We evaluated each shoe rack on capacity, setup, design, stability, ease of cleaning, and value, and also took notes about other features (and drawbacks) that affected the tester’s impression and the piece’s performance. After this lengthy process, our best overall pick is the Open Spaces Entryway Rack, an attractive, durable option that could fit 12 pairs of shoes during our testing, including tall boots. It also features a versatile design that makes it a good choice for a variety of spaces, and it comes in multiple colors. Here are the best shoe racks to help keep your footwear tidy, and closet organized. The rack received a strong score for durability. “When I hit it with the vacuum, the shoe rack did get pushed back a bit, but I didn’t feel like any of the shoes were in danger of falling off,” our tester noted. They added that the product seemed very durable and nicely made, and weren’t nervous that it would fall apart at all. Notably, there are almost 8 inches of space between each shelf, as well, so you can easily fit most shoes, sandals, wedges, and small heels. Each shelf is strong enough to hold up to 22 pounds at one time. There is a bit of assembly required, though our tester said the setup process was very quick and user-friendly. Ultimately, we can see this rack being a lovely and helpful addition to any entryway, closet, living room, or bedroom, especially since it’s available in multiple colors, including black, dark green, navy, cream, light blue, and light pink. Price at time of publish: $147 When it comes to stability, our tester said the rack didn’t wobble much or shake when they hit it with a vacuum. The materials and the way it’s put together make the rack feel very stable, too. It’s made of bamboo, and has a natural finish that makes it an easy addition to 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 rainy days or sweaty shoes. There is some assembly required, but setup entails just putting two parts together. Our tester noted that “no instructions were needed, based on the simple design.” At such a modest price, you might consider purchasing multiple of this single shoe rack to add to your home and organize your stash of sneakers, slippers, and more. Since it’s relatively small, purchasing multiple could be a good solution for those with larger shoe collections. Price at time of publish: $22 Along with the chic design, it scored perfect marks for setup and ease of cleaning, and near-perfect scores for design and stability. “Nothing fell off when I jostled the shoe rack, and the shoes don’t seem like they’re going anywhere when I hit it with the vacuum,” our tester noted. “However, the shoe rack itself does rock back and forth, because it seems like the legs don’t 100 percent line up correctly.” While this may seem like a caveat to this rack, our tester explained that, since the rack consists of just two shelves and is low to the ground, it’s a non-issue. Plus, 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, our tester said, “I think for the quality you’re getting, it’s pretty fairly priced.” They could see it being displayed in an entryway. Price at time of publish: $220 This shelf is also a breeze to take care of, too. “The top wiped up easily with a dry paper towel,” our tester said. The canvas shelf also cleaned up quickly—our tester suspected that the dark-colored material made it simpler to hide or remove marks from dirt. Though, some effort does go into putting this shelf together. With 30 parts plus hardware, setup took a bit of time and our tester said the instructions were only so-so. Notably, once you have this five-tier rack built, though, you’ll likely appreciate it as much as our tester did. Price at time of publish: $40 This versatile rack earned a perfect score for capacity and ease of cleaning, along with near-perfect scores for stability and setup. “This was pretty easy to put together,” our tester said. “The instructions were very clear, and it did not take very long to do. The screws and everything provided felt very high-quality.” With neutral, white shelves and the natural wood tone of the top surface, this piece also becomes an easy add-on to multiple decor styles. Plus, it proved to be spacious in our testing and held men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes alike with ease. The only downside? “Tall boots can only be placed on the top, which is a solid top.” Price at time of publish: $48 It also arrived fully assembled, so all you need to do is set it in place (or, of course, 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 rung will hold boots or other tall shoes. Still, a clean and crisp design and budget-friendly price tag make this piece worth adding to your cart. Price at time of publish: $20 While the design is attractive enough that you may be tempted to put it on display in your home, we also think it’s a good option for closets that don’t see as much foot traffic as entryways. “The shoe rack is a little wobbly. It sways easily with a medium-force touch, and the rack slides on a smooth surface,” our tester said. The rack also moves slightly when bumped. In a closet, it would stay secure. If you find that you must have it on display (we get it), just be careful not to bump it too often. Price at time of publish: $139 If you don’t intend to move it often, have no fear that it will still stay in place, though. When it comes to stability, our tester explained that they “grabbed the rack and shook it, spun it around, and smacked the daylights out of it with the vacuum.” Nothing fell off. While some boots on the top rack shifted around a little, the rack was super-stable otherwise. We had a small stick vacuum, and the head went completely under the rack, too, meaning you don’t have to move it to clean. That’s a real win, if you ask us. Just know: the lower level doesn’t accommodate larger shoes well. Price at time of publish: $70 The bench is more sophisticated than your average shoe storage solution, too. 