If you’re an avid shoe collector (and be honest—aren’t we all!), deciding how to store your shoes when they’re out of season can be a challenge.
As we head into fall and winter, the time has come to put away your summer sandals and break out the winter boots. We’ve collected the best tips for seasonal shoe storage, all of which will help you protect and organize your footwear.
Off Season Shoe Storage: Best Practices
To keep your summer favorites in top condition until next year, try to store them as follows.
1. Clean and deodorize your shoes before storing them.
The first and most important step is to get your summer shoes as clean as possible. Take some time to brush dirt and debris off the soles, and gently wash out any stains on the uppers. Pay special attention to how to safely clean the material. For example, if it’s leather or suede, start by checking out our blog about how to clean leather. Most shoes will respond well to Pedag’s three-step process of cleaning, conditioning, and protective sprays.
If you notice any odors, now would be the time to apply shoe deodorizer as well. After any targeted treatment, we recommend storing all shoes with a dryer sheet inside, which will help them smell fresh when you pull them out next summer.
2. Stuff closed-toe shoes with newspaper.
To help closed-toed shoes keep their shape, fill the inside with crumpled newspaper (or any similar material). Shoe trees are an even better option for pairs prone to becoming misshapen. We recommend this Woodlore shoe tree, which keeps shoes moisture-free and prevents cracks and creases.
3. Store in something soft and breathable.
One of the worst things you can do for your shoes is to put them in a plastic bin. Non-breathable storage containers lock in moisture and stale air, which breeds bacteria and odors. Instead, look for cotton bags or similarly porous storage. A bonus is that cloth bags are less likely to scuff your shoes than hard materials like plastic, so needless damage is prevented.
With these out-of-season shoe storage tips, you can look forward to your summer styles being as good as new when you pull them out next year.
How to Organize Fall and Winter Shoes
Cold-weather footwear tends to be stylish and effective, but with one notable obstacle: boots are bulky! Even athletic shoes can sometimes be hard to find room for in the closet. With that in mind, here are a few tips for seasonal shoe storage.
1. Store them in open-air or a cool, dry place.
Before deciding how to store them, you have to determine where to store them. As we discussed above, avoid storing shoes somewhere non-breathable. Find a cool, dry area with air that circulates through regularly. A closet is fine, depending on location; the key is to avoid moisture.
2. Use boot trees to maintain shape.
It’s best to store boots standing up, especially tall boots that are prone to cracking and creasing. A boot tree protects your shoes most effectively, but you can get the same results with a rolled-up magazine.
3. Try out shoe rack options
A mismatched pile of shoes on the floor of the closet is never a good time, for you or your shoes. There is an array of shoe rack solutions made to fit wherever you have space:
- Hanging: If you have space, you can use hanging cloth cubbies to separate 10-24 pairs of shoes stacked on top of each other. This is best for flats and sneakers. For taller boots, try using a clipped pants hanger—but only if each shoe is lightweight enough to not fall down.
- Cubby Shelving: Perfect for anywhere in the house, from the closet to the mudroom, cubby shelving is a great way to keep shoes separated while still being able to see them all at once.
- Tiered Racks: For maximum storage space and flexibility, a tiered shelving rack allows you to place pairs of shoes flush side-by-side. Because it’s not enclosed like cubbies would be, the top shelf is a good spot for tall boots. We’d recommend going with wood shelves rather than wire, since thin heels can easily slip through wires and break off.
No matter how you store your fall and winter shoes, the most important thing is that you feel good in whatever you wear. If you ever have questions, need advice, or want recommendations, our friendly team of Certified Fit Specialists is in-store year-round to help you out.
Shop Year-Round Footwear and Shoe Care at Stan’s
No matter what season you’re buying shoes for, Stan’s has the pair that’s just right for you. We’re more than just a shoe store; it’s a place where every step matters and where your footwear journey begins. Our curated collection of shoes offers high-quality styles from the most respected brands from around the world.
Since its inception in 1950, Midwest Shoe Merchants Inc. has reliably sourced stylish and comfortable footwear for the greater Milwaukee area. Today, under the stewardship of its third-generation family owners, Midwest Shoe Merchants Inc. is recognized as one of the nation’s top independent shoe retailers. With 7 Midwest brick-and-mortar locations under 4 distinct retail brands: Stan’s, Goodmiles Running Company, The Vionic Store Milwaukee, and Waxberg’s Walk Shoppe in Niles, IL, and a thriving, national e-commerce business, Midwest Shoe Merchants Inc. proudly serves a diverse clientele from all walks of life.
For more information, please visit www.Stansshoes.com or email [email protected]