To help you find the best shoe organizer for decluttering your space, we researched 50+ options before buying and testing 7 top models available today. Our footwear experts spent weeks assessing these products, rating each on their ease of assembly, durability, versatility, maximum capacity, and style. Most of us could use a little more organization in our lives, and shoes often end up strewn across the floor or taking up valuable closet space. So, whether you're simply looking to tidy up the limited space in your apartment, or you're an avid sneaker collector, there's a shoe organizer to accommodate nearly any space, budget, or amount of shoes.
Editor's Note: We updated our shoe organizer review on February 9, 2023, with more information on our scoring process and to include charts for each test metric.
Thanks to its versatility and quality design, the Simple Trending 5-Tier Stackable organizer is our top recommendation. It holds the most shoes of any model we tested and can accommodate nearly every size and style of footwear. It stores three pairs per shelf and another three pairs in the side pockets for a capacity of 15-18 pairs. However, by stacking the thinner shoes together in one side pocket and sliding a few more pairs underneath the bottom shelf, we could fit up to 24 pairs. The metal frame is durable and the canvas fabric of the shelves keeps the unit lightweight and easy to move, even when loaded with shoes. The shelves are deep enough to hold most sizes and the bars on the sides keep smaller shoes from falling out. The shelves can be hung at various levels to better accommodate heels or ankle-height boots, but the only way to fit taller boots anywhere but on top is by removing one of the shelves. Fortunately, even after removing a shelf, this rack can still hold more shoes than most of the standing racks we tested. The removable side pockets provide additional storage and work great for slippers and sandals, but they are also useful for storing gloves, hats, or other items. This rack is stackable, so if you purchase more than one of these shoe organizers, you easily double the storage capacity.
Assembly of the Simple Trending 5-Tiered Shoe Rack is easy for one person and a breeze with two people. Most of the pieces slide together easily, but a Phillips head screwdriver is needed to attach the shelves, which is not provided. The most challenging part of the assembly is attaching the shelves since the fabric has to be stretched to get the rods to line up with the screws. While relatively simple, this rack takes around 30-45 minutes to put together. The fabric shelves look and feel pretty nice, but they're not easy to clean if they get dirty or muddy, as you have to disassemble the entire rack to wash them. Men's shoes sized 11 or larger stick out slightly, but they fit better and more securely on this rack than most of the others we tested. The design is quite versatile — this rack could also be used as a dresser to hold clothes, in the kitchen for cookware, or to store other small items in virtually any room of the house. It's a bit larger than other options, but its greater capacity and versatility makes this our top choice for organizing shoes or tidying up any space.
The Simple Trending rack with its six side pockets is a sleek and stylish design that has the greatest overall capacity.
Versatile: great for toiletries or household items
REASONS TO AVOID
Hooks have potential to damage door/frame
Not the most durable
The Amazon Basics 20-Pocket Over-The-Door is the best of thehanging shoe organizers that we tested, ringing in at a great price, too. Unlike some types of organizers, this model doesn't take up any floor space. For those who live in small apartments or just need help decluttering, this hanging set of pockets can easily help maximize your space. The large pockets grant the ability to store shoes other than just slippers and sandals in a single pocket, as long as they're not too bulky. This product can accommodate up to a men's size 14 or 15 (stored as an individual shoe per pocket). These larger sizes may stick out of the pockets more, but they do fit pretty securely. Even when we opened and closed the door violently, no shoes fell out of this model in our testing. These hanging pockets are also quite versatile and can be a great option for holding shower products and toiletries in a bathroom, providing additional storage in a pantry, or tidying up a kid's room.
The setup for Amazon Basics Door Hanging Shoe Organizer is extremely easy. It comes with a set of three hooks, which attach to the top of a door, and you simply hang the pockets from the hooks. A step stool may be needed to accomplish this, depending on your height, but the entire process of hanging and filling the pockets can be done in about 5 minutes. Once hung, the 20 pockets hold around 10 to 15 pairs, depending on the size and thickness of the shoes. The maximum capacity could go up to 20 pairs for someone who has smaller feet and can fit a pair in each pocket. The materials and construction are of decent quality — the stitching appears strong, making it less likely to rip, and the mesh pockets allow your shoes to air out after a day on your feet. The main downside to this type of organizer is that the hooks can keep your door from being able to fully close. Even though the hooks are flat on top, they require a small gap above the door, and if the gap isn't big enough, they can end up damaging both your door and doorframe. If possible, it's best to hang this type of shoe organizer on a door that's used less frequently, but wherever one chooses to hang this set of pockets, it will surely help with organization and saving valuable floor space at a great price.
