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The 10 Best Shoe Racks in 2023

Aug 11, 2023

Thanks to these space-saving shoe racks, you can click add to cart on that pair you’ve been eyeing.

Tanya Edwards is an award-winning writer and editor with bylines at The Boston Globe, CNN, Glamour, Yahoo, Allure, Refinery29, Aol, Huffington Post and many more. As a copywriter, she has worked on brand projects for Fresh Direct, Conde Nast, Meredith Publishing, and others.

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Better Homes & Gardens/henry wortock

Whether you’re a sneakerhead, keep a lovely collection of designer shoes, or have shoes piled up everywhere, the best shoe rack of 2022 will most likely solve many problems for you and your family.

When shopping for a shoe rack, "Take inventory of how many shoes you need to store before you purchase, look for durability and something that wipes clean," says professional organizer Jessica Moynihan, Neat Method Boston owner.

Shoe enthusiasts know when it comes to storage, the more options, the merrier, so we’ve tested and gathered a list of the best shoe racks for almost every need. Whether you’re short on space, need something for your entryway or backdoor, or finally want to splurge on something fabulous, we've got you covered.

To find the best shoe racks, we put 31 different styles to the test at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Over the course of two days, we used a pre-determined methodology to evaluate each pick on setup, design, stability, ease of cleaning, capacity, and value. We also took these styles home and tested them for two months to evaluate how they held up.

Target

It's big, roomy, and stylish.

The wheels are convenient but offer less stability.

Overall, the best shoe rack is this Brightroom style, which impressed us at first sight. We found the matte black styling slick and industrial looking, like something you’d see in a studio or workshop. This shoe rack has the kind of good look that owners won't want to tuck into their closets or hide under their beds.

The top of this rack is open, so it's perfect for boots, and the lower sections will comfortably accommodate booties and high-top sneakers. It will easily fit nine pairs of shoes, and if your shoe size is smaller—or you’re buying for a child—we were able to squeeze 12 pairs.

The Brightroom rack is lightweight, and we found it pretty intuitive to assemble. It came with a few parts that were well-marked, along with tools to install them. The smooth metal of this shoe rack made it very easy to clean, with dirt and mud wiping off with a paper towel.

Overall, we found that this rack was fairly sturdy. While testing it at home, we found that the lightweight style stayed in place whether we were vacuuming around it or taking shoes on and off.

Since it's on wheels, you can turn it around and get every spot. Because of the wheels, the rack will move with the wheel locks engaged. However, we shook the rack during testing and nothing fell off.

Price at the time of publish: $70

Product Details: Type: Floor rack | Dimensions: 32 x 24 x 14 inches | Number of shoes: Nine | Materials: Plastic, steel

The Container Store

The compact design is simple but spacious.

You’ll need more than one if you have a lot of shoes.

Simple, well-designed, and well-priced are the three standout features of our pick for the best budget shoe rack, and this white mesh shoe shelf from the Container Store hit all of these marks.

This shoe rack is designed with a compact design that's easy to showcase anywhere. Display it alongside other shoe racks or leave it alone; it will be endlessly versatile. One piece (or shoe rack) holds up to four pairs of shoes on top of it and four more pairs (of flat shoes) underneath the single shelf. It's worth noting that we found larger shoes (like men's shoes) hung over the edges of the shelves.

The rack comes in a single piece when you open the box, so there's nothing to put together. This shoe rack is sturdy, but it did wiggle a bit when we hit it with a vacuum. It didn't tip over, however, and the shoes stayed put.

Overall, this rack was easy to clean. We were able to brush off the larger pieces of dirt and got the rest off with a damp cloth.

We like this shoe rack as a good value with a simple design perfect for tucking in the back of the closet, but keep in mind you’ll need at least two if you have multiple pairs of shoes.

Price at the time of publish: $20

Product Details: Type: Floor rack | Dimensions: 31 x 10 x 8 inches | Number of shoes: Eight | Materials: Steel with epoxy finish

west elm

Bold styling you’d be happy to display.

It doesn't hold a ton of shoes.

For a splurge piece, we looked for the best shoe rack that would look elegant and stylish on display and is not only suited for the back of a closet. We loved this West Elm wooden rack for its classic styling and would definitely put it out in the open in an entryway.

And that's probably where this rack should live, as it accommodates four pairs on the top and bottom, which is about the right size for a busy family coming and going, but not adequate storage for a shoe collector.

The top of the rack holds larger shoes, such as men's shoes or boots, whereas the bottom half fits smaller shoes (like flats or sandals). While testing it at home, however, we felt that you could even use the top shelf for decor if you wanted.

