be turned sideways, so choose this option for a smaller shoe collection or even children’s footwear.
This sleek chest-style cabinet has three pull-out compartments, each holding four to six pairs of shoes for a total of 18 pairs. Each enclosure also allows for ventilation, so you can store your shoes without mold growth or odors. This unit also comes with an adjustable and removable middle shelf in each drawer to accommodate larger shoes.
If you don’t need the full storage capacity of built-ins or ceiling-high cabinets, this pegboard storage solution by Wall Control may be your best bet. Pegboards are one of the most handy and flexible organization solutions to use in a garage space. Since you can rearrange each peg, the layout possibilities are endless. You can even plug in shelves, baskets and hooks to store different types of footwear—from trainers to boots and heels. The best part is that pegboards are flat, so you can choose any empty wall in your garage and utilize that precious vertical space.
You’ll only need 27 inches of space to install this storage solution, which can hold up to 52 pairs of shoes, including sneakers, boots and heels. The shoe wall also features smooth-gliding shoe racks with integrated wheels and built-in stops. And since your shoes will sit on ventilated shelves, you don’t have to worry about unpleasant odors forming. This product is part of the Elfa collection, which offers supplemental garage organizers that run the gamut from bike racks and white drawers to shelf baskets and utility round cord hooks. Install multiple units side by side or search for larger sizes, like this four-foot shoe wall iteration.
Achieve the built-in look at a fraction of the cost by purchasing pre-made cabinet sets or modular systems made from plastic or metal. This steel shoe storage for the garage can serve several benefits because the entire unit looks cohesive and is large enough to also stow many of your garage essentials. It even comes with a rolling tool cabinet and lockable doors and drawers.
Our Senior Shopping Editor tried it herself and was impressed with the storage and weight capacity of these cabinets, as well as how well-packaged they were—not a nick on them during shipping! Plus, there are eight color combinations (with powder-coated paint finishes) to get the look just right.
This garage cabinet may not be the prettiest product of our organizing bunch, but its straightforward design and functionality make it a top contender on our list. The chocolate brown hue etched with a polka dot and striped motif works well in a garage setting, blending into its backdrop. Bonus points: Because it can safely hold up to 200 pounds, you can use it to store heavier items, too. Plus, this cabinet is part of Suncast Commerical’s collection, making it easy to mix and match different pieces for a full look—and more storage.
With plastic construction, this piece will resist dents and rust, so it’s virtually maintenance-free—simply wipe down any dirt or debris your shoes may bring in. This garage shoe storage idea works especially well for sports players who need to store messy cleats or gear.
If you’re someone who’s looking for a simple way to stow sandals, boots or shoes that only get seasonal/occasional use, this braided seagrass storage basket gives your garage a dose of warmth and style while keeping your shoes out of sight. Seagrass can get moldy if left wet or damp for a long time, so be sure to give it some direct sun to dry it out every once in a while.
Store your shoes—as well as your garage gadgets and gizmos—with these powder-coated steel baskets, which come in small, medium and large sizes. These baskets also have handles for easy pick-up, and their muted, wire-grid design makes them an adaptable accessory for any spot in the house. I especially love this type of storage solution because your shoes will still peak through its grid (so you can spot them quickly) without being too showy. Choose these powder-coated steel baskets for storing dry footwear to prevent any rusty situations.
This convenient shoe rack system is lightweight, easy to assemble and doesn’t require any special tools. Each compartment features a non-woven fabric cover, so it’s breathable and moisture-proof, making cleaning a breeze. Its roll-up cover will also keep your shoes out of sight. This shoe organization rack should hold up well thanks to its wear-resistant steel pipes and plastic connectors. And because each shelf is about seven inches tall, it accommodates different types of shoes ranging from casual wear to high heels.
As garage storage of any kind, let alone shoes, is not a one-size-fits-all situation, I started my search by finding various styles and options. Then, I narrowed them down by paying close attention to their build and material quality, versatility, durability, compatibility with various shoe types and more. Finally, I considered user testimonials and customer reviews to ensure only the most exceptional garage shoe storage containers were included in this list.
I have over five years of expertise in interior design, decorating and home improvement spaces, and I have concentrated that expertise into a successful career writing for Family Handyman. I’m presently working as a residential interior designer in Macon, Georgia, further adding to my expertise in this particular realm. My writing has also been featured in other reputable publications, such as Better Homes & Gardens, MyDomaine and Atlanta Magazine (among others).
Count the number of shoes you have and list each type. This is key because rain boots or gardening shoes will require more space than sandals, for example. As you gather this information, also consider purging any shoes you no longer wear.
Next, measure and map out your garage. You’ll want your storage to be accessible, organized (so you can spot just the pair when you need it) and dirt-containing. Once you finalize your space’s layout, double-check your organization product’s dimensions to ensure the proper placement.
If you have multiple people in your household, try to give every person a section of your unit or provide a whole unit per person. If you’re opting for shared cabinets, consider labeling each shelf with the person’s name.
Because most garages are not temperature-controlled, choose the shoe storage solution that suits your shoes’ materials. For example, high heat could melt shoes with glue. Humidity and moisture can also warp shoes and cause bacteria and odors. No matter which shoe organization system you choose, be sure that it has proper ventilation—either through slatted doors, ventilated shelves or breathable fabrics.
This depends on your preferences and aesthetic goals. However, it may be best to prioritize your high-end pairs in individual boxes to keep them in good condition, while beach sandals, for example, can be left out in the open.
First and foremost, it’s a good idea not to hide away any footwear that has moisture in it, as that’s a fast track to cultivating bacteria. But it’s also a good idea to keep them in a well-ventilated space and keep them regularly clean, and you can even use silica packs to absorb any remaining and/or ambient moisture.