With its bigger pockets, the Amazon Basics organizer is great for getting shoes up off of the floor and storing different household items.
Can't fit really tall boots unless you lay them flat
Difficult to move once assembled
These storage cubes from SONGMICS are a set of cubbies that are more display-oriented than the average shoe rack. The cubes are made of semi-flexible plastic framed by metal rods, making them durable and easy to assemble. The directions are clearly outlined, and all of the pieces simply snap together, so one person can handle construction with minimal effort. The slightly translucent walls are easily pushed into the connecting pieces at each corner, and a rubber mallet is included to ensure that each piece is securely in its place. Despite the flexibility of the plastic walls, the metal framing keeps the cubes very stable, and they won't shift or tip over once assembled. The assembly process altogether takes about an hour to complete and fill the cubes with shoes. Each cube measures 8.7"L x 13.8"W x 6.7"H, enabling them to fit most styles and sizes of footwear, although anything larger than men's size 13 may stick out a little bit.
The SONGMICS Cubes are quite versatile, as they can be assembled to fit a range of spaces to store shoes, office supplies, clothes, toys, and more. The durable materials make them easy to clean, and the lack of sharp corners also makes these cubes a great option for kids. Each cube can hold up to 22 lbs, and they can be split into groups to fit smaller spaces or used all together. We recommend assembling them in the space where they will be kept, as the completed structure is somewhat difficult to move. We tested the "translucent white" cubes, but this organizer comes in some other color options. The cubes can also be stacked in different configurations, allowing for some customization and fun shapes. With their innovative design and display-forward look, the SONGMICS cubes are a great option to help with the organization of shoes or other household items.
The SONGMICS cubic organizer is a stable and versatile option that displays all styles of shoes nicely.
Capacity: 20 pairs (1 per stack) | Type: Single pair stack
REASONS TO BUY
Unique and innovative design
Very space efficient
Aesthetic way to display shoes
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't work well with sizes > 10
You need shelves to put these on
The Neprock Shoe Slots feature a unique and innovative design that saves the greatest amount of space of any option we tested. Using the shoe stackers, twice as many shoes will fit on a single shelf, helping to maximize closet space. Each slot is made of two flat plastic plaques, which snap together in a matter of seconds. These shoe stackers have a bumpy tread on them to keep shoes from slipping or falling off. They are also adjustable to four different height levels to fit kid's shoes, flats, dress shoes, sneakers, or even some heels. Once put in place, these stacked shoe slots increase the storage capacity of any space by 50%, making that space better utilized and more pleasing to look at. Their ability to be used as a display also increases their appeal for shoe stores, collectors, or anyone who wants to show off a special pair, but if they're not stacked up against each other on a shelf, they are not as stable.
This model is specifically designed for organizing shoes, so the ability to adjust the height is the extent of their versatility. These shoe slots are rather thin and skinny, so they don't work with all styles or sizes. Our tests showed that high-tops, boots, or sizes bigger than a men's size 10 were too big or too heavy to be supported by these shoe slots. Aside from not accommodating bigger sizes well, the main issue with these shoe stackers is that you need shelf space to arrange them. So, if you don't have a closet with shelves or some kind of rack or cabinet, you wouldn't really be using them to their full potential. Also, the shelves need to be at least 10" deep and 7" tall to fit the lowest height setting, and at least 10" tall for the highest setting (also dependent on how tall the shoe itself is). These shoe slots can help you store a lot of shoes in a smaller area, but make sure that you have shelves that are big enough to accommodate them first. As long as your shoes aren't bigger than a men's size 10 and you have some available shelf space, these shoe stackers can help make all of your shoe organizing dreams come true.