One of the main reasons this is one of the best shoe racks of 2022 is that it comes with all six parts you'll need to assemble. Each piece has clear instructions and is well-labeled (to alleviate the guesswork). Plus, during our testing period, none of the pieces on the rack fell loose (or were lost) when jostled with a vacuum, and the shoes stayed nicely in place. The the rack did rock back and forth, but nothing too concerning.

Additionally, we noticed that this shoe rack was easy to clean. All that was required was a paper towel to wipe it down, and since there weren't a ton of nooks and crannies, dirt wasn't hiding anywhere unseen.

Finally, while this piece is a little bit of a splurge, if you’re in the market for a rack that looks handsome and stylish displayed in a foyer, the West Elm Mid-Century rack is a solid, well-constructed option.

Price at the time of publish: $220

Product Details: Type: Floor rack | Dimensions: 27 x 13 x 16 inches | Number of shoes: Six to eight | Materials: Wood with acorn finish

Wayfair

You’re short on space and need shoe storage.

The slats make it hard to store high heels.

If you’re looking to furnish a smaller space, such as a tiny foyer or bedroom, the best shoe rack is this pick by Rebrilliant. This simple rack won't adjust or have any special features, but we found the construction high quality and stable. The wooden slats are wide and offer lots of shoe storage space.

With only two parts to assemble, the Rebrilliant was intuitive to put together. There was only one type of screw, and it came with a small tool to screw them in. The only difficulty we encountered was the tool wasn't super steady when adding pressure to get the screws flush with the wood.

We were able to fit eight pairs of shoes, including men's boots, on the rack. The space on the bottom of the shoe rack can store flats and smaller shoes. At home, we tested this pick with a larger collection of boots and didn't have any issues storing them.

While the rack is easy to clean with a damp paper towel, we did note that due to the slats, chunks of dirt can fall between them onto the floor. Another downside of slats is that it could be difficult to store high heels.

Price at the time of publish: $42

Product Details: Type: Floor rack | Dimensions: 27.51 x 10.23 x 15.75 inches | Number of shoes: Eight to 10 | Materials: Wood

Amazon

You have a lot of shoes and no place to put them.

This will take up ample space in your home.

With five shelves and space underneath for flats and flip-flops, this simple rack by is every shoe collector's dream. Simple construction and looks make this an ideal choice for a closet, bedroom, or storage to store multiple pairs of shoes.

We were able to get 15 pairs of various shoes comfortably on this shoe rack, using the top shelf as well as the lower shelves. Without the top shelf, it holds 12.

The Vasagle wasn't the easiest shoe rack we put together, with 30 parts (plus screws), but it included the tools needed to assemble, even though it was a bit time-consuming. The shelves themselves (except the top) are canvas slings, which can feel unsteady but are better able to accommodate different shoe styles.

Price at the time of publish: $42

Product Details: Type: Floor rack | Dimensions: 11.8 x 39.4 x 36.4 inches | Number of shoes: Nine to 12 | Materials: Particle board, steel, polyester fabric

Amazon

It features six tiers, so there's plenty of room for multiple pairs of shoes.

It can be difficult to get pairs of heels on and off the rack.

This Yamakazi style is the best shoe rack to consider if you need storage by your entryway. The design features six tiers, and is both tall and narrow, so it won't take up too much space.

We found that assembly was fairly simple although we would have appreciated cleared instructions to help get started. Once put together, however, we appreciated that the rack was lightweight yet was sturdy and held shoes in place when being knocked into with a vacuum.

The rack, which is offered in either black and white, was able to fit 18 pairs of shoes during testing. It's worth noting that it features shelves made of metal bars that are a bit spaced out. Because of this, pairs of heels hang over the edge and can be difficult to get on and off.

Unlike some other styles, this rack features a wooden top that's a great place to store keys, a phone, and other small accessories you may need on your way out. Although it's a bit more expensive than others, we appreciated that the minimalist style would make for a stylish addition to an entryway overall.

Price at the time of publish: $125

Product Details: Type: Floor rack | Dimensions: 9.84 x 25.98 x 34.25 inches | Number of Shoes: 18-21 | Materials: Steel, wood

Amazon

Some of the cubbies are large enough to fit rain or snow boots.

Assembly was a bit difficult.

If you need storage in your mudroom or entryway, you can't go wrong with this Vasagle Shoe Bench. The bench is offered with either 10 or 15 cubbies, and is able to store tall and short pairs of shoes alike.

The instructions called for two people to assemble but we found that one could person could get the job done for the most part. All the parts were labeled clearly and the instructions noted that there was an extra piece included, so there was less confusion. We ran into a few issues due to small screws and lack of pre-drilled holes, however, so it was necessary to use a power screwdriver and apply a lot of extra pressure.

