Buzz
Image: Mytour / Henry WortockA shoe rack can transform your closet, entryway, or mudroom into a well-organized space. Beyond their practicality, these racks are available in various designs and styles to seamlessly blend into your decor and enhance your home's aesthetic.
“Placing a shoe rack near the entryway encourages the habit of taking off shoes when entering the house, which helps maintain a cleaner and more hygienic living environment by preventing dirt from being tracked indoors,” explains Brittani Allen, founder of Pinch of Help, a professional home organization service.
To identify the top shoe racks, we rigorously tested 31 models in both lab and real-world settings. Our evaluation included benches with built-in shoe storage and over-the-door options designed to save space. We assessed each rack based on assembly, design, stability, cleaning ease, storage capacity, and overall value to ensure you get the highest quality product.
Top Choice Overall
Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Organizer
IMAGE: WayfairIts minimalist and stylish design complements almost any room.
Stiletto heels may slide through the gaps.
This compact Rebrilliant Shoe Rack is perfect for decluttering small spaces like entryways, mudrooms, or hallways. During our lab evaluations, it earned top marks for easy assembly, durability, effortless cleaning, and affordability.
After six months of use, this shoe rack proved to be an essential part of our daily storage routine. It effectively minimized shoe clutter by the entrance and maintained its quality and functionality even after we relocated to a new house.
Despite having only two components and an included assembly tool, we noticed a minor design issue with the tool, as it made it difficult to align the screw perfectly with the wood. However, assembling the shoe rack was still relatively simple.
The slats on the shelf may not be suitable for stiletto heels, which could slip through the gaps, but they offer ample space for most types of footwear. While this shoe rack may not accommodate your entire shoe collection, it’s perfect for storing a few frequently worn pairs near the door.
Dimensions: 10 by 27.5 by 15.75 inches | Capacity: 8 pairs | Material: Wood
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry WortockTop Affordable Option
The Container Store Stackable Shoe Organizer
IMAGE: The Container StoreIts sturdy steel build comes pre-assembled for convenience.
Cleaning the mesh may require a bristle brush for a thorough job.
A straightforward, no-frills shoe rack can keep your footwear organized just as well as pricier alternatives. The Container Store’s Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf offers a basic, single-tier design at a fraction of the cost of our top overall choice.
During testing, we observed that it comfortably holds around eight pairs of shoes, especially when utilizing the floor space beneath the bottom shelf. Additional units can be purchased and stacked to create a more expansive storage system.
Built with durable steel and arriving fully assembled, this rack remained stable during our tests, with no shoes falling off even when shaken—though it did wobble slightly. Cleaning is easy with a damp cloth, but a bristle brush may be needed for deep cleaning the mesh. While its capacity is smaller than some other options, its affordable and sturdy design makes it a versatile addition to any room or closet.
Dimensions: 31 by 8 by 10 inches | Capacity: 8 pairs | Material: Steel
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry WortockTop Choice for Large Storage
Vasagle 5-Tier Shoe Organizer
IMAGE: AmazonThis slim rack accommodates up to 15 pairs of shoes and remains stable even when bumped or shaken.
Assembly may take longer compared to other models.
This five-tier shelf earned top marks for its affordability and storage capacity, making it a perfect choice for those with extensive shoe collections. While most racks on our list max out at 12 pairs, this unit comfortably held 15 pairs during our tests.
Unlike other options, this rack features polyester fabric shelves stretched over a steel frame. Despite the fabric material, it remained stable during movement and shaking—high heels and other shoes stayed in place even when bumped or vacuumed around. However, with 30 parts, assembly may take longer compared to other models.
Despite the assembly time, the end result is worth the effort. Over six months of use, we disassembled, reassembled, and relocated the shelf multiple times, fitting it into various closets and storage spaces without any signs of wear. Beyond its durability, this rack also serves as versatile closet storage, capable of holding more weight than expected.
Dimensions: 12 by 29.5 by 36 inches | Capacity: 15 pairs | Material: Particleboard, steel, polyester fabric
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry WortockTop Bench Option
Vasagle Shoe Storage Bench
IMAGE: AmazonIt’s incredibly easy to clean, and the compartments can be adjusted to fit your needs.
The backing is somewhat thin and may wobble slightly during use.
If you’re tired of the last-minute scramble to find and put on your shoes before heading out, a bench-style shoe rack like this Vasagle model could be the solution you need.
This is one of the largest options we tested and requires more assembly than some other racks, but the instructions are clear, and the parts are well-labeled. During testing, we found it exceptionally easy to clean, with dirt wiping away easily using a damp cloth.
Although we initially worried about the thin backing during lab tests, after six months of daily use by the entire family (including kids), this shoe bench proved to be durable and maintained its appearance and functionality as if it were brand new.
Dimensions: 12 by 41 by 19 inches | Capacity: 10 pairs | Material: Particleboard, fabric, foam
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/rsp-shoe-racks-test-vasagle-bench-hwortock-056-1-b04f1d2fb24a4c23b905b631608f1458.jpg)
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry WortockTop Over-the-Door Option
Whitmor Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
IMAGE: WalmartIt’s simple to assemble and offers a remarkable capacity of 21 shoes.
It’s not ideal for boots or larger footwear.
For anyone struggling with a closet full of scattered shoes, an over-the-door rack like this Whitmor model can bring order to the chaos. This rack lifts shoes off the floor, making it easy to choose a pair without bending down or digging through a pile. Plus, it keeps shoes tucked away in the closet, out of sight.
During testing, we found this shoe rack easy to set up, with a standout capacity of 21 shoes—the highest on our list. However, the non-adjustable racks can’t accommodate larger shoes like men’s footwear or boots, which may limit its versatility for some users.
