Shoe racks and shelves are fine for storing sneakers, flip-flops and heels. But boots usually don’t fit onto these one-size-fits-all solutions, leaving boots to flop over or pile up on the floor. That leads to not just a frustrating organizational eyesore, but also causes unnecessary wear and tear on your valued boots. Get them up off the floor and standing tall with these 10 great ways to store boots.

1. Boot Shapers

Boot Shapers are firm plastic or wood inserts that contour to the inside of your boots and keep them from flopping over. What’s so bad about a flopping boot? Over time, boots can become fragile and cracked where they bend. By minimizing bending and creasing with a boot shaper, you are prolonging the life of your boot. The DIYer in you can use wine bottles, pool noodles, or even a rolled-up magazine to help boots maintain their original shape.

2. Designated Area

Once your boots are fitted with boot shapers, create a designated boot storage area. A rubber boot tray or, in a pinch, a cookie sheet (minus the cookies!), can contain a small row of daily wear boots while also protecting your floor from the wetness, salt and sand that come with the winter season.

3. Hanging Boot Rack

A hanging boot rack can be a great way to save space while keeping boots organized inside your closet. They are designed to hang vertically on a standard closet rod and some can even be customized to fit your space. They hold multiple pairs of boots in a tight space and allow air to circulate inside the boot – all while keeping the boot crease-free.

4. Peg Racks

Update your boot tray by installing a peg rack. Peg racks fit inside your boot tray and allow boots to rest upside down on long dowels – keeping boots paired and organized. A Peg Rack can also be installed vertically on a wall for a space-saving and original display.

5. Boot Shapers With Hanging Hooks

To get your boots up off the floor, look for boot shapers that come with built-in hangers – and then hang your boots from an existing closet rod. Or suspend a rod across the bottom of your closet just higher than your tallest boots.

6. Boot Shelves

Boot shelves or cubbies don’t always fit full-height boots, but you can use individual wall-mounted shelves and customize your space to fit the boots you have. Floating shelves will make the most out of unused wall space in your mudroom, entry hall or bedroom, and can also serve as a display for some of your prettiest boots.

7. Benches and Consoles

Boots can fit snugly under a hall bench or console, or inside an ottoman or trunk. Look for furniture items that have the height to allow standing boots the headroom they need, and boots will be safely stored out from under-foot. To keep boots hidden, add a curtain to the front of your bench or console, or alternately, display your boots proudly.

8. Hangers

Clothes hangers with clips are great for keeping your pants and skirts wrinkle-free but did you know you can also hang boots from those clips? One pair of boots per hanger will keep things neat and organized. These are best for light boots (don’t use them for sturdy leather boots, as the clips will drag the material down, and cause creases).

9. Boot Boxes

Boot boxes are useful to store and protect those boots that you don’t need regular access to. Lay your boots flat inside clear plastic boxes, tuck them away under your bed or couch, and know that your boots will be safe until next fall. For the advanced boot owner, wrap your boots in acid-free paper or use silica gel packs to keep boot materials fresh and protected.

10. Custom Built Shoe Storage

Often hidden and unused spaces are not maximized for their storage potential. Check out this custom glide-out shelving solution to store your boots and shoes under your stairwell.

Do you need to get your boot storage under control? Contact the Out of Chaos team through our website.

Image by timokefoto from Pixabay.