Once assembled, we appreciated that the cubbies were adjustable, making it easy to fit rain and snow boots, as well as flats and other styles.

We found that it's fairly durable as well, and stability was not impacted when it was hit with a vacuum. You can easily wipe this rack clean with a paper towel. We did notice that back was a bit flimsy and moved if a shoe was pushed against it, so you’ll want to mindful that dirt doesn't fall back there.

Price at the time of publish: $96

Product Details: Type: Bench | Dimensions: 40.9 x 11.8 x 18.9 inches | Number of Shoes: 10 | Materials: Particle board, foam

Saks Fifth Avenue

It can hold a large number of shoes but offers very little space to do so.

One of the higher priced racks on our list.

For a small rack, the Open Spaces Entryway Rack easily held more shoes than the packaging advertised, making it the best shoe rack for small spaces.

We were able to fit 12 pairs of different sizes of shoes on the three shelves, including winter/rain boots, men's shoes, and women's shoes. We did step outside the box and utilize the top shelf to hold so many shoes, though you can use that shelf for other items as well.

The rack was easy to put together thanks to clear directions about which bolts to use and an included Allen wrench.

The Open Spaces rack felt very sturdy. When hit with a vacuum (during testing), the shoes did stay in place although the rack moved a few inches. It's also metal, so it is easy to wipe down if any dirt collects.

Besides being great for smaller spaces, this rack could also work as a drop-off spot in an entryway. Use the top shelf as a spot for keys and bags, and the shoe rack becomes useful.

Price at the time of publish: $184

Product Details: Type: Floor rack | Dimensions: 12.5 x 33.8 x 26.1 inches | Number of shoes: Six to nine | Materials: Steel

Amazon

This choice is efficient and offers out-of-sight shoe storage.

You'll find that it is challenging to store booties or larger shoes.

One of the most efficient way to store a large collection of shoes is a behind-the-door rack, like this style by Whitmor. The over-the-door style will hold a lot of shoes out of sight and is one of the best shoe racks to help save space.

We found this rack sturdy and solidly constructed, but the shoes did fall off when we tested it aggressively on the door. Plus, the top rack wouldn't be able to accommodate booties or high tops without hitting the doorframe.

This rack was easy to put together thanks to clear instructions. Because this rack has two parts, each piece must be connected, followed by installing an over-the-door hook.

We found that the Whitmor is easy to clean. We were able to wipe it down with a paper towel and it didn't show any streaks or residue. Overall, we felt that even if you had many dirty pairs of shoes, they would still be easy to clean.

This rack will keep all of your shoes off the floor and at eye level, making it easier to pick out a pair when getting ready. Of note, the distance between the racks isn't adjustable, so this rack really only accommodates shoes – not boots, booties, or high tops.

Price at the time of publish: $40

Product Details: Type: Over the door | Dimensions: 22.5 x 7.5 x 48.75 inches | Number of shoes: 24 | Materials: Plastic

The Container Store

This is a well-priced boot storage option.

It doesn't hold shoes, just boots.

This single, simple piece of boot storage, our pick for the best shoe rack for boots, is a cleverly designed rack designed for tall boots. This natural wooden rack has eight prongs extending from a stand that sits on the floor, and you slide tall boots over the prongs. This storage style will keep tall boots shape a lot better than if they’re bent in half on the floor of your closet.

This freestanding floor rack arrives in one piece, so there's need to worry about assembly. It felt sturdy with four pairs of boots when pushed from side to side but felt slightly wobbly when pushed front to back. It also moved when pushed with a vacuum, and the boots stayed situated.

One note, anyone using this rack may want to clean their boots before storing them. Due to the design of the rack, if you placed dirty boots on it, the dirt or mud might slip off and fall onto the floor. The rack itself is easy to wipe down with a damp towel, but you’d need to sweep the floor nearby if your boots shed any dirt.

This boot rack does what it's supposed to do. It holds four pairs of tall boots, and it does it for a reasonable price.

Price at the time of publish: From $40

Product Details: Type: Floor rack | Dimensions: 37.38 x 9.58 x 19 inches | Number of shoes: Four pairs of boots | Materials: Natural wood with steel fasteners

Shoe storage shouldn't be complicated, but if you’re trying to figure out how to handle your shoes, we’re discovered the best overall shoe rack, Brightroom Rolling Entry Rack Black, which stores multiple types of shoes and looks great doing so. Want something a little extra? Our splurge pick, West Elm Mid-Century Shoe Rack, has mid-century style to spare.

To find the best shoe racks, we put 31 different styles to the test at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Over the course of two days, we used a pre-determined methodology to evaluate each pick on setup, design, stability, ease of cleaning, capacity, and value. We also took these styles home and tested them for two months to evaluate how they held up.

