A shoe rack is a furniture piece or built-in storage unit which keeps pairs of shoes together and organized. Shoe racks are commonly found in an entry foyer, vestibule, or closet of a home. Many shoe racks are used to prevent shoes from cluttering inside a hallway or foyer. For cleanliness, a shoe rack can be used to let wet shoes dry and to prevent dirt from being tracked further inside a home. Inside a closet or walk-in closet, shoe storage can be built-in as shelves or wall units and is typically low to the ground for convenience.
Shoe racks, essential for organized shoe storage, have evolved over time. In ancient times, shoes were stored haphazardly in homes. As society progressed, especially in the 19th century, the need for tidiness and convenience led to the development of rudimentary wooden shoe racks. With the industrial revolution, shoe racks became more common, varying from simple shelves to enclosed cabinets. Over the years, materials, designs, and functionalities diversified, reflecting changing fashion trends and home organization needs, ultimately transforming shoe storage from a basic necessity into a specialized furniture category.
The future of shoe racks is geared towards space-saving and stylish organization. Modular and stackable options, like IKEA's "STÄLL" system, cater to smaller living spaces. Sustainable materials, such as bamboo or recycled plastics, reflect eco-conscious choices. Innovative designs, like transparent shoe storage boxes or rotating racks, enhance accessibility and visibility. As homes prioritize neatness and efficient use of space, shoe racks will continue to play a vital role in keeping footwear tidy while complementing the interior decor of modern living spaces.
A shoe rack can be made from stacking crates or made from scratch using pieces of plywood screwed together to make shelves or cubbies. One can ask an associate at a local hardware store (ex. Home Depot) to make cuts needed if unable to or if without the proper tools at home.
Inherently, the depth of a shoe rack should consider and correspond to the length of one’s shoe. A depth of 13 inches (33 cm) will work for nearly all users as anything more than this would leave unoccupied unless needed to store shoe boxes rather than just the shoes themselves.
A shoe rack can be placed in either a closet or in an entryway (usually smaller) and used to organize and/or display one’s collection of shoes. If it is a larger tiered rack, one can place other personal items or decorative elements on the very top surface of the rack.