The Neprock Adjustable Shoe Slots stack shoes on top of one another, without them falling over or getting dirty.
The Neprock Adjustable Shoe Stackers allow you to fit twice as many shoes on a shelf than is normally possible.
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Why You Should Trust Us
Our footwear expert spent hours building and testing various standing racks, stackable cubes, door hanging organizers, and display units to determine the most efficient shoe organizers and best model of each category. We researched over 50 shoe organizers, considered 22 potential styles, then purchased 7 of the most popular models to review. We bought each of them at their current retail prices and kept our testing methods objective and consistent across the board in an effort to eliminate bias from the testing process. Each unit was tested with a mix of men's and women's boots, slippers, sandals, and athletic shoes. We also purchased a pair of tennis shoes in a US men's size 13 to test each model's capability to accommodate larger sizes. After all of the research and rigorous testing, we are confident in our recommendations.
Our testing of shoe organizers is divided across five different metrics:
Durability & Stability (25% of overall score weighting)
Ease of Assembly (25% weighting)
Capacity (20% weighting)
Versatility (20% weighting)
Style (10% weighting)
As an avid shoe collector and dedicated "sneakerhead" for more than 20 years, our lead tester Adam Yee owns over one hundred pairs of shoes and has tried nearly every style of shoe organizer available. Over the years, he has lived in numerous apartments and homes of varying sizes, so the organization and storage of shoes have always been an important aspect of maximizing any living space. As sneaker culture grows and collecting shoes becomes more common for people of all ages and genders, there will continue to be new and innovative ways for collectors and general consumers to store and display their shoes. There is no question that our lead expert will continue to keep collecting and needing more storage as his collection grows, so who better to test out shoe organizers?
We tried a range of large, small, narrow, wide, tall, and short shoe sizes and forms with each model tested.
Loading up and getting use out of the Honey-Can-Do model.
Out of the box, there are a lot of pieces to keep track of with the SONGMICS model.
Analysis and Test Results
The best shoe organizers are stable, durable, and can hold a decent amount of shoes so that they can accommodate one's needs. It's also helpful for them to be stylish, versatile, and easy to put together for added convenience. We based our tests on these select attributes and spent hours comparing and contrasting these features to determine the top performers for each style and give you our best recommendations.
Depending on one's needs, there's a shoe organizer to fit almost any space, amount of shoes, and budget.
Credit: Adam Yee
Value
We, like you, want to get the best product for our money. It can be annoying to shell out even small amounts of cash for something that breaks right away or is shoddily constructed. If you're in need of a simple, inexpensive solution for storing your shoes, the Amazon Basics 20-Pocket is an over-the-door option that can store 10-20 pairs of shoes, depending on shoe size and shape. Of the freestanding models, we love the Simple Trending 5-Tier Stackable, a sturdy and durable shoe shelf that in the mid-price range and our favorite rack of the group.
The Amazon Basics Organizer only takes a matter of seconds to hang on a door.
Credit: Adam Yee
Durability & Stability
We tested the stability, durability, and overall quality of construction for each shoe organizer. After assembling each model, we gave them an "earthquake test" to judge construction quality and to see if any shoes would fall off when bumped or shaken. We also test how difficult each one is to move when filled with shoes. It's rare for any model to check all of these boxes, as the more stable shoe racks are usually heavier and therefore harder to move.
Each of the options was given an "earthquake test" to prove its stability and see how securely it holds shoes.
Credit: Amber Kissner
Some models, like the SONGMICS Plastic Cube Organizer, utilize materials that seem somewhat flimsy, but its structure (reinforced by stabilizing metal rods) is very stable and slightly hard to move once assembled.
Some racks, like the Honey-Can-Do Bamboo Shelf, aren't as stable, but passed the "earthquake test" without losing any shoes and could be easily relocated if needed. The Seville Classics Rack is one of the only organizers that was durable, stable, and easy to move.
The SONGMICS Cubes feature an innovative design and a durable, stable construction once assembled.
