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Even a modest shoe collection can quickly crowd a small closet. If your shoe storage is overflowing, of course, the first step is to try to get rid of some footwear (and here’s one question to ask yourself to help declutter). But if you’re unable to part with any pairs, there are other options, too. We’ve gathered some practical shoe storage ideas that help you maximize space and organization in your small closet. Store smarter, and you can hold onto more of your favorite sandals, boots, and sneakers. If you need even more closet space, also consider these items you can use to organize your clothes. 

From easy organizing tips to products that add slim storage for several pairs, these ideas will help to take full advantage of your space. Plenty of the inspiration on this list is low-cost and can make your closet look nicer as well. So, here’s how to make your small shoe storage area more functional and efficient.

While this idea isn’t exactly game-changing, it’s worth noting since it’s completely free and will help you save space. As this video shows, how you place your shoes on the shelf matters. By alternating them heel to toe, you can eliminate the small gap between each one. It’s a small difference, but it might be all you need to squeeze that extra pair onto a shelf. If you try this tactic over multiple shelves, it may even free up space for a few pairs — no small accomplishment when you’re working with a small closet. 

However, you can use this technique to maximize your closet even more by thinking about vertical space. Many standard shelves are taller than your average shoe, so they leave a gap. If you’re mostly storing short sneakers and sandals, consider the ClosetMaid 1565 Stackable 5-Shelf Organizer. It has less vertical space between shelves (about 5.5 inches between each one), which comfortably fits most sneakers and running shoes. Ten standard pairs fit on this shelf, though you may be able to sneak in a few more with the alternating arrangement. These shelves are stackable too, so you can make your own storage unit for a small closet.

Damage-free options are renter-favorites, and there are plenty of smart tension rod hacks for closet storage that you can take advantage of. This is a creative one to help you store and organize your shoes. It uses two tension rods to create a shelf for your footwear. Stagger the two, placing the back one a little higher than the front one, and it will display your shoes nicely. Plus, you can create multiple levels. This is a great way to create customizable shelving in a small closet, as you can alter the sizing to fit your space. It’s also often cheaper than buying a new shelf, plus it’s ideal for frequent movers. The rods are much easier to take down and transport than a shelf.

It’s possible to buy budget-friendly bulk packs of tension rods that are perfect for this task. Look for options that come in multiple sizes and have a broad expansion range. For example, the Kimwason Tension Rods come as a multi-pack starting at under $20 (cheaper than most brand new shelves), and feature lots of options that you can mix and match to make a tension rod system. 

Maximizing utility is key for shoe storage in a small closet. If you’re working with tall shelves, you can take advantage of vertical space with the right products. A variety of shoe risers can help you fill that often-empty area above your sandals and sneakers. This allows you to stack a pair of shoes in an organized way — no messy shoe pile! It also separates the shoes so they don’t get dirty. 

The Yihata Shoe Slots Organizer is a similar product to the one shown in this video. It’s height-adjustable, so you can fit a wider variety of footwear inside, from sandals to high heels. A lip and textured surface prevent them from sliding off. It comes in a bulk pack, too, which helps make shelves look more organized. It’s a small tool, but it can essentially double your shoe storage in a small closet, a pretty big feat.

Door-mounted shoe racks are widely available for a reason: they add so much extra shoe storage to an often-empty area. If you have a swinging closet door, this is a great option. Over-the-door versions are renter-friendly, but if you can mount one to your door, it will prevent the rack from shifting around. There are also products that are pretty low-profile, so they won’t get in the way too much when you open the door. 

The Gorilla Grip Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer is one such product. It has a fabric pouch to hold each individual shoe (holding 12 pairs total), so it really only sticks out as far as your tallest pair. This type of organizer is space-saving and budget-friendly as well. However, it’s also less durable because of its soft material. If you would like a sturdier version, the Whitmor Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer is made of metal, so it won’t tear over time. Since it’s larger and more durable, it can also hold more. This organizer accommodates up to 36 pairs of shoes, but it also juts out quite a bit further. So, make sure to measure the space in your small closet to figure out which type of product is a better fit.

If you don’t have a swinging closet door for an over-the-door organizer, then a vertical shoe hanger is a convenient alternative. It hangs from a closet rod instead, so it’s also a good choice if you’re out of shelf space. As this video shows, you can find options in different widths, so you can take advantage of one even if you have a narrow space. Also, be mindful of the advice to look for sturdier organizers. Some of these products have Velcro loops to attach them to the rod. But these may not be able to bear the weight of several pairs of shoes. Instead, look for an option with strong metal hooks that can support the whole unit. 

Even better, look for a product that’s specifically made for shoes, like the Whitmor Hanging Shoe Shelves. These are designed to store (and handle the weight of) eight pairs of shoes. This product is a narrower option that accommodates one or both of the shoes on its side to save on space. If you have more room to work with, the Simple Houseware Hanging Shoe Shelves can hold 20 to 24 pairs of shoes, depending on the option you choose.

There’s another way to fill that dead space between your shoes and the shelf above. An under-shelf organizer is a useful, renter-friendly solution. This general idea is a popular hack to utilize every inch of cabinet storage space, but you can find larger, shoe-specific shoe organizers to bring the setup to your closet. 

Look for an expandable under-the-shelf rack. This will allow you to customize it to your storage needs. You can grab one that reaches all the way across, or choose to leave the sides open to accommodate taller shoes like boots. Also, keep in mind the weight capacity of these shelves. Many manufacturers don’t advertise a specific limit, but you’ll want to avoid loading the shelf to the point of bending. So, place lighter pairs on the slide-on rack and heavier shoes on your actual shelves.

The Shinewon Expandable Under Cabinet Shelf is a highly-rated product that’s large enough for shoes. It expands from 15.15 to 27.75 inches wide, so it will fit on a range of small closet shelves. The all-metal build helps with durability and provides a flat surface for storing gear.

Stackable plastic shoe containers can be placed on any flat surface. You can use them to extend shelving space upward, or you can place them on the floor if you’ve run out of shelving and hanging rod space. These plastic containers are particularly appealing to sneakerheads and collectors. They’re enclosed, so they protect your shoes from dirt and dust, something that can’t be said for the open organizers on this list. Depending on your shoe size, you might be able to fit more than one pair per box. The uniform units are also stackable, so you can fill a vertical space, and they look much nicer than doing the same task with cardboard boxes. Instead, you can use those shoe boxes for clever organization DIYs around the home.

The Pinkpum X-Large Shoe Storage Boxes have a similar design to the ones shown in this video. This product might even appeal more to shoe collectors because they’re more clear along the sides and front rather than slightly opaque. They let you put your shoes on display, and you can stack them together or use each box separately so you can customize your layout.

Storage crates are an appealing option if you like a utilitarian look. If you find them in colorful hues, these types of crates look playful and relaxed. Plus, stackable crates allow you to store layers of shoes. However, you will have to lift the crates to access them, which can be a hassle for daily-use pairs. So this is a good hack for organizing off-season footwear, when you’re using your small closet for longer-term shoe storage. You can stack the crates on the floor or a shelf, wherever they’ll fit. When it’s time to put the shoes somewhere more accessible, like an entryway rack or closet, you can empty the crates, fold them up, and tuck them away to reclaim some closet space.

The Jekiyo 16-Liter Folding Crates come as an affordable set of three, so you can ensure your crates match. These highly-rated crates stack well, so they won’t topple when full of shoes. Handles make moving them a breeze, and they fold down flat for when you want to store them.

Shoe racks are an obvious storage solution for small closets, but most people don’t think to place them anywhere but on the floor. This video shows how a humble shoe rack can add organization overhead. Place one on a shelf to add more usable area, without needing to install more shelving. The space between high shelves and the ceiling is often underutilized, and this idea lets you take advantage of that gap. 

