Here Are the Best Ones
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Whether in your closet, entryway, or mudroom, a shoe rack might just become your new favorite organizational tool. And while you might think of them solely as functional, they come in a wide range of designs and styles so that they fit your space perfectly and don’t stick out like a sore thumb.
“If it’s by the entry and promotes the habit of removing shoes when you enter the home, it will also lead to a cleaner, more sanitary house by not dragging everything from the bottom of your shoes all around your living spaces,” says Brittani Allen, owner of Pinch of Help, a professional home organization service.
To find the best shoe racks, we tested 31 models in our lab and in real-world conditions, including benches that double as shoe storage and over-the-door options that maximize every square foot. We evaluated each rack on its setup, design, stability, ease of cleaning, capacity, and value so that you buy only the best of the best.
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A low-profile shoe rack can clear clutter without taking up valuable space, making this Rebrilliant Shoe Rack an ideal pick for any entryway, mudroom, or hall. In our lab tests, this shoe rack received stellar ratings for setup, stability, ease of cleaning, and value.
We used this shoe rack for six months, and it became a valuable addition to our daily storage system. It helped us reduce shoe clutter near the door and survived our move to a new home without sacrificing quality or performance.
Though this rack only has two parts, along with an included tool for assembly, we found that the tool seemed to have a slight design flaw, as it was challenging to get the screw flush with the wood. Still, setting up this shoe rack was fairly straightforward.
While the slats on the shelf might not be ideal for stiletto heels that could slip through the gap, we noted that they are wide enough to provide plenty of surface area for most shoes. The shoe rack may not be large enough to store your entire footwear collection, but it provides enough storage for a few pairs that you like to keep by the door.
Dimensions: 10 by 27.5 by 15.75 inches | Capacity: 8 pairs | Material: Wood
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Sometimes, a simple, no-frills shoe rack can organize your footwear just as effectively as a more expensive option. The Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf from The Container Store has a basic, one-shelf construction, and it’s just a fraction of the price of our best overall pick.
In our testing, we found it had enough space for about eight pairs of shoes when utilizing the space on the floor underneath the bottom shelf. You can also purchase additional organizers separately and stack them on top of each other to create a larger storage solution.
The steel construction is durable and comes fully assembled, and we found that no shoes fell from the rack when we jostled it—it just wobbled a bit. It is also easy to clean with a damp cloth, but you may need to scrub the mesh with a bristled tool for a very thorough cleaning. Though the capacity is limited in comparison to some of our other selections, this inexpensive, durable design can add shoe storage to just about any room or closet.
Dimensions: 31 by 8 by 10 inches | Capacity: 8 pairs | Material: Steel
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This five-tier shelf received perfect scores for its value and capacity, and we think it’s an ideal option for anyone with a large shoe collection. Most of the racks on our list have a maximum capacity of 12 pairs, but we found this unit was able to hold 15 pairs in our testing.
Unlike other options on our list, the shelves of this rack are a polyester fabric material held taut on a steel frame. Even with fabric shelves, this pick stood up well to movement and shaking—we noted that the high heels and other shoes didn’t budge when we shook or bumped the rack with the vacuum. Keep in mind that this rack comes with 30 parts, so it may be more time-consuming to construct than other options on our list.
Despite this slight downside, we think the final product is well worth the added effort. Throughout six months of use, we disassembled, reassembled, and moved the shelf several times, fitting it into different closets and storage areas around our home (it remained sturdy and showed no wear or tear). In addition to being a durable shoe rack, we also found that this pick can double as additional closet storage, and we were happy to find that it could hold more weight than we initially assumed.
Dimensions: 12 by 29.5 by 36 inches | Capacity: 15 pairs | Material: Particleboard, steel, polyester fabric
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If you’re familiar with the last-minute hustle to find your shoes and tie them properly before running out the door, then it might be time to invest in a bench-style shoe rack like this one from Vasagle.
This product is one of the largest options on our list and requires a bit more assembly than some other shoe racks, but we found that the instructions were straightforward and the parts are clearly labeled. During testing, we also noted that this pick is super easy to clean, with dirt coming off effortlessly with a damp paper towel.
While we were initially concerned about the flimsy backing during our lab tests, after six months of regular use and wear from the whole family (kids included), we can confidently say that this shoe bench is also a durable option. In fact, it looked and performed as good as the first day we got it.
Dimensions: 12 by 41 by 19 inches | Capacity: 10 pairs | Material: Particleboard, fabric, foam
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For those with a closet perpetually littered with a mess of shoes, an over-the-door rack can keep every pair in line—no straggling heels left behind. This Whitmor rack elevates your shoes off the floor, allowing you to select a pair without crouching down or sifting through your collection. We also like that this over-the-door organizer keeps shoes hidden in a closet rather than on display for everyone to see.
In our tests, we found that this shoe rack is easy to set up and has an impressive capacity of 21 shoes, which is the highest on our list. That said, the individual racks aren’t adjustable and cannot accommodate shoes larger than an ankle boot, so it may not be ideal for people who need to store men’s shoes or boots.
Dimensions: 7.5 by 22.5 by 48.75 inches | Capacity: 21 pairs | Material: Plastic, metal
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Even the most high-end boots can lose their luster when they get crumpled and creased in your closet, and that’s exactly why this boot rack from The Container Store earned a spot on our list. Unlike most shoe racks, this pick stores your shoes upside down—just slip the boot over the wooden posts with the sole facing upwards. (It’s also available in an option that’s designed to hold six pairs of boots.)
We think this pick would be a great addition to an existing shoe rack, and we appreciate that it can be folded down for storage when not in use. It also comes completely assembled, so you can skip the instruction manual entirely. While it might not be able to store all your sneakers, flats, and heels, if you’re looking to organize your tall boots and shoes, this rack is a must-have.
Dimensions: 10 by 37 by 19 inches | Capacity: 4 pairs | Material: Wood
Final Verdict
Our top pick is the Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Rack for its low-profile design that can clear clutter without taking up valuable space and its stellar ratings in setup, stability, ease of cleaning, and value.
If you’re looking to spend a little less, we also suggest the Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf from The Container Store. This basic, no-frills organizer can fit up to eight pairs of shoes, but you can always stack additional shelves on top for even more storage space.
Our Testing Process
To find the best shoe racks, we tested 31 models with a wide variety of designs, capacities, and materials. We first timed the assembly of the shoe rack from start to finish, noting whether the instructions were easy to follow and if any required tools were included.
Then, we placed a variety of shoes and boots on each shoe rack to test its capacity, making sure to use men’s, women’s, and children’s sizes. We tallied how many pairs we could fit on the rack and compared this number to the capacity listed by the manufacturer.
We also evaluated whether the shoe rack’s design could accommodate different types of footwear, like boots, high heels, and larger sizes. For adjustable shoe racks, we made modifications and then re-evaluated how many pairs of shoes fit, taking note of whether we needed additional tools and if the adjustments were easy to make.
To test each shoe rack’s stability, we pushed it from the front and side while it was loaded with shoes. We observed whether any wobbling occurred and if any shoes fell off. Then, we bumped into the shoe rack with a vacuum and took note of any damage or shifting.
We also conducted unique tests for particular styles, like bench shoe racks, closet shoe racks, and over-the-door shoe racks. For shoe racks with bench seats, we sat down and put on their shoes to see if the rack felt sturdy enough. To evaluate over-the-door shoe racks, we opened and closed the door a minimum of three times, and for closet shoe racks, we slid them back and forth on the rod.
Finally, we evaluated each shoe rack’s ease of cleaning. We removed all shoes from the rack and sprinkled one tablespoon of damp soil on the shelves before using a paper towel with an all-purpose cleaner to see if the design was easy to clean.
After our initial evaluations were complete, we sent out top-performing models for continued evaluations in real-world conditions over six months. We used this long-term testing to assess each rack’s durability, performance, and stability over time.
Real Simple / Henry Wortock
More Shoe Racks to Consider
Yamazaki Home Shoe Rack: In our testing, this shoe rack proved to be lightweight yet sturdy and easy to clean. However, we found that heels hung over the edge of the metal bars, making it difficult to put in and take out the shoes below. That said, we still think it’d be a good option for people with mostly flats in their footwear collection.
Brightroom 4-Tier Shoe Rack: Instead of solid shelves, this rack has three wire shelves with a wooden top that can hold small items like keys, mail, and gloves. In our testing, we found that there was some slight wobbling during our stability test—only one pair of shoes moved, but this issue could be potentially fixed by affixing the rack to the wall.
How to Shop for Shoe Racks Like a Pro
Size
To find the best shoe rack for your space, you’ll need to consider its capacity and dimensions. We recommend first doing an inventory of your existing shoe collection to see how many pairs you hope to squeeze on the rack. (Keep in mind that a few open slots can come in handy when you have guests over or buy a new pair.) Compare that number with the manufacturer’s listed capacity to ensure that the rack you select will fit your existing collection (if not more).
Then, measure the space where you’re hoping to place your shoe rack. This is especially important if you want to stow it in a closet or confined area. “Measurements are your friend when selecting any organizational products and shoe racks are no different,” Allen says. “How tall and wide is the space? How much walking room is available?”
If you have ample space in a mudroom or hallway, you can opt for a large shoe rack or shoe bench with plenty of room for the whole family’s shoes. But those with limited space may want to opt for an over-the-door design or narrow shoe rack that can tuck away into a closet.
Style
Shoe racks come in a wide variety of styles that can match your existing decor, whether it be an uber-minimalist or a boho-chic style. For those who would prefer to minimize any visual clutter, a shoe bench or over-the-door shoe rack can make for a more streamlined look that keeps your shoes out of sight. If you are prioritizing capacity over style, then a large multi-level shoe rack might be a better option.
Shoe Types
While some shoe racks can hold any variety of footwear, whether it be boots, sneakers, or heels, others may have limitations to what they can fit. “Make sure you consider the size of the shoes you will be storing,” Allen says. “For example, my husband wears a size 14 so I have to be extra sure his shoes will actually fit.”
If you have a plethora of boots and larger shoes, a shoe rack with more vertical space between each shelf might be best, while those with mostly sneakers and flats can opt for an over-the-door organizer or a smaller rack with less space between each shelf.
Real Simple / Henry Wortock
Questions You Might Ask
What material is best for shoe racks?
During our testing, the most common materials for shoe racks were steel, plastic, particleboard, and wood. Of these materials, steel and plastic tend to be the most durable and easy to clean, making for a long-lasting shoe rack that can withstand wear and tear. For those with a penchant for design, wood options can also be durable and suit most decor styles, though they may be slightly more challenging to clean.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Quinn Gawronski, a former associate editor for Real Simple, who has three years of experience writing and editing product reviews and roundups. To compile this list, we tested 31 shoe racks and evaluated them on setup, design, stability, ease of cleaning, capacity, and value. For expert tips, we spoke with Brittani Allen, owner of Pinch of Help, a professional home organization service.
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