Credit: Adam Yee
Ease of Assembly
The first metric we considered while building each type of shoe holder was the ease of assembly. We measured this by timing how long the full process of the assembly took, from unboxing to completion. We also evaluated the amount the effort involved by considering the number of steps required, assessed the quality of the provided instructions, and whether or not all of the necessary tools were included. The amount of time and difficulty varied greatly between models.
Some models, like the Amazon Basics Hanging Organizer, can be assembled and ready to start organizing in a couple of minutes. The Seville Classics Rack also has minimal parts and doesn't require any tools, making it very easy to construct by snapping it together. These models can be assembled comfortably by a single person.
With its minimal parts and snap-together design, the Seville Classics Rack is very easy to put together.
Credit: Amber Kissner
Capacity
For anyone with large quantities of shoes to store, capacity will be an important variable. The different options that we tested were capable of holding anywhere from 5 to over 20 pairs of shoes.
Most of the products were listed as having a set capacity in the 10-12 range, but we were able to increase the maximum capacity of most by fitting thinner pairs of shoes into a single pocket or by stacking them on top of each other while on a shelf. While most have room to fit a few more pairs here or there, some of the organizers could only handle a certain number of shoes.
The bigger pockets on the Amazon Basics Over-the-Door Organizer allow it to hold small pairs of shoes in a single pocket, increasing its overall capacity.
Credit: Adam Yee
At 24 pairs, the Simple Trending 5-Tier Stackable Shoe Rack has the highest capacity of all due to its shelves and pockets. However, the Neprock Adjustable Shoe Slots enabled any shelf to double its storing capability, so using these together enabled us to fit much more on the same rack for ultimate space-saving and organization.
On the top two shelves of the Simple Trending Rack, we use the Neprock Shoe Slots, demonstrating how much the capacity of a shelf can be increased by stacking.
Credit: Adam Yee
Versatility
Another metric that varied greatly between different shoe organizers is versatility. We assessed this by trying the different ways each rack could be used and considering what items other than shoes it could hold. Even though they are designed specifically for shoes, we discovered that some of these organizers could be used to store other types of household products.
Some models came with multiple storage options, making them the most versatile. The Simple Trending 5-Tier Stackable Shoe Rack excelled in this area, with its mix of shelves and pockets, which can be arranged and used in many ways to accommodate even large boots and tall heels. This model also holds the greatest number of shoes of all models tested, making it a great option for families or shoe-loving individuals. The door hanging models proved useful in serving double duty, suitable for storing cleaning, art, or toy supplies well in their pockets, not just shoes.
With its mix of shelves and removable side pockets, the Simple Trending 5-Tier Rack can be adjusted to fit taller boots or used to store a wide variety of items in any room of the house.
Credit: Adam Yee
Style
Although the style of each product is a matter of opinion and the most subjective of our metrics, it's still an important aspect for most consumers to consider. We attempted to measure the aesthetic appeal of each shoe organizer objectively, but this metric doesn't carry nearly as much weight as the others due to its inherent subjectivity. Overall, the style is judged on the look and quality of the materials, but we also considered how much room each takes up and how adaptable it would be in different spaces.
With its futuristic look, the SONGMICS Plastic Shoe Cubes was one of the most eye-catching options, and it can be arranged in different configurations. For those looking to show off their stylish shoe collection, this model will display your proud collection quite nicely.
The eye-catching design of the SONGMICS Plastic Cubes is futuristic as well as functional.
Credit: Adam Yee
Another innovative design was the Neprock Adjustable Shoe Slots, which also displays shoes in a unique way. The Honey-Can-Do 3-Tier Shoe Shelf stands out from the pack with its slatted bamboo construction, giving it a more natural look and feel with a touch of island vibes.
With its lightweight and stylish design, the Honey-Can-Do Bamboo Shelf can fit in smaller spaces well and accommodates a decent amount of shoes.
Credit: Adam Yee
Conclusion
Shoes are a necessity of life that can be purely functional, fashionable, or anywhere in between. Keeping them tidy at home can be quite challenging since most of us have more pairs than we really need and continually find reasons to acquire more. With so many options on the market for storing and organizing shoes, we hope that our recommendations gave you the knowledge and insights to help you find the best one for your shoes, space, and budget.
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GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
