Storage ideas to keep your shoes in perfect condition

If you are a shoe lover, then you understand the frustration of finding a place to keep them safely. For accessories that can withstand so much, shoes tend to be delicate in storage. Knowing how to store shoes properly will help you keep your shoes supple and wearable for years.

Shoe racks
Tinashe Sibanda, an interior designer, recommends shoe racks which work well for shoes used regularly because if they are left there unused for a long time, they will be damaged by gravity, humidity, and aridity.

“Over time, the folds and creases that naturally form in worn shoes become permanent deformations of structural elements. A shoe rack will help you keep your shoes off the floor thus protecting them. To preserve your shoe shape, switch the way you hang them regularly and keep them free from mould and dust,” she advises.

Shoe unit
Hannington Wasswa an interior décor expert, notes that finding space to carefully store shoes can be tricky. That is why a shoe unit placed in the corridor is convenient since it can also be used as table when closed. Make sure the unit is open in the front to allow air to circulate around your footwear while keeping dust from collecting on them.

In-built storage
If you have an opportunity to construct your own closet consider adding an open-style storage unit for shoes. “You can customise it according to your needs, with space for storing heeled shoes, storage drawers for everyday flats and boxes to store the vintage ones,” Wasswa recommends.

Multipurpose shelves
Sibanda often meets clients who feel their shoes are simply too cute to be hidden away in the bedroom and she helps incorporate them in the décor.

“I use steel shelves or trendy wire shelving. To add a little variety, include other accessories such as books, knick knacks or even house plants,” she reveals.

Wicker baskets
These might not be such a novel idea but Sibanda prefers them because they are affordable and neat storage option. She recommends the hinge-lidded baskets which when closed make a lovely feature.

Shoe chest
Stylish and practical, an ottoman bench or chest is a great shoe storage idea that will keep clutter at bay. A well-chosen chest makes a great addition to a bedroom or living room.

Fabric bags
If you plan to store shoes in a box under the bed but are worried about damage, drawstring shoe storage bags are a great shoe storage idea. Their fabric finish means little space is lost, while shoes remain clean and protected. Consider adding a tag so that they’re easy to find in a rush.

Shoe boxes
Shoe boxes give your shoes the highest level of protection from dust, sunlight and temperature extremes that can sap leather shoes of their flexibility.

Boxing vintage shoes and boots after stuffing and wrapping them will help preserve fine leather, cork and other organic materials.

Plastic boxes are another alternative, but be sure shoes are spotless and dry before storing to prevent mildew growth.

Material
Using cedar shoe trees is by far the best option to store your shoes long term and prevent dry rotting. The cedar absorbs the moisture and has anti-bacterial and deodorant properties. Not only will you keep the mould away, and any bugs that may attack your shoes, but your shoes will also smell nice. If you do not have shoe trees, you can use desiccants to keep the moisture out. Silica gels can be placed in the closet to absorb the moisture. (source: savvyaboutshoes.com)