How to Store & Organize Your Sneakers

There’s something about pulling a fresh pair of sneakers out of the box: the smell, the look and the feeling are hard to replicate. And after falling in love with a sneaker—be it one for collecting or wearing—it’s important to learn how to take care of them, so they last. Luckily, there are ways to extend the fresh feeling of new, out-of-the-box sneakers through proper storage and organization. In fact, #sneakercloset has almost 40,000 tags on Instagram, proving that taking care of your sneakers properly is a trend unto itself. 

Whether you plan to enjoy your sneakers by wearing them daily or by preserving them properly, there are a few steps you can take to ensure they stay as fresh as possible. 

The first step toward learning how to store your shoes properly is to assess what kind of sneaker collection you have. If it’s a collection that you want to keep pristine and show off, consider clear-front stackable boxes. This storage style not only helps you to see what’s in each box at a glance but also protects your shoes from dirt and dust while they’re not being worn. Boxes like these are also easy to move around and reorganize, which comes in handy if you are someone who moves often or if you like to rearrange your collection often. 

Look for stackable boxes that have UV protection if you plan to store your shoes in a place where sunlight might reach them. Keep in mind that stackable boxes are not one-size-fits-all solutions, so measure your shoes to make sure they fit first. Shoes should either stand up with plenty of clearance above them or lay down in the box without being smushed together (just like they came in the box). 

Also, it’s important to ensure there isn’t too much humidity in the room you’re keeping your sneakers in since moisture can damage certain elements of sneakers. Investing in a dehumidifier can work wonders if you have an especially important collection that you want to protect.

If your collection features sneakers that are more for everyday use, consider a shoe organizer that will make picking a pair easy, such as open shelving, bookcases or baskets. Just stay away from wire baskets, as they will damage the integrity of the shoe and can leave marks on them if the shoes are left in contact with the wire for too long. Also, try to avoid over-the-door hanging storage on doors that stay closed a lot, such as closets — you could inadvertently damage your shoes when the door is closed if there isn’t space around the shoe to keep them protected. 

Short on space? Consider slim, space-saving cabinets specifically made for hallways and other tight areas. Options range from storage solutions you can readily find at big box stores to custom-made, so decide what kind of investment you want to make based on your budget, the number of pairs you have and how valuable they are. 

Once you know what sneaker storage solution you are working with, look to sort your shoes by name, purpose, color, style or even season to make whatever pair you are looking for easy to find. This is a very personal choice, so arrange them according to your lifestyle and use. 

You can even consider sorting them by which shoes you use the most. Put more valuable, less-used pairs higher up on top shelves or on the very bottom shelves closest to the floor. If they are valuable, you should consider putting them in protective bags or boxes, as the tops and bottoms of shelves are where dust collects the most. 

Keep pairs you wear or pull out more often at eye-level to make it easy to reach them. You can even create labels for your bins, boxes or baskets if it helps you stay organized. Some people even tag very valuable shoes with information such as where they were purchased, the date of purchase and if they are a limited edition shoe. 

If you have invested in a sneaker collection, it’s just as important to preserve their longevity by protecting your shoes from damage while being stored or transported. 

One of the most crucial—but often overlooked—steps in preserving your shoes is ensuring that they don’t get creased. You know the feeling: You open your closet, pull out a pair of sneakers from the back, only to find that there’s a deep, major crease in the toe. This can easily be prevented by either stuffing the toes with paper or cardboard or by using a crease protector. The same goes for high-top sneakers that have a tendency to flop over at the ankles—try to maintain the ankles as best as possible by stuffing the shoe with paper or pieces of cardboard when not being worn. You can even use a boot protector.

While it’s easy just to throw sneakers you plan to wear into your suitcase or weekend bag, if you want your shoes to last a long time, consider transporting them in a shoebox with a lid or in a pliable shoebox bag, which can help when space might be limited, such as in an overnight bag. Keep crease protectors and any stuffing intact if possible while traveling or transporting your shoes to help maintain shape. 

With a little planning, your sneakers can last for a very long time. After your organization and storage game is on lock, make sure you’re taking the proper steps to clean and maintain your fresh kicks. If you care for your shoes—both pairs you collect and those you wear—you can get a lot of life out of them and feel good about your investment. 

Got a cool storage hack for sneakers? Show us on social media by tagging @finishline!