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The 8 Best Shoe Racks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our favorites combine form and function (like your shoes!)

Shoe racks we recommend displayed with pairs of shoes on floor, rug, and door

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

There's no true one-size-fits-all for shoe storage, just as there's no true one-size-fits-all for shoes themselves. But if our firsthand testing tells us anything, it's that there are some key components and features you can look for to ensure you're getting a shoe rack that'll meet your needs. Whether that includes lots of room for tall boots, compact cubbies for kids' shoes, or versatile storage that can accommodate shoes of all shapes and sizes, we have a recommendation for you, thanks to our rigorous testing in The Lab and in our own homes.

We evaluated nearly 30 different shoe organizers and storage options, assessing each shoe rack's capacity, setup, design, stability, ease of cleaning, and value. We also took notes about other helpful features, as well as any potential drawbacks, that affected our impressions and the rack's performance. Our favorite shoe racks showed up for not just a few hours; they showed they could walk the walk for six months or more, helping us keep our footwear tidy across the country.

Editor’s Note: This review was revised in March 2024 to include updated buying considerations for all eight of our top picks.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Open Spaces Entryway Rack

Open Spaces Entryway Rack

Saks Fifth Avenue

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Stability
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
What We Like
  • Ample storage

  • Very sturdy, durable design

  • Simple assembly and maintenance

  • Handle makes it easy to move if needed

What We Don't Like
  • Pricier than other picks

With its contemporary aesthetic, spacious shelves, and durability, the Open Spaces Entryway Rack stood apart from the rest during our tests. We were pleasantly surprised that, while the brand suggests placing six to nine shoes on this rack, we managed to fit 12 pairs comfortably. So, whether you're partial to platform sandals or hiking boots, they'll all stay neatly organized on this three-shelf unit.

In our tests, this shoe rack appeared to be very durable and nicely made, and we weren't nervous that it would fall apart at all. We even hit it with a vacuum, and none of the shoes seemed like they were in danger of falling off. Each shelf is strong enough to hold up to 22 pounds at one time. Notably, there's almost 8 inches of space between shelves, as well, so you can easily fit most shoes, sandals, wedges, and small heels.

There's a bit of assembly required, though the setup process was very quick and user-friendly. The model's durable metal construction makes this freestanding shelf system incredibly sturdy, too, so you'll be able to enjoy it throughout multiple seasons. It's also equipped with a built-in handle, which you'll find helpful if you need to relocate the shoe rack from one room to another.

This shoe rack is pricey, but if you have the budget for it, we think you'll be pleased with the high-quality construction. Even after six months, the high quality and sleek appearance didn't change at all; it's super simple to wipe clean when smudges appear, too. We can see it being a lovely and helpful addition to any entryway, closet, living room, or bedroom, especially since it's available in multiple colors.

Capacity: 6 to 9 pairs listed, 12 pairs tested | Dimensions: 33.8 x 12.5 x 26.1 inches | Weight: 28.4 pounds | Material: Steel | Color: Black, dark green, navy, cream, light blue, light pink | Assembly Required: Yes

Best Large

Vasagle 5-Tier Shoe Rack

Vasagle 5-Tier Shoe Rack

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Stability
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
What We Like
  • Sturdy compared to similar models

  • Large capacity

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t accommodate larger shoes without gaps

  • Unclear instructions

A narrow shoe organizer that also earns accolades for being spacious may sound like an oxymoron, but in the case of this Vasagle shoe rack, it's a reality, too. We were able to store 15 pairs of shoes on this rack without any issues, making it an excellent option for large shoe collections.

Tip from The Lab

With almost every shoe rack we recommend, our tested capacity of shoes, or the number of pairs we could fit on the rack, was higher than the listed capacity that each rack came with, noted by the manufacturer. The amount of shoes you can store will ultimately come down to the sizes and styles of the shoes you own and whether you're comfortable stacking shoes on top of one another to create extra space.

This rack is a breeze to take care of, too. We had no problem wiping up messes from the top faux-wood shelf with a paper towel in our lab testing. While the shelves below are made with a canvas-like material, we found that they also cleaned up quickly—and we suspect that the dark-colored material makes it simpler to hide or remove smudges.

Large shoes do tend to hang over the front or back edge a bit, but the fabric shelves are taut, making the piece very effective at what it does. Putting this shelf together also requires some effort. With over 30 parts, setup took a bit of time, and the instructions were only so-so. Once you have this five-tier rack built, though, we think you'll appreciate it as much as we did.

Capacity: 12 to 16 pairs listed, 20 pairs tested | Dimensions: 11.8 x 29.5 x 35.8 inches | Weight: 10.8 pounds | Material: Steel, polyester fabric, particleboard | Color: Rustic brown and black, rustic brown and bronze | Assembly Required: Yes

Best for Small Spaces

The Container Store Stackable Shoe Shelf

The Container Store White Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf

The Container Store

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Design
    3/5
  • Stability
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Capacity
    3/5
What We Like
  • Stackable design

  • Sturdy construction

  • Comes fully assembled

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t accommodate larger shoes like boots

  • Shelves are not adjustable

Like it says in the name, The Container Store White Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf is indeed stackable, so it leaves you with room to grow your shoe collection. Each rack features metal, mesh shelves, which comfortably fit four pairs of shoes, while the floor space carved out by the design adds room for an additional four pairs. Even if it's in a high-traffic area, you can count on this shoe rack to be sturdy. No shoes fell off or tipped over when we hit the rack with a vacuum during testing.

It also arrives fully assembled, so all you need to do is set it in place—or stack it, if you're setting up more than one. If you're looking to store a whole shoe collection, be mindful that you have 7.5 inches between the shelves, and they're not adjustable, so only the top level will hold boots or other tall shoes. Still, a clean, crisp design and lower price tag make this piece worth adding to your cart.

Capacity: 3 to 4 pairs listed, 8 pairs tested (including floor space) | Dimensions: 31 x 10 x 8 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Steel mesh, epoxy | Color: White | Assembly Required: No

Best Budget

Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Rack

Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Rack

Wayfair

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Capacity
    4/5
What We Like
  • Bamboo material

  • Easy assembly

  • Sturdy design

What We Don't Like
  • Heels could slip through the slats

  • Relatively small

If you’re looking for a basic, budget-friendly rack that's comparable to much more expensive choices, consider the Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Rack. While putting it through its paces in the testing lab, we found it to be a great basic rack, and an especially solid option for low-profile shoes like sneakers and flats.

The materials and the construction of the rack make it feel very stable, and this rack didn't wobble much or shake when we hit it with a vacuum. It's made of bamboo and has a natural finish that'd blend nicely with most decor styles and color schemes. The shelves are designed with slats, so it's lightweight and airy, as well. It even promises to be moisture-resistant, a bonus for shoes damp from rain or snow. The slats do mean that it might not be ideal for heels though, since they could slip through and your shoes could end up at awkward angles.

Setup entails just putting two parts together. We didn't need any instructions for assembly, based on the simple design. At such a modest price, you might consider purchasing more than one shoe rack to organize any stashes of sneakers, slippers, and more footwear around your home. Since it's relatively small, purchasing multiples could be a good solution for those with larger shoe collections.

Although we wish this shoe rack offered a bit more height between the shelves to accommodate taller shoes like boots, we're generally very pleased with its performance. We even moved apartments, and it did just fine with the transition and travel. Overall, you can't go wrong with this shoe rack if you're looking for a simple, yet reliable, design on a budget.

Capacity: 8 pairs listed, 7 to 8 pairs tested | Dimensions: 15.8 x 27.5 x 10.2 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Material: Bamboo | Color: Natural | Assembly Required: Yes

Best for Entryway

West Elm Mid-Century Shoe Rack

West Elm Mid-Century Shoe Rack

West Elm

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Stability
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Capacity
    3.5/5
What We Like
  • Made of solid wood

  • Made in a Fair Trade-certified facility

  • Stylish design is great for entryway

What We Don't Like
  • Only holds six to eight pairs of adult shoes

  • Rocks back and forth a bit

If you're searching for an attractive shoe rack that you'll appreciate every time you step into your home, then look no further than this West Elm Mid-Century Shoe Rack. It sailed through our tests, and we came away feeling like we'd purchase this piece for ourselves—even with the higher price tag and the lower capacity. It was that good.

Along with the chic design, we were pleased with the setup, ease of cleaning, and stability. Nothing fell off when we jostled the shoe rack, and all the shoes stayed in place when we bumped the rack with our vacuum. Now, to be clear, the shoe rack itself did rock back and forth a bit, because the legs didn't 100 percent line up. While this may seem like a caveat to this rack, our take is that, since the rack consists of just two shelves and is low to the ground, it's a non-issue. With such a strong performance in other categories and stylish design, it remains a standout choice.

Notably, the piece is also made of solid wood and manufactured in a Fair Trade-certified facility. All in all, we think that for the quality of the piece, it's offered at a fair price, and we could see it being displayed in an entryway with pride.

