How to Organize Shoes and Boots for Fall
As we transition into fall, it’s the perfect time to get our wardrobes—and footwear—in order. Fall shoes and boots tend to be bulkier and more challenging to organize, but with a little time and the right tools, you can make your closet not only functional but also a joy to look at. I typically store my boots and shoes in their original boxes, but I know that’s not practical or convenient for most women, so here are some of my favorite tips for keeping your shoes neat and accessible as we move into fall.
Interested in more organization tips? Check out this post: How to Prepare Your Closet for Fall and How to Declutter Your Wardrobe
Ways to Organize Boots and Shoes for Fall
1. Start by Decluttering Your Collection
The first step is always to assess what you have. I like to go through my shoes at the start of every season, deciding what to keep and what to let go of. If a pair no longer fits, is worn out beyond the ability to repair, or hasn’t been worn in several years, it’s probably time to remove them from your wardrobe.
Pro Tip: Keep a small cleaning kit nearby so you can refresh your shoes before putting them back into storage. This shoe cleaning kit is a great choice for making your shoes look like new.
2. Group Shoes by Type
I’ve found that organizing shoes by type (like boots, sneakers, flats, and heels) makes them easier to locate and keeps your storage efficient.
For boots, I recommend using boot shapers to help them keep their form. Boots can flop over easily and create a cluttered look, plus this damages the shaft over time. Boot shapers help them stand tall and prevent creasing. You can also use rolled newspapers or old towels to save money.
These Adjustable Boot Stands are another option for keeping your boots upright and ready to wear when they aren’t in use.
3. Maximize Vertical Space
If you’re working with limited closet space, think vertically! Adding shelves or a shoe rack is a simple way to increase storage without taking up more floor space. Multi-tiered racks can hold multiple pairs of shoes while keeping them visible and easily accessible.
Shoe Racks like this are perfect for maximizing vertical space in a cramped closet or boot room.
4. Store Your Boots Properly
Fall boots can be one of the trickiest items to store due to their size. If you have the space, storing them in clear boxes or bins is a great way to keep them protected from dust while still making it easy to see what you have.
These Clear Boot Storage Boxes stack neatly and keep your boots dust-free.
5. Consider Drawers or Cubbies for a Larger Collection
If you have a more extensive shoe collection, cubbies or individual shoe drawers are an excellent solution. I love cubby systems because each pair has its own space, which prevents scuffs and keeps everything looking neat. You can even stack cubbies for added storage throughout the season.
These Stackable Shoe Cubbies are customizable and keep your collection organized while looking stylish.
6. Use Over-the-Door Organizers for Flats and Sneakers
Over-the-door organizers are an easy and affordable way to store smaller shoes like flats, sneakers, or ankle boots. I like to use these for shoes kept by the back door, which I wear frequently since they keep everything easily accessible and off the floor.
This Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer holds up to 24 pairs of shoes and is ideal for small spaces.
7. Rotate Shoes by Season
One trick I’ve found incredibly helpful is rotating shoes by season. For fall, I move my boots, closed-toe shoes, and sneakers to the lower shelves where I can easily reach them, and move my summer sandals to the highest shelves of my closet. You can also store them in bins or under the bed. This method helps streamline your shoe selection so you can easily find what you need for the current season.
These Under-Bed Shoe Storage Bags are perfect for stashing away off-season shoes and saving closet space.
8. Keep Shoes Off the Floor
One rule I always follow: never leave shoes piled on the floor! It not only looks cluttered but can also lead to scuffs or damage. Using shelves, racks, or cubbies keeps shoes off the floor and easier to clean around.
This Freestanding Shoe Tower holds up to 50 pairs of shoes, making it ideal for larger collections and keeping shoes off the floor.
9. Label Your Shoe Storage
If you store your shoes in bins or boxes, labeling is a game-changer. Label each box so you can find exactly what you’re looking for without opening each one. This simple step saves time and frustration when you’re in a hurry.
This Label Maker creates clear and professional-looking labels for your shoe bins or other storage containers
10. Maintain Your Shoes Regularly
Finally, maintaining your shoes and boots throughout the season is essential to keeping them in good condition. Regular cleaning, polishing, and rotating will extend their life and ensure they stay looking their best. I like to give my leather boots a quick polish at least once a season, and I clean up my shoes regularly to keep them looking fresh. Taking them to the cobbler for a refresh also helps restore them to like-new condition.
This Shoe Polish and Conditioner Kit is perfect for keeping your shoes and boots in top condition, especially through the fall and winter months.
Do you have any shoe organization tips you love?
As several readers mentioned, I too am “guilty” of keeping some shoes in their original boxes…mostly dressy shoes and pumps that aren’t worn regularly (now a “senior”)! All other shoes that are worn a bit more are kept paired in baggies so they don’t get dusty and put in stacked bins in closet. Everyday shoes/sneakers are on shoerack by the door. Keeping out of season shoes stored on high shelf out of the way is a great idea! Now motivated to weed out sweaters on shelf that can be discarded to make room for shoes! Thanks for ideas!
Like No, I have individual boxes for each pair from the Container store. They can be stacked with the drawer opening upward or downward, depending on whether you want to store them on a high shelf or on the closet floor. I used to keep shoes in their original boxes, but I had to pull boxes on the bottom of the stack out and risk knocking all over.
🤦🏼♀️ how did I never think to store seasonal shoes like I store seasonal clothing. Seriously………..
LOL
Do you have a link to the black lug sole booties in the 1st picture where you are seated, wearing a brown tweed blazer with gold buttons? The boots appear to be just what I’ve been looking for!
I’m sorry. They’re from Banana Republic factory several years ago
I cut pool noodles with a bread knife to use as boot shapers for high boots. Cheap, cheerful and easy.
All of my shoes are in their original boxes. I share our walk in closet with my husband and I have all of my seasonal shoes in my shoe shelves and half of his. My winter shoes are in their boxes up on the top shelf label out so I can see what I’m looking for in a hurry. My feet have changed sizes with bad arthritis to a wide width. So more culling coming up. It’s 91 degrees today here in southern Colorado so not doing it yet. Thank you for that shoe cleaning kit, I ordered it mainly for my husband’s white Brooks Ghost Max sneakers! Mine are still clean and his are filthy! We got them at the same time! I bought a pair of black ones for his birthday last Sunday as he loves those sneakers.
Great idea’s…..I do need to purchase boot shapers, but I always use the original box….I do need to clean out my collection..though