Dimensions: 7.5 by 22.5 by 48.75 inches | Capacity: 21 pairs | Material: Plastic, metal
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry WortockTop Choice for Boots
The Container Store Natural Boot Organizer
IMAGE: The Container StoreIt helps maintain the shape of tall boots.
It may not accommodate all your sneakers, flats, or heels.
Even the most luxurious boots can lose their appeal when they’re squished and wrinkled in your closet, which is why this boot rack from The Container Store made our list. Unlike traditional shoe racks, this one stores boots upside down—simply slide them onto the wooden posts with the soles facing up. (It’s also available in a version that holds six pairs of boots.)
This rack is a fantastic complement to an existing shoe storage system, and we love that it can be folded flat for easy storage when not in use. It arrives fully assembled, so you can skip the hassle of reading instructions. While it may not accommodate all your sneakers, flats, or heels, it’s an essential tool for organizing tall boots and shoes.
Dimensions: 10 by 37 by 19 inches | Capacity: 4 pairs | Material: Wood
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry Wortock
IMAGE: Mytour / Henry WortockFinal Verdict
Our top recommendation is the Rebrilliant 2-Tier 8-Pair Shoe Rack, thanks to its sleek design that minimizes clutter without occupying much space, along with its excellent performance in setup, stability, ease of cleaning, and affordability.
For those on a budget, we also recommend the Mesh Stackable Shoe Shelf from The Container Store. This simple, no-fuss organizer can hold up to eight pairs of shoes, and additional shelves can be stacked for extra storage.
Our Testing Process
To identify the best shoe racks, we evaluated 31 models with diverse designs, capacities, and materials. We began by timing the assembly process from start to finish, noting the clarity of instructions and whether any tools were provided.
Next, we tested each rack’s capacity by placing a variety of shoes and boots on it, including men’s, women’s, and children’s sizes. We counted how many pairs fit and compared this to the manufacturer’s stated capacity.
We also assessed whether the shoe rack’s design could handle various types of footwear, such as boots, high heels, and larger sizes. For adjustable racks, we made modifications and rechecked how many pairs fit, noting if additional tools were needed and how easy the adjustments were to make.
To test stability, we pushed each loaded shoe rack from the front and side, observing any wobbling or shoes falling off. We also bumped it with a vacuum to check for damage or movement.
We performed specialized tests for specific styles, including bench, closet, and over-the-door shoe racks. For bench-style racks, we sat on them and put on shoes to test sturdiness. For over-the-door racks, we opened and closed the door at least three times, and for closet racks, we slid them along the rod.
We also evaluated each rack’s ease of cleaning. After removing all shoes, we sprinkled damp soil on the shelves and cleaned them with a paper towel and all-purpose cleaner to see how easily dirt was removed.
After initial testing, we sent top-performing models for six months of real-world use to assess durability, performance, and stability over time.
Mytour / Henry WortockAdditional Shoe Racks Worth Considering
Yamazaki Home Shoe Rack: During testing, this rack was lightweight yet durable and easy to clean. However, heels tended to hang over the metal bars, making it tricky to access shoes underneath. Despite this, it’s a solid choice for those with mostly flat shoes.
Brightroom 4-Tier Shoe Rack: This rack features three wire shelves and a wooden top for storing small items like keys, mail, or gloves. While testing, we noticed slight wobbling—only one pair of shoes shifted, but this could likely be resolved by securing the rack to the wall.
How to Shop for Shoe Racks Like an Expert
Size
To choose the perfect shoe rack, consider its capacity and dimensions. Start by taking stock of your current shoe collection to determine how many pairs you need to store. (Leaving a few extra slots can be useful for guests or new purchases.) Compare this number to the manufacturer’s stated capacity to ensure the rack can accommodate your needs.
Next, measure the area where you plan to place the rack, especially if it’s going in a closet or tight space. “Accurate measurements are crucial when selecting organizational products, including shoe racks,” says Allen. “Consider the height, width, and available walking space.”
If you have plenty of room in a mudroom or hallway, a large shoe rack or bench might be ideal. For smaller spaces, consider an over-the-door design or a compact rack that fits neatly in a closet.
Style
Shoe racks are available in a range of styles to complement your decor, whether it’s ultra-minimalist or boho-chic. For a clean, clutter-free look, consider a shoe bench or over-the-door rack that keeps shoes hidden. If storage capacity is your priority, a large multi-tier rack might be the better choice.
Shoe Types
While some racks can accommodate all types of footwear—boots, sneakers, or heels—others have limitations. “Always consider the size of the shoes you’ll be storing,” advises Allen. “For instance, my husband wears a size 14, so I need to ensure his shoes will fit.”
If you own many boots or larger shoes, opt for a rack with ample vertical space between shelves. For those with mostly sneakers and flats, an over-the-door organizer or a compact rack with narrower spacing may suffice.
Mytour / Henry WortockCommon Questions
What’s the best material for shoe racks?
In our testing, the most common materials for shoe racks were steel, plastic, particleboard, and wood. Steel and plastic are typically the most durable and easiest to clean, ensuring a long-lasting rack that can handle daily use. For those prioritizing aesthetics, wooden racks are also durable and versatile, though they may require more effort to clean.
Trust Our Expertise
This article was authored by Quinn Gawronski, a former associate editor at Mytour, with three years of experience in writing and editing product reviews and roundups. To create this list, we tested 31 shoe racks, assessing them on setup, design, stability, ease of cleaning, capacity, and value. For expert insights, we consulted Brittani Allen, owner of Pinch of Help, a professional home organization service.
