How to Store Boots in the Closet

Co-authored by Caitlin Jaymes

Last Updated: February 27, 2022 References

If you're looking for the perfect boot storage solution, there are lots of different ways to store them in the closet so you're able to see all of your options and access them easily. For boots that you wear often, consider lining them up on a mat or shelf for simple storage. If you have boots for special occasions, store these in plastic containers for easy stacking. You can even hang your boots up in your closet using clips and hangers to keep your boots off of the floor.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning and Stuffing Your Boots

1
Clean the boots carefully before storing them. Wipe down your boots using a clean cloth or microfiber towel to get rid of any dirt or grime. Pay special attention to the bottom of your boots as well to ensure you don't track dirt through your closet.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Dampen the cloth to remove extra dirt, if desired.
- If you have leather boots, use leather cleaning wipes or a leather conditioner for a deeper clean.
2
Stuff tall boots to help them maintain their shape. Use things like newspaper, magazines, or tall shoe trees to keep the top of your boots from flopping over. Stuffing tall boots is a great way to make them last longer and stay upright even when you’re not wearing them.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you’re stuffing the boots with paper, scrunch up the paper and put enough in each boot so that the boot stands upright easily.
- Roll up magazines or cut pool noodles into pieces to use these to stuff boots as well.
Advertisement
3
Use silica packets in closed boot containers to keep out moisture. Silica packets, which often come with new shoes, can be used when you're storing your boots to keep out moisture. Place these in your boots if you won't be wearing them for several months or if you're putting the boots in a storage container.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Purchase silica packets at your local home improvement store or big box store.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Storing Boots on the Ground or Wall

1
Line boots up along a shelf or on a mat for easy access. If you’d like to store your boots in the closet on the floor, place a mat under your boots to protect the floors from things like dirt and other outdoor elements. Putting boots up on a tall shelf is another great way to store them easily, lining them up beside each other with the toes facing you.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Place a doormat inside your closet to go under your boots.
- If you’re installing shelves in the closet, make sure the shelves are tall enough that your tall boots can fit easily.
2
Keep your boots inside boot boxes to stack them. Purchase boot boxes that are long enough to store your specific pair of boots. Place each boot on its side in the box so they're resting horizontally before securely closing the lid. Since the boxes are long and flat, you'll be able to easily store more boot boxes on top of one another. Label each box so you know which boots are inside.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- To ensure your boots keep their shape, stuff each boot with newspaper or another material before placing them in the box.
- Boot boxes are most often made of plastic for extra protection and can be found at your local home goods store or online.
- Choose a clear boot box so you can easily see which boots are inside.
- Put the boots you will not use for a while at the bottom.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Caitlin Jaymes
  Closet Organizer & Fashion Stylist
  Expert Interview. 16 December 2019.}
3
Place boots on a peg rack to store them upside down. Either create your own peg rack by inserting dowels into a piece of wood with drilled holes in it, or use a wall-mounted coat rack by placing it on the floor. Place each boot over the dowel so the boot is upside down and supported by the peg, preventing dirt from getting all over the closet.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Store the peg or coat rack under your shorter pieces of clothing so your boots don't get your clothes dirty.
- If you’re creating your own peg rack, customize each peg to ensure it’s long or short enough to hold each specific pair of boots that you have.
- Attach the peg rack to a wall in the closet.
4
Set your boots on the top row to use a regular shoe rack. If you have a normal shoe rack in your closet where the rest of your shoes are stored, clear off the top rack for your boots. Line your boots up along this top row to store them easily and without having to bend the tops.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Regular shoe racks can be found at your local big box store or online.
5
Stack crates on top of one another facing outwards to create your own boot storage. Purchase wooden crates from a local craft or big box store. Place them vertically on top of one another, stacking 2 or 3 to create spots for several pairs of boots. Set each pair of boots upright in the crate, storing 2 pairs in each crate if you'd like.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Clear a section of the wall in your closet so you can stack as many crates as needed.
6
Purchase a commercial boot storage option to store boots easily. There are lots of storage options created specifically for boots. Choose a rack that's made to fit boots perfectly with its oval-shaped slots. Place each boot in a slot with the boot sitting upright for a super secure storage option.
- These commercial boot storage options help support the tops of tall boots so they don't fall to one side.
- Look for commercial boot storage at your local big box store or online.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Hanging Boots

