Buying guide for Best shoe racks
It’s a common scenario: you’re late for a meeting, and, with one shoe on, you’re frantically tearing apart the house in search of the missing one. The culprit? Well, yes, sometimes the dog hid it. But, typically, when you lose your shoes, it’s due to a lack of space and organization. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: a shoe rack that stores them all in one easy-to-find spot.
Shoe racks are available in a wide range of sizes that can accommodate a few pairs or an entire wardrobe of shoes, from sneakers to heels to slippers. Shoes racks also come in various styles, including those that fit nicely into closets, flexible hanging units that can be placed over a door, and even furniture-like pieces that look great in almost any room of a home.
But with so many options available, finding the right one for you can be confusing. This is a guide to help you put your best foot forward as you shop for the ideal shoe rack for your needs.
How can you benefit from owning a shoe rack?
Shoe racks come in different designs, but they are all made to keep pairs of shoes together in neatly organized units. While you’ll have the option of shoe racks that can hold 50 pairs or more, there are also models available to keep just a few organized in tight spaces. As soon as you own one, you’ll realize all the ways they improve your shoe organizing goals, including these:
When you place pairs of shoes in a shoe rack, you’ll free up space on your closet floor, under your bed, in your kids’ rooms, and wherever shoes tend to end up in your home.
You’ll be able to find the shoes you are looking for faster when they are stored in once place.
A shoe rack will come in handy in a location where it would be convenient to grab a pair of shoes quickly, such as beside a door.
Placing wet or dirty shoes on a shoe rack will prevent tracking dirt and debris on your floors.
Whether you place a shoe rack in a closet, bedroom, utility room, or other location, you’ll immediately see how tidy the surrounding area looks.
Components of shoe racks
Although shoe racks come in many different shapes and sizes, the parts that make them functional are actually quite simple. A framework is constructed around shelves, bars, or compartments where shoes are stored. The majority of quality shoe racks are constructed of metal, plastic, wood, or mixed materials, which you can find across the spectrum of unique designs. Some shoe racks have extra features like storage compartments or drawers for other items, hooks for coats and clothing, and benchtops for sitting on or placing objects.
Shoe rack designs
The best shoe rack design for your needs will depend on how many shoes you need to store as well as the space you have available in your home. Here are some of the most popular and practical options available.
Vertical
Vertical shoe racks stand upright, and come with various numbers of shelves or compartments. This design is the best option for consumers with numerous pairs of shoes, as some models can hold 50 pairs or more. Some vertical racks also have coverings that can be closed, much like portable closets. Vertical racks with wheels are also available. The downside to the vertical design is that larger models can take up a bit of space.
Horizontal
These shoe racks are suitable for small rooms, and some can even fit in closets. They can be found with about two to five tiers, and some have additional storage in the forms of drawers or cabinets. However, because they lack height, most horizontal racks fit fewer pairs of shoes than their vertical counterparts.
Over-the-door
A shoe rack that hangs over a closet, bedroom, or other door is great for individuals with very limited space. Some models can even be mounted on a wall. This style is also roomy and can hold around 36 pairs. However, larger shoes or tall boots may not fit, and the hardware won’t work with all types of doors.
Bench
Just like the description implies, bench-style shoe racks are basically small benches with several tiers beneath the seat for shoe storage. A variation of this design offers a bench, shoe rack, and hall tree all in one. These racks have decorative appeal, but typically don’t hold many shoes.
Shoe rack prices
Before you choose a shoe rack, ask yourself how much you want to spend and the type of quality you expect. You can find almost any style in varying price ranges, including vertical models that are capable of accommodating numerous pairs of shoes.
Inexpensive
Lower price models, those ranging from about $12 to $20, may be a bit flimsy. You can find some decent smaller options at this price level, however.
Mid-range
From $25 to $45, the quality is more durable. You’ll find a lot of horizontal shoe racks made of metal in this price range.
Expensive
If you want top-notch quality and a more eye-pleasing design, expect to spend $50 and up. Keep in mind that as a general rule, racks made of plastic are less expensive, while those made of hardwood are pricier, even those that hold fewer shoes.
"Shoe racks that double as benches provide storage for a few pairs of shoes as well as a place to sit while you put them on."
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Tips
Placing a short shoe rack in a child’s room is not only a great way to keep his shoes organized, but it will also help teach him how to clean up his room by putting items in the appropriate places.
Keep your shoe rack clean by occasionally wiping out the shelves or compartments with a cloth, soap, and warm water. Dry each section completely before putting your shoes back in place.
Do you have a very small closet? A shoe rack that hangs over the door won’t take up any floor space yet will provide plenty of room for storing multiples pairs of shoes.
You can organize the shoes you wear outdoors in the summer for gardening, spending time around the pool, or engaging in outdoor sports by keeping a shoe rack with two or three tiers in a sunroom, enclosed porch, or other room that leads outside.
Did you know that many types of shoe racks can also be used for other purposes? You can stack items like sweaters or extra blankets on a rack with wide, flat shelves, or place toys or items used for crafts in one designed with individual cubby holes.
FAQ
Q. I have several pairs of shoes and boots. What should I look for in a shoe rack that will fit both types of footwear?
A. In order to fit boots on a shoe rack, you will need one that has at least one shelf that has ample space between it and the one above it. However, you aren’t limited to one type of design as you shop. Some vertical and horizontal designs offer compartments of various sizes as well as adjustable shelves. You can place boots on the top tier of shorter horizontal racks. Keep in mind that most shoe racks that fit over a door do not have enough space to fit tall boots.
Q. I require guests to take off their shoes when they come into my home. What’s the best type of shoe rack for me?
A. A bench-style shoe rack will provide space for your friends and family to place their shoes while they are visiting, plus a spot to sit while they remove them. Additionally, this type of shoe rack looks attractive when placed in a foyer or entryway.
Q. I’ve noticed that some shoe racks have wheels, but are they stable?
A. If you are considering a shoe rack with wheels, chances are you like the idea of being able to move it easily from one place to another. While this feature is handy, it can cause the rack to move unintentionally when you don’t want it to. If you need a shoe rack that will be mobile, look for one that has wheel locks, so it will stay in place when you don’t want it to move.