First, we assembled the racks, timing how long it took to get them out of the box, and assembled the shoe rack. We noted if the instructions were clear and if the process was easy (or not).

Next, our testers put different assortments of shoes on each rack. We featured a variety of options, including men's, women's, and children's shoes. In addition to boots and noted how many would fit. We also opted to try different configurations, too.

Some of the racks we tested could be expanded or reconfigured to accommodate more shoes or fit in a smaller space. We tried reconfiguring them, noting the ease and if tools were needed.

We even took out vacuums and bumped into the racks, just like you might do at home. We noted which racks took the abuse well and which showed marks or had any issues. Since we already had the vacuum out, we tried cleaning the racks and observed if the process was easy or difficult.

Finally, we sat on the bench-style shoe racks to make sure they comfortably held a person's weight, slid over the door racks back and forth on doors to see how they held up, and shook closet racks around to make sure they felt sturdy.

There are a myriad of styles of shoe racks, but the basics are floor racks and over-the-door racks. Some floor racks are meant to live in a foyer or entryway as a spot to place shoes when coming inside and some are more appropriate in a closet.

We’re probably stating the obvious here, but before you put your card down on a new shoe rack, you want to make sure it will fit in your space. But what you may not have considered, will it fit your shoes.

"Measure height, width, depth, and more importantly measure your shoes," says Jessica Moynihan, Neat Method Boston owner. "Keep in mind the height between shelving to account for heeled shoes, keep in mind the depth of the shelving for larger shoes, keep in mind the amount of clearance you have if utilizing shoe racks under hanging space, for example: Will tall boots fit?"

One key consideration when shopping for a shoe rack? How many shoes do you expect them to hold? Are you looking for storage for your entire shoe line-up, or are you in the market for a waystation in your mudroom for messy boots? Once you have an idea of how many shoes and what size, you can start shopping.

Most of the shoe racks we tested were made of metal, wood, or plastic. What you select when shopping depends on the reason for the rack. A sturdier material is probably a great choice when shopping for something for a mudroom, while plastic can be easier to clean.

This rack didn't get off to a good start as we struggled with assembly and the lack of included tools. We found the design awkward, with larger shoes hanging on the shelves.

During testing, our main complaint was the quality of the materials (low) versus the price (high). This shoe rack felt flimsy enough that you’d probably have to replace it shortly.

Although this pick was easy to assemble, we needed three people to mount it. It also moved when we closed the closet door, which made us think it might cause damage to the door over time.

This depends on where you need storage, says Moynihan, explaining, "Make space in a closet to avoid clutter by the door or in bedrooms. Everyday shoes can be stored in an entryway closet, and shoes worn less often can be stored in your primary closet."

When they’re not in regular rotation, Moynihan suggests stashing them in shoe boxes so they don't get damaged.

"If you have a larger collection of shoes, we recommend storing them in plastic shoe boxes for maintenance, storing in a shoe box will eliminate dust, scuff marks, etc.," she explains. "To maintain structure, add shoe trees to elongate the lifetime of shoes. If you live in a seasonal area, consider swapping shoes out seasonally to save space in your primary closet."

Use vertical space. Shoe risers to store shoes on top of each other, add a command strip to the bottom to keep them from sliding. To save space horizontally, put the left shoe facing forward, and the right shoe heel forward.

Tanya Edwards is an award-winning writer and editor with bylines at Better Homes & Gardens and other publications. As the new owner of two shoe racks and multiple shoe storage solutions, she brings a passion for footwear storage to this piece.

For this story, Tanya spoke with professional organizer Jessica Moynihan, Neat Method Boston owner, about storage solutions for shoes.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Price at the time of publish: $70 Product Details: Type: Dimensions: Number of shoes: Materials: Price at the time of publish: $20 Product Details: Type: Dimensions: Number of shoes: Materials: Price at the time of publish: $220 Product Details: Type: Dimensions: Number of shoes: Materials: Price at the time of publish: $42 Product Details: Type: Dimensions: Number of shoes: Materials: Price at the time of publish: $42 Product Details: Type: Dimensions: Number of shoes: Materials: Price at the time of publish: $125 Product Details: Type: Dimensions Number of Shoes Materials: Price at the time of publish: $96 Product Details: Type: Dimensions Number of Shoes Materials: Price at the time of publish: $184 Product Details: Type: Dimensions: Number of shoes: Materials: Price at the time of publish: $40 Product Details: Type: Dimensions: Number of shoes: Materials: Price at the time of publish: From $40 Product Details: Type: Dimensions: Number of shoes: Materials: