One of the most common places people store their shoes and boots is under everything else in the closet—lining them up along the floor beneath hanging clothes.
It might seem like a smart use of space, but it’s actually one of the least efficient ways to store footwear.
Why Shoes Don’t Belong on the Closet Floor
People often place shoes on the floor beneath the area where you can hang clothes. While it might seem like a logical spot, this area is actually one of the worst places to store footwear.
- They get lost and buried. Shoes often get kicked back under hanging clothes, forcing you to kneel and dig them out.
- They’re hard to see. Tucked into the shadows on the floor, shoes can easily be forgotten or overlooked.
- You lose perspective. When shoes line the closet’s bottom perimeter, it’s impossible to get a clear view of your full collection.
Instead, opt for shelving or small cubbies. Check out the photo on the left to see a closet we designed with shoe storage in mind.
The Better Approach: Go Vertical
The easiest way to solve these problems is to store shoes on dedicated shelving in their own section of the closet. Going vertical not only saves floor space but also makes your shoes easier to see and grab.
If you must store some pairs on the floor, use clear acrylic shoe boxes with large-print labels so you can quickly identify what’s inside. Reserve this spot for shoes you wear less often.
Why Shelving Works Best
- Better visibility – At waist height, you can scan your collection at a glance without bending or squatting.
- Easier organization – Shelving makes it simple to group shoes by style, season, or frequency of use.
- Enhanced style – Display shelves showcase shoes (and handbags) beautifully, turning them into part of your closet’s décor. For designer or collectible pieces, this can be a real statement.
Shoe Storage Options in a Custom Closet
With a professionally designed and installed closet system, you have plenty of storage possibilities:
- Slanted shoe shelves with toe guards
- Standard flat shelving with closer spacing
- Pull-out shelves
- Individual shoe cubbies
- Wall-mounted racks
- Behind-the-door organizers
- Closed cabinets
- Drawers
- Storage inside a bench (best for less-worn shoes)
- Illuminated cabinets with glass doors for a luxury touch
Getting shoes off the floor isn’t just about making space—it’s about creating a closet that works for you.
The right shoe storage keeps your collection organized, easy to access, and beautifully displayed. With My Custom Closet, we can design a system that showcases your shoes while keeping your closet functional and clutter-free.
Ready to start designing your dream closet? Contact our team to schedule a free consultation.