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. Our tester only noted that the back piece felt a bit flimsy and that the bench rocked slightly with our their movement. Overall, this bench is a good product at a good price, though. It comes in three color pairings, too. Price at time of publish: $77 The smooth particleboard makes it easy to clean, and since the shelves are solid, you don’t have to worry about heels getting lodged in between gaps, too. It’s not the most stable option, however. It’s not heavy and our tester said “if you were not paying attention and unintentionally bumped the vacuum into the side, it did wobble, but the shoes did not move.” All in all, if straightforward and budget-friendly are what you’re after in a shoe rack, this is a good choice for you. Price at time of publish: $18 Now, although the shape and style is less versatile than other racks we considered that can double as shelving, it nails its true purpose of boot storage. It also comes fully assembled and is sized to slide under the hanging or longer clothes in your closet for added convenience. You also can fold it down when it’s not being used. Our tester said that if you’re specifically in need of a shoe rack to hold tall boots, rather than tossing them on a shelf where they fold over, this piece “easily fulfills that purpose.” Price at time of publish: $40 West Elm Floating Lines Shoe Rack: While we appreciate the sleek, minimalist design of this rack, as well as the edge that keep shoes in place, we didn’t find enough features to warrant its higher price tag. Our tester also said the rack was easy to setup, but the instructions were poor—something that could be a hurdle for buyers who don’t find assembly projects intuitive. “I would not recommend this to family and friends based on the very high price and basic design that has limited storage capability,” our tester concluded. Elfa Utility Mesh Shoe Storage Over The Door Rack: While we’ve had positive experiences with Elfa, and recommended other products from The Container Store’s line, this rack doesn’t fit the bill. “I do not like this rack,” our tester noted. “I’ll give it one thing—the rack is customizable.” However, the different parts slot into the main pole in a complex way, and setup ultimately required three people. “I feel like I need an engineering degree to figure this thing out.” Our tester also had concerns about the overall safety of this rack, adding that “it feels like any one of the customizable elements could fall off at any time.” Renters or anyone with children would likely not find it suitable.
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 testers were tasked with following the instructions and building each piece with a timer running, to give a sense of the length and difficulty of the process. Once each rack was set up, a collection of shoes was then placed on it, just as they would be in your home, to test its capacity. Shoes came from all categories and sizes, including men’s, women’s, kid’s, and boots. 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. 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 fared. Once these steps were completed, we also asked testers to consider the rack design, as well as the overall value, taking their entire experience into consideration for the latter. Our editors compared the wealth of data that came from the testing process to present this list of tried-and-true racks to add to your living space.
What to Look for in a Shoe Rack
Organization Options
If you’re looking for a high-capacity shoe storage option, a rack is most likely your best bet. While the styles and designs can vary, you’re going to find that most shoe racks consist of either a shelf or 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. Other features can factor into the decision, too. For example, our choice for garages, the Brightroom Rolling Entry Rack Black at Target, includes wheels for easy movement across a smooth floor—while the White Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf from The Container Store is stackable and lets you expand on your vertical storage space. Both of these racks proved to work well in our testing. Next, you decide what will work well for you.
Material and Color
The material and color of your shoe rack, along with the design, 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.
Assembly Process
Most, but not all, 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.
Standout Features
Handles and Wheels
While the majority of shoe racks are stationery pieces, the ability to move them can certainly come in handy. As our tester noted in their assessment of the Brightroom Rolling Entry Rack, easy movement can be a definite benefit, with dirty boots or muddy cleats getting collected right as they’re removed. 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, too. As always, be sure to double-check weight limits and be careful carrying heavy loads.
Eco-Friendly Material
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 at Wayfair. Not only is bamboo good for the environment, but it also is attractive and often moderately priced.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Dena Ogden is a lifestyle and commerce writer 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 savvy shoe rack product testers, who got their hands dirty by setting up and testing nearly 30 different shoe racks in The Lab. She also combed through product descriptions and listings and factored in additional features like size, features, material, and design. Dena currently uses both a metal shoe rack and a hanging shoe rack and intends to upgrade to a single combo rack to rule them all. Don’t forget about shelves on the top of your closet, which is 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. 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. In addition, 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. 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 your (and your guests’) exposure to your shoe collection for any reason, a closed rack will be your best bet. For additional insight, we also spoke with Ashley Murphy, co-founder of NEAT Method.
What Is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
