16 Clever Boot Storage Ideas to Streamline Your Clutter

Whether you’re looking to store boots in your closet, entryway, or garage, there are plenty of smart options that will work for your space. From classic ideas like closet shelving to unique solutions like installing inverted dowels on your closet floor, the possibilities are endless for tackling boot clutter.

We’re sharing 16 of the best boot storage ideas and offering handy tips for which options work best with different boot styles.

Stack Them

If you already have dedicated shoe shelving in your closet, consider adjusting the height of a few shelves to accommodate your boots. Most closet systems have adjustable shelves, making it easy to raise one shelf’s height to fit your tallest pair of boots.

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Store Them on a Rack

Simple shoe racks designed to sit at the bottom of a closet are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. Metal shelves can often hold several pairs of shoes per shelf due to their durability. Place your boots on the top shelf and you’re all set.

Get Them Up High

Storing boots above your clothes gives you a clear sightline of both, making it easy to see what colors and styles go together. Often, boots hidden on the closet floor become an afterthought when selecting an outfit.

Mix and Match

Don’t just store boots next to your clothes; integrate accessories like hats and jewelry into your display. This can enhance your outfit-building capabilities. Invest time in color-coding your clothes, boots, and accessories to find items faster.

Tuck Them Under

If you prefer not to wear shoes indoors, consider tucking your boots under a console in the entryway. Grab a pair as you head out and drop them off when you return. Choose a console with a bottom shelf that’s low to the ground.

Consider the Bathroom

Many bathrooms, especially in older homes, have built-in shelving that can be used for boot storage. Similarly, check for under-utilized linen closets around your home.

Create a Vignette

Displaying boots in a walk-in closet or a glass-front armoire can make getting dressed quicker and more enjoyable. Save this method for your most eye-catching boots, as the key is to make them part of your decor.

Line Them Up

If you live in a cold or wet climate, your boots might be more functional than fashionable. Line them up near the door in an entryway for easy access. Keep them tidy by lining them under a piece of furniture, like a wall cabinet or credenza.

Make a Seasonal Capsule

Let's face it, boots aren’t our best friends in the spring and summer. If you have a small closet, pack your boots away during the warmer months. Use long, clear storage boxes that slide easily under the bed for efficient storage.

Make Room

Designate a space in the mudroom for any dirty boots. If you're building a mudroom, consider benches or shelving with high-clearance storage for boots. For heavily used boots, consider closed storage that looks like cabinetry or lockers. Install air vents to prevent moisture buildup.

Procure a Peg Board

A pegboard with pegs spaced far enough apart to hold boot soles is an excellent addition to a mudroom or garage. Look for customizable designs or make one yourself. Traditional pegboards outfitted with strategically placed pegs work just as well.

Corral Them on a Tray

There's an old designer trick for making clutter look organized: put it on a tray. The same applies to boots. Corral boots near the front or back door on a boot tray to keep them tidy and chic. Boot trays come in many styles, so it’s easy to find one that matches your home.

Go with rubber designs for practicality, or choose wood and copper versions for a more sophisticated look.

Hang Them

If you prefer not to spend time constantly arranging your boots, consider boot hangers. Be aware that many boot hangers clip to the exterior of the boots. To avoid creasing or imprinting, invest in hanging boot shapers that attach inside the boots.

Invert Them on Dowels

Another option for closet storage is boot racks or “welly racks” with long pegs or dowels. These racks have a wood or metal base with long rods for inverted boot storage.

Designs can have a single row of pegs or multiple rows with shorter ones in front and taller ones in back.

Go With the Garage

For boots that are often covered in snow or dirt, designate a space for them in the garage. Create a shoe station with multiple cubbies for different boot types, such as garden boots or riding boots. Adding decorative elements like wicker baskets or buckets can make the space feel more designed.

Store Them Outdoors

For garden or rain boots, there’s no need to bring them indoors. Instead, consider a small boot shed to store everything from boots to garden hoses and pet leashes.

A roof ensures boots stay dry, while a slatted base allows for drainage after a hose-off.