Capacity: No capacity listed, 8 to 12 pairs tested (including floor space) | Dimensions: 27 x 13 x 16 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Wood | Color: Natural wood, acorn finish | Assembly Required: Yes

Best for College Dorm

Simple Trending Stackable Shoe Organizer

Simple Trending 2-Tier Stackable Shoe Rack

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    3.5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Stability
    3.5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Capacity
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Easy to clean

  • Large capacity for its size

  • Stackable design

What We Don't Like
  • Not as stable as other options

When you’re storing shoes and decorating in a dorm, something small and efficient is going to do the trick. The Simple Trending 2-Tier Stackable Shoe Rack is just that. We appreciated its basic design, and in particular, its durability and easy setup process. Even with its super modest design, it still holds up to nine pair of shoes, and since it's stackable, you can always add a second to expand your storage space,

The smooth metal makes it easy to clean, and because the shelves are solid, you don't have to worry about heels getting lodged in between gaps. Plus, the shoes did not move, even when we knocked the rack. All in all, if straightforward and budget-friendly are what you're after in a shoe rack, this is a good choice for you.

Capacity: 6 to 9 pairs, 12 pairs tested (including floor space) | Dimensions: 11.5 x 26.8 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 2.29 pounds | Material: Metal | Color: Black | Assembly Required: Yes

Best for Boots

The Container Store Natural Boot Rack

The Container Store 4-Pair Natural Boot Rack

The Container Store

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Stability
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    3/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
What We Like
  • Helps boots keep their shape

  • Compatible with hanging items in your closet

  • Easy to tuck away when not in use

What We Don't Like
  • Dirt and debris can fall through

  • Not as versatile as other options

If you're looking for a way to store boots and only boots, this 4-Pair Boot Rack from The Container Store is ideal. The rack was able to accommodate four pairs of tall boots easily, and since they're inverted as they're stored, boots keep their shape. Although the shape and style is less versatile than those of other racks in our roundup that double as shelving, this design nails its true purpose of boot storage.

Just know that if you're using the rack with muddy or dirty boots, the area around it may require extra sweeping and cleaning, since the rack's shape won't catch much dirt or debris. We were okay with this though, and don't see it as a deal-breaker. This rack also comes fully assembled and is sized to slide under hanging or longer clothes in your closet for added convenience, or you can fold it down when it's not in use.

Capacity: 4 pairs listed | Dimensions: 37.38 x 9.63 x 19 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Natural wood, steel fasteners | Color: Natural | Assembly Required: No

A person vacuuming around the The Container Store 4-Pair Natural Boot Rack

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

Best Bench

Vasagle Shoe Bench

Vasagle Shoe Bench

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    3/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Stability
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4.5/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
What We Like
  • Looks like an actual piece of furniture

  • Doubles as a place to sit

  • Can store decor as well

What We Don't Like
  • More involved assembly process

  • Back piece felt a bit flimsy

If you're looking for one of the best shoe storage benches on the market, the Vasagle Shoe Bench is our top pick. The padded bench is the perfect place to sit to put on or take off your footwear after a trek outside. The shoe rack also has two rows of open shelves, where you can place up to 10 pairs of adult shoes (or more, if they're kid shoes). During testing, we found that this bench really does have it all for a busy household: a comfy bench for perching and adjustable cubbies for shoes of various sizes. Ultimately, we'd be happy to add this piece to our entryway or to a busy mudroom.

The bench is more sophisticated than your average shoe storage solution. It looks more like a piece of furniture rather than an organizational product, because it’s crafted from solid and manufactured wood. It's also fairly stable—we only noted that the back piece felt a bit flimsy, and the bench rocked slightly with our movement. Still, we think this bench is a good product at a good price. It comes in three color pairings, too.

Capacity: 10 pairs listed, 20 pairs tested | Dimensions: 40.9 x 11.8 x 18.9 inches | Weight: 35.4 pounds | Material: Particleboard, foam, cotton-linen fabric | Color: White and gray, espresso and brown, rustic brown and brown | Assembly Required: Yes

Final Verdict

The best shoe rack is the Open Spaces Entryway Rack, because its design is versatile and durable, and it can work in a variety of spaces. For a budget-friendly solution, consider the Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Rack. It holds eight pair of shoes and is stackable, giving you the ability to add to it as needed.

People testing shoe racks in the lab

Henry Wortock

How We Tested the Shoe Racks

We purchased 30 shoe racks and tested them side by side at The Lab. The testing process included:

  • The setup of each rack, where we followed the instructions and built each piece with a timer running, to get a sense of the length and difficulty of the process.
  • Just as we would do in our homes, a collection of shoes was placed on each rack to test its capacity. Shoes came from all different categories (sneakers, boots, and more) and sizes (men's, women's, and kid's). Any adjustable components were tried at each modification point, too.
  • Once the shoe rack was loaded, we considered its stability. We nudged it with a medium amount of force and also bumped it with a vacuum to mimic your weekend cleaning sessions.
  • The rack's ease of cleaning was also considered when we sprinkled damp soil on it and then wiped it clean to see how it held up.
  • We also considered the rack's design, as well as the overall value, taking our entire experience into consideration for the latter to decide if it was worth the price it was listed at.
  • We also used our favorite shoe racks from lab testing in our homes across the country for six months to determine how they held up with regular use.

What to Look for in a Shoe Rack

Organization Options

While the styles and designs can vary, most shoe racks consist of either a shelf or a compartment system with designated space specifically for—you guessed it—shoes. Both options can be great solutions, and deciding between them comes down to preference and your household's individual needs. Do you mind tossing your shoes all together or do you like them separated? Do you want all your shoes to be displayed or tucked away?

Other features can factor into the decision, too. For example, the White Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf from The Container Store is stackable and lets you expand on your vertical storage space, while the 4-Pair Boot Rack, also from The Container Store, has dowels to accommodate tall, inverted boots. Both of these racks proved to work well in our testing. Next, you decide what will work well for you, your home's aesthetic, and your shoe collection.

Shoe Storage Tip

If you have a large collection of shoes, we recommend rotating your most-worn shoes by season. Try keeping your in-season pairs on the rack for easy access and stowing off-season options in a plastic storage bin.

Material and Color

The material and color of your shoe rack are the main contributing factors to its appearance, so your personal taste will likely be a big influence on your decision. The material can also be a significant factor for the overall durability of your rack. Shoe racks made of metal and wood can be sturdy and easy to maintain, while lighter-weight materials and fabrics can be less hardy, but still attractive and sometimes even less pricey.

If you're making an effort to add more eco-friendly products into your life, you'll be happy to know that you'll find lots of options when you're shopping for shoe racks. Bamboo, a renewable material that grows super-quickly, is found in a variety of shoe racks, including our best budget pick, the Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Rack. Not only is bamboo good for the environment, it's also attractive and often moderately priced.

Assembly and Setup

Most shoe storage solutions require some assembly. We rated assembly and instruction details for the racks we tested to help you factor that in. While the majority seemed to suit most skill levels, be sure to double-check the requirements before making your final purchase, so you won't find yourself with a project that you're not comfortable completing. In that case, don't hesitate to loop in a trusted friend or call on a pro to support you.

While the majority of shoe racks are stationery pieces, the ability to move them can certainly come in handy. For anyone who likes to rearrange their furniture and adjust their organization system regularly, or even for people who anticipate a move in the near future, wheels and handles can make things so much smoother. As always, be sure to double-check weight limits, and be careful carrying heavy loads.

FAQ
  • How can you maximize your shoe storage?

    To maximize your shoe storage, consider an item that is adjustable or just really works for your living space and collection. Ashley Murphy, co-founder of NEAT Method, notes, “You can also implement a stacking shoe rack, so you can store as many shoes as possible.” We loved this feature in the White Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf from The Container Store.

    Don’t forget about shelves on the top of your closet, which are a great place to store out-of-season or rarely worn items, she adds. Making use of this space can free up space on your shoe rack, as well.

  • How do you store shoes after use?

    The key to keeping your shoes in great condition is to take care of them after each use. ”Wipe off any dirt or dust with a cleaning solution appropriate for the shoe material, and use shoe shapers for dress shoes and boots to maintain their form,” says Murphy. If your shoes have accumulated any moisture, "be sure to let them dry out completely before putting them away, to avoid potential mildew," she adds.

    Of course, messes happen, which is why we tested the ease of cleaning each shoe rack. If you expect to track in a lot of dirt and mud, opt for a pick that's easier to wipe clean with a damp cloth and doesn't allow for mud to slip onto the area below. If you're worried about the longevity of your shoes, consider a pick that keeps them secure or helps them keep their shape. We love The Container Store's Natural Boot Rack for this reason—it helps boots stay nice and upright rather than folded over.

  • Should shoe racks be opened or closed?

    You might be sensing a trend that many of the choices presented come down to personal preference, and the question of an open versus closed rack is no exception.

    While simple to use, an open shoe rack means that shoes are on display—yep, even the dirty ones, but they're easily accessible, too. On the other hand, closed racks keep shoes (and potential odors) behind doors or in drawers, but they pose an extra step to put them away or retrieve them. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but know that if you're looking to limit you (and your guests') exposure to your shoe collection for any reason, a closed rack will be your best bet.

A person placing a pair of shoes on a hanging shoe rack

Henry Wortock

Why Trust The Spruce?

Dena Ogden is an associate editor for The Spruce who’s been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022. She's written about everything from baskets and bins to carpet shampoos and robot vacuums. For this piece, she reviewed and assessed the detailed responses from our shoe rack testing, where we got our hands dirty by setting up and testing nearly 30 different shoe racks in The Lab. Ogden currently uses a hall tree and cube system to manage her family's shoes.

Our Experts: