Shoe Racks Blog

Cool Shoe Tool of the Week:  Shoe Pops, An Inexpensive Fix for Crinkled and Wrinkled Shoes!

Shoe Pops!  That’s right, just like a Popsicle for your shoe!  Well, not exactly like a Popsicle (can you imagine what would happen if you put a frozen Popsicle in your shoe – just ask my son!).  Shoe pops are kind of like shoe stretchers, but without the stretching part.  They are great for keeping your shoes shapely, and wrinkle free, but they won’t stretch them.  They are very inexpensive, compared to shoe stretchers, and are usually sold in sets so that you can protect a few pairs at once.  They work great in high heels, sandals, pumps, you name it!  If you have expensive shoes that you plan on using for many years, this is an important investment.  Shoes, especially natural material shoes, like leather, suede, and, to a certain extent, plastics and vinyls, have a tendency to deteriorate when you are not wearing them. 

When your foot is in a shoe, it keeps everything filled out, so there is no sagging which inevitably leads to crushing, creasing and wrinkling.  And if you have experienced this before, then you know that once you have wrinkled leather, there is no going back, you simply can’t fix that problem. So, prevent it before it happens with a set of shoe pops.  This set of shoe pops is very inexpensive, and comes in a set of four so you can take care of two pairs of shoes.  When you take them out of the shoes, you can simply leave them in place of the shoes on your shoe rack so that you will remember to use it again when you get home.  Another bonus of these tools is that they are very lightweight, so traveling is not a problem.  They will keep your shoes free from crushing in your tightly packed suitcase. 

BONUS:  And, here are some tips on how to Travel with Shoes.

What to do with Athletic Shoes and Sports Equipment!

Everyone is getting in shape these days!  For kids, sports are a natural form of play, along with which comes piles and piles of sports equipment.  For grownups, fitness and sports involvement are on the increase, and, just like with kids, so are the athletic shoes and equipment!  An obvious place to keep all this sporting goods equipment is in the garage, but without the right organizer, you are still going to be losing shoes, tripping over ski poles and slipping on skateboards! 

So, to organize your athletic shoes in the garage, a great way to start is with a sports storage rack, many of which include a shoe rack with them, since most sports require shoes (many requiring special shoes, like cleats, golf shoes and boots).  A shoe rack in the garage ensures that your sports shoes can remain muddy, dirty and smelly, without ruining interior carpets and flooring.  It’s also great for kids because they will see that their sports equipment goes on the rack, and putting two and two together, they will realize that their muddy shoes need to go there too. 

There are many different types of sports racks.  For golfers, a golf storage rack keeps golf bags upright, and usually has some kind of shelves for shoes, hats, gloves and more accessories.  If you are into bikes, this garage sports and shoe rack holds bikes, shoes and more sporting goods.  Two bikes can mount to the side of it, while the shoe rack underneath holds every type of athletic shoe.  Hang backpacks from the hooks, and keep skis in the upright position.  And, for multi sports and outdoor enthusiasts, a tension pole allows you to customize your sports storage with snowboard hooks, ski racks, bike racks, tennis and even general baskets for shoes.

Shoe Racks on the Go!

Since I’ve had so many comments lately asking whether a shoe rack is portable or not, I decided to explore this idea of a portable shoe rack.  First, some reasons that you would need a portable shoe rack and, second, what type to look for! 

Many of you may be asking, why on earth would you need a portable shoe rack?  If you are asking this, you obviously have never traveled with me.  I know that traveling is a lot easier if you can keep the amount of stuff you bring to a minimum.  But, I just can’t ever decide ahead of time what I’m going to need.  So I usually pack up about one pair for each day I’ll be gone and stuff them around my clothes in a bag.  I know it seems excessive, but this is the only way I can be sure that I will have the right shoes at the right time.  There is a tradeoff, though – I usually end up skimping in the clothes department. 

Another reason someone might want to have a portable shoe rack is if they sell, make or decorate shoes, then they may need to take a rack with them to shows. 

What kinds of racks can be considered “Portable”? 

• Rolling Shoe Racks – Technically these are portable, but only from room to room.  You can’t take these in the car or (worse) a plane, and expect your shoes to stay on the rack. 
• Plastic Bin – These are very portable but they don’t really keep your shoes organized, just in one big pile, so I don’t think they count as a rack in this scenario. 
• OTD Shoe Rack – This is by far the best option.  You can put your shoes in them and then roll them up and throw it in your suitcase. When you get to the hotel, unroll it, hang it over the nearest door and voila!  you have your travel shoe organizer! 

Bonus:  Here is an article on how to purchase shoes for travel.

Find More Shoe Storage Space in the Closet!

If you can find just five inches of hanging space (that’s right, just 5 inches), then you have great potential for getting a little extra shoe storage in your closet!  An over the rod shoe rack is, in some ways, even easier to use than a freestanding shoe rack.  This is because many of the shoes are at eye level or just below, making it a cinch to find the pair that you are looking for. 