This idea is a renter-friendly option since there’s no installation required. Though if the shoe rack is particularly tall or heavy, you might consider attaching it to the wall or shelf for safety. If you can’t, it’s prudent to only choose a two- or three-tiered rack to lower the chance of it tipping over. The Oceanstar 2-Tier Bamboo Shoe Rack is a safe bet; it only has two shelves and is nice and stable, so it likely won’t wobble around on top of a shelf.

If you think you don’t have space for a shoe rack, think again. Extra narrow shoe racks are available, measuring only a single pair of shoes wide. So if you have a spot wide enough to fit one pair, it might be able to fit a rack! These narrow units can slide into a small gap on the floor or shelf. Just keep in mind that these types of racks also tend to be short (if they’re too tall, they’re easier to tip over), so they’ll only add a little extra storage. They’re ideal if you’re tight on space and are looking to store just a few more sets of shoes.

The Yamazaki Home Compact Modern Metal Shoe Rack is a highly-rated example of this type of product. It’s narrow and very minimalist in design, so it’s not much wider than an average pair of shoes. The basic silhouette really suits contemporary spaces. So, if you can make it work in your small closet, it’s a great way to store five more sets of shoes.

A rotating shoe rack sounds like something that you’d only find in retail stores, but as it turns out, you can buy a version for your own closet. These types of racks don’t just look cool, they also create a turntable display for your favorite shoes. They have a smaller footprint than regular shelves and the capability to store many pairs. So, this product is ideal if you have a free corner. 

For those who need something extra compact, the Household Essentials Metal Four-Tier Revolving Shoe Rack is a no-frills option. Its lack of actual shelving makes it ultra compact, and it holds 24 pairs of shoes on vertical holders with only a 12-inch wide footprint at the base. If you have a little more room, the SpaceAid 7 Tier Rotating Shoe Rack Tower is more display-like and polished. This one looks more like shelving, fashioned into a rotating rack. It measures 23.2 inches across and holds about 28 pairs.

Boots can be a pain to store, especially tall ones that flop over. Not only does this take up unnecessary space, but it can also damage the boots. If you have a boot collection, it might be worth investing in specific storage like a boot organizer. This video shows how this is more space-saving than boot boxes. It’s more convenient too as you can grab your boots without having to take down a bunch of boxes. If you’re working with a small storage, those few inches gained are a win. This type of organizer also allows more airflow around boots, but without taking up more room.

The MyGift Modern Boot Organizer is a well-reviewed option that can help you condense your boot collection into one spot. It’s made of metal, so the rods are extra sturdy. It holds six pairs of shoes on twelve rods, each featuring a rounded end to prevent damaging the inside of the boots.

No flat space for a rack? There’s another alternative for consolidating a multitude of boots. In a small closet, you need to use every free space, and sometimes that means doing something untraditional like hanging up your boots. If you have room on your closet rod, boot hooks can help you hang them up like your clothing. This also keeps the top part of the boots straight so they don’t fall victim to wrinkles and indents over time. 

The Amber Home Metal Boot Hanger Set is a great option for trying this storage solution. It has two clips on each hanger so you can attach one to each boot. This keeps the boots sideways so you can fit more pairs on a rod. If you don’t want to risk the possibility of damage that comes with clips, the Whitmor Hanging Boot File is an excellent alternative. This stores each shoe in an upright pocket to maintain the shape of the boot and allows you to hang several pairs on one hook.

Closet walls are often underutilized, but there’s so much you can do to take advantage of the area. When it comes to adding shoe storage to a small closet, wall-mounted racks are another way to go. This is an idea you can use if you don’t have a swinging door to install something like an over-the-door organizer. Many of these racks can be installed onto doors too though if you’re looking for a more permanent spot for footwear.

The Yocice Wall Mounted Shoe Rack is fabulous for limited spaces where you only have room for very small options. This one is attached with sticky strips too, so there’s no need to break out tools to install it (though this means it might not hold up to extra-heavy shoes). It’s also possible to find much larger wall-mounted units, like the MyGift 5-Tier Shoe Organizer Stand. This one is made of metal and mounts to the wall with screws, offering a long-lasting organizer for up to 18 pairs of footgear.