1
Purchase boot hangers to hang boots while keeping their shape. Several stores sell boot hangers that have inserts that act as filler to maintain each boot's shape. Put an insert in each boot and use the hanger that’s attached to the insert to hang them in the closet easily.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Look for hangable boot inserts at your local home goods store or online.
2
Use a binder clip to hang your boots clipped together. Hold each boot side by side and clip the sides of the boots that are touching together using the binder clip. Pull the curved top of a hanger through the binder clip's loops so you can hang the boots in the closet.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- A binder clip works especially well for boots made of sheepskin or other super soft materials.
- If you’re worried about the binder clip making indentations in the boots, place a washcloth or something soft under the binder clip to protect the boots.
3
Attach your boots to pant hangers for easy hanging. Since pant hangers have two clips per hanger, they’re great for hanging a pair of boots. Put a washcloth or other soft cloth over the side of the boot where you’ll clip it so that the hanger clip doesn’t damage the boot material. Once you’ve clipped each boot to a pant hanger clip, hang the boots up in the closet.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Display luxury boots or your favorite boots towards the front of the closet to make it look more appealing.^{[13]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Caitlin Jaymes
  Closet Organizer & Fashion Stylist
  Expert Interview. 16 December 2019.}
- You can also hang the pair you have to grab often towards the front.^{[14]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Caitlin Jaymes
  Closet Organizer & Fashion Stylist
  Expert Interview. 16 December 2019.}

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I store shoes?

Caitlin Jaymes
Closet Organizer & Fashion Stylist
Caitlin Jaymes is a Closet Organizer and Fashion Stylist based in Los Angeles, California. With a background in Fashion PR and Fashion Design, she specializes in creating wardrobes for her clients with pieces they already own. She has experience working with celebrities, editorial shoots, and men and women of all ages. Caitlin uses fashion and organization to help instill and influence confidence, ambition, and stress-free lifestyles for all her clients. She runs her business by two guiding principles: “fashion has no rules, only guidance on how to look and feel your best” and “life has too many stressors, don’t let clutter be one of them.” Caitlin’s work has been featured on HGTV, The Rachael Ray Show, VoyageLA, Liverpool Los Angeles, and the Brother Snapchat Channel.

Caitlin Jaymes

Closet Organizer & Fashion Stylist

Expert Answer

You can put them in a shoe bag. Put your left shoe with the toe facing out and then the other one the opposite way. They should sit towards each other.
Question

How do you organize your closet shelves to make them appealing?

Caitlin Jaymes
Closet Organizer & Fashion Stylist
Caitlin Jaymes is a Closet Organizer and Fashion Stylist based in Los Angeles, California. With a background in Fashion PR and Fashion Design, she specializes in creating wardrobes for her clients with pieces they already own. She has experience working with celebrities, editorial shoots, and men and women of all ages. Caitlin uses fashion and organization to help instill and influence confidence, ambition, and stress-free lifestyles for all her clients. She runs her business by two guiding principles: “fashion has no rules, only guidance on how to look and feel your best” and “life has too many stressors, don’t let clutter be one of them.” Caitlin’s work has been featured on HGTV, The Rachael Ray Show, VoyageLA, Liverpool Los Angeles, and the Brother Snapchat Channel.

Caitlin Jaymes

Closet Organizer & Fashion Stylist

Expert Answer

When you enter your closet, you want to feel excited, you want to feel inspired to get ready, and you also want to be proud of your wardrobe. So women can put their luxury handbags or luxury shoes towards the front of the closet. Guys can put their jeans, white t-shirts, or shoes in front. Choose the pieces that are maybe the most colorful or the ones you love the most. Put them towards the front of your closet.
Question

How should I organize my boots?

Ashley Moon, MA
Professional Organizer
Ashley Moon is the Founder and CEO of Creatively Neat, a virtual organizing and life coaching business based in Los Angeles, California. In addition to helping people organize their best life, she has a fabulous team of organizers ready to de-clutter your home or business. Ashley hosts workshops and speaking engagements at various venues and festivals. She has trained with Coach Approach and Heart Core for organizing and business coaching respectively. She has an MA in Human Development and Social Change from Pacific Oaks College.

Ashley Moon, MA

Professional Organizer

Expert Answer

I always prefer to sort them from lowest to tallest, going left to right. Be sure to use boot shapers, which are shoe trees for boots that can be purchased and stuck into boots to keep them rigid. You can also find shoe racks with taller cubbies that can hold boots.