Another benefit of these shoe organizers is that, as long as you don’t completely overload them, you won’t have shoes falling on the floor – a common problem with bar style shoe racks.  They come in all different sizes, the smallest ones being 5 inches wide, and the larger ones at 12 inches. 

The 5 and 6 inch Hanging Shoe Racks have a great space efficient design, because they make use of vertical space, which is often wasted in most closets.  When you hang your clothes on a closet rod six feet off the ground and don’t put anything underneath it; that is a no-no in the organizing world.  An over the closet rod shoe bag solves this problem by really only taking a few inches of space that you were likely to be wasting anyway. 

If you choose one of the wider racks that are up to 12 inches wide, you can greatly increase your storage potential for shoes and other things too.  These wider over the rod shelves can hold accessories, including scarves, belts, and small purses, making them an all in one closet organizer.  Stacks & Stacks has a great selection, with everything from basic canvas organizers to cedar lined models.  If you want something with a little more pizzazz, the striped shoe organizers are very cute, and come in blue or pink tones.

Imagine having a million pairs of shoes, just piled up in the closet, some in the kitchen some in the living room and a few by the bed. You get the occasional “would you pick up your shoes!” and even you get a few stubbed toes from your own shoes. The truth is, you know that when you put those shoes back in the giant pile in the closet, you may never find them again.

The answer to this problem is simple - a discrete shoe cabinet.  I love the whole idea of shoe cabinets. Not only does it keep your shoes out of the way, it keeps them organized and eliminates that scary pile in the closet.

This particular shoe cabinet is from StacksAndStacks.com. It holds up to 36 pairs of shoes and has three separate pull out sections. The sections open allowing you to easily see your shoe selection.   The best part about a shoe storage option such as this one is that your shoes are out of sight. There is no clutter in the closet, no expensive storage units to keep stacking - just one unit that would actually be able to go anywhere in your house.

There are other styles that are smaller in size or different styles. Not only does storing your shoes keep them off the floor but it also keeps them in good condition. By storing them in a unit such as this one, you keep the shape of the shoe, they get proper ventilation and they stay clean. When your shoes are in a giant pile in the closet they scuff each other and get in weird shapes from laying in every direction.   Shoes are not cheap, so invest in a storage system that will help you maintain and take care of your shoes.

A Shoe Rack with Drawers – A Fresh Idea for Shoe Storage

I’ve heard of Shoe Racks.  I’ve heard of Shoe Cubbies.  And I’ve even heard of Shoe Closets.  But I’ve never heard of Shoe Drawers.  The concept actually makes sense – A drawer is just as easy to use as a cubby, and, depending on the style, it can be a lot more affordable. The other nice thing about storing shoes in a drawer is that your shoes will be protected from dust, insects and light.  This is a great idea for storing out of season shoes, or just older shoes that you don’t want to get rid of.

If you have a great collection of shoes and they cost you a pretty penny, it’s really hard to part with them, and this can be a great way to organize them.  If you have an empty dresser or a drawer or two that you don’t use already in your bedroom, by all means, use these for your shoes!  If not, you may want to invest in either a multiple drawer unit, or single, stackable drawers.

Here are some ideas and tips about what and how to make your selection:

• Wicker Drawers – This is definitely the most attractive option.  A nice wicker drawer unit looks great in the corner of the bedroom or hallway, so you don’t have to worry about tucking it in the back of the closet.  Use this stylish storage rack for shoes, purses and accessories that you use frequently.
• Plastic Drawers – It’s very easy to find plastic drawer systems, and they are pretty cheap.  These, however, should be used in the garage or in the closet, so you (and your guests) don’t have to look at them.  A cheap set of printer mailing labels can help you sort by season, designer, purpose or color!  TIP:  Since plastic drawers are not breathable, you will want to use a natural freshener, such as cedar in each drawer to keep odors to a minimum.
  

Find Shoe Storage in the Unlikeliest Places!

Do you feel like you’ve already filled every single inch of every shoe rack in your home?  I do!  If you’re not ready to part with your important footwear, but you are fed up trying to find places to put it, have you looked under your bed lately?  The under side of a bed is a great storage place, but is often overlooked in homes.  You can put virtually anything under the bed for storage, and specially designed underbed boxes make this a cinch!

Here are tips for different types of under bed storage for shoes, how to choose them and how to use them!

1. Under the Bed Storage Boxes – these are storage boxes that can be used for anything, from sweaters and shoes to holiday decorations.  They are usually long and pretty flat, so they will slide under the bed easily.  They sometimes have lids and wheels, some are rigid plastic and others are canvas, or vinyl.  These are all great for holding shoes, except for an underbed storage drawer, because the shoes tend to get caught when pulling the drawer out (the underbed drawer is great for other items, though, including towels and linens).
2. Under Bed Shoe Chest – this is a great box, designed just for shoes.  It holds up to 16 pairs of shoes, each is divided by a plastic divider.  I like the fact that it is crystal clear, so you can see what is in there without opening it.  It is also a nice, flexible vinyl material, which is really easy to pull in and out from under the bed!

Tip: If your boxspring is on the floor, and you don’t have underbed storage space, a set of bed risers can help.  Bed Risers raise your bed, when on a frame, from 4 to 15”, giving you tons of storage options underneath.  Most underbed storage boxes are about 6” high, so you will need to have at least that much clearance.  Check all measurements on the boxes and risers before purchasing.

Additional Resources:
Bedroom Organization Tips

Over the Door Shoe Racks are Space Efficient and Easy to Use

For the most space efficient Shoe Storage, an Over the Door Shoe Rack is pretty hard to beat! There are many different styles out there, from plain canvas to white mesh materials, and many more I’m sure. I have chosen this one because it is really cute and colorful. Unlike traditional shoe racks, it is designed to appeal to teenagers, but I honestly could see myself using it – the stripes and the colors that are used are fun and flirty, great for girls of any age, I think!

This OTD shoe rack is shorter than some, but if all you need is a few pockets for shoes that you access regularly, this is great. Everyone has a door, and therefore everyone can probably use an over the door rack. They mount over the door without using screws or nails, so you can be sure you are not doing damage to your walls. This is a great benefit for kids going off to the dorms, or for anyone who rents their home instead of owning.

Actually, these over the door shoe racks are great for organizing other things too. Use them to hold scarves, belts and accessories. They can act as a very large mail and bill sorter – you can use safety pins to label each pocket so you won’t be tempted to dump mail on the counter when it comes in. In the laundry room, these organizers can hold anything from small bottles of detergent, fabric softener and stain sprays to small tools for everyday home improvement projects.

I love these organizers for pretty much every room of the home, (can you tell yet)? The possibilities are endless here, have fun with this OTD Rack!

Bonus: It says “My Stuff” and it’s very affordable!

Shoe Armoires and Closets: (Yes, You Heard Right: A Whole Closet Just for Shoes)

I love armoires in the bedroom. An armoire is a beautiful furniture piece that can add style to your bedroom décor, and also gives hidden storage. The most obvious way to use them is to store your clothes. They usually have drawers underneath and a cabinet above that opens up with either shelves or a closet rod for clothes storage.

Another type of that is great in the bedroom is a TV armoire. Many people like to have a TV in the bedroom but they don’t necessarily want to see it (or have other people see it). Most TV armoires even have drawers so you can still get some clothes storage out of them.

But, if you have a lot of shoes that you use (or at least admire) frequently – too many for a regular shoe rack, you might consider giving them their own special armoire – this is what I like to call a Shoe Closet! It’s not literally a whole closet, like a walk in closet that celebrities have, but it’s just a nice place devoted just to your shoes. Maybe you don’t have a built in shoe rack in your closet, but you can still give them the important placement in the bedroom that they deserve.

When choosing an armoire for this purpose, I recommend that you get one that already has shelves in it, instead of a closet rod (since a rod isn’t going to do you much good in this situation). Here is an example of one such armoire, a beautiful espresso bedroom armoire at Stacks & Stacks. If it doesn’t have enough shelves already, you can fix that easily by putting some kind of wire or wooden shelf or shoe rack inside the cabinet, that way you can maximize shoe storage (just make sure you check dimensions of all products first).

Another nice thing about using an armoire is that then the shoes are right at eye level, no more digging around on the ground for the right pair!

Weatherproof, Outdoor Storage for Shoes in Winter

There are many times that shoes need to stay outdoors.  In the winter, snow boots are kicked off at the front door and exchanged for cozy socks or slippers.  In the summer, muddy shoes, work boots, wet sandals from the pool all wreak havoc on carpets, so they also need to come off.  But, where to put all of these shoes? 

Most of us already have shoe racks, we keep them in the back of the closet or in the entryway.  But you definitely don’t want to put your dirty shoes in these racks.  Below are some suggestions of products that can be used as outdoor shoe racks. 

But first, a few things to consider before choosing: 

1. Weatherproof?  Is the product basically weatherproof?  If you are going to it literally outside, you want to make sure that it will at least keep out the moisture.  However, if you are using it just inside the door, you may be able to get away with a simple basket. 
2. Mess – Will it contain the mess?  Outside you may not be as worried about this. In fact, you may want to choose something for outside that allows water to drain out the bottom.  Inside, however, you don’t want mud and melted snow dripping on your floors, so you will want a solid plastic organizer. 

Here are some great ideas I’ve found that can help keep your outdoor shoes organized. 

• Patio Deck Boxes – since these are designed to live outdoors, you can leave them outside without worry.  This patio storage box even has a seat!  They are also great in the summer for storing patio decor such as throw pillows and chair covers. 
• Plastic Storage Boxes – Very inexpensive, and number one when it comes to containing a mess of any kind.  TIP: If you plan on using a plastic box outside, drill a few holes in the bottom so that water can drain through to the ground.