What to Consider When Buying a Shoe Rack

We believe shoes to be the most essential component of any look. If you're having a bad hair day, or you couldn't manage to get dressed in the perfect way, slipping into a pair of awesome shoes can still make you look 'wow', because they tend to grasp all the attention. With so many kinds of footwear―shoes, sandals, flip-flops, slippers, boots, stilettos, platform heels, pumps, trainers―each with a different utilitarian purpose, and the innate need to have a variety of colors that complement our attire, it is natural for us to find ourselves in the need of a good shoe rack, that not only helps clear up the mess, but also stores these 'look-savers' expeditiously.

The first and foremost thing that you must do is to get rid of those shoes that are not in use anymore. We aren't just talking about the old worn-out ones, but also those that have not been worn for quite some time. Surely, there would be quite a bit of pairs that are lying in your wardrobe, or under your bed, just because they look great but aren't comfortable enough to wear that often. Seriously, give them to those who would utilize them, or sell them off in a garage sale. You would be surprised to see the amount of space and money earned by taking this effort; perhaps, you would also be able to chip in the earned money towards buying an upgraded version of the shoe rack you had in mind. Nonetheless, before you go ahead with the purchase, it is important for you to take a note of a few points.

Factors to Consider while Buying a Shoe OrganizerA systematic planning is necessary to avoid a confused state of mind while looking at the infinite options available in the market. As a smart buyer, you must be sure of your requirements before you enter the store, physically or virtually. These include factors like maintenance, space, budget, shoe types, and the like. These points are discussed as follows.

Where do you want to place it?

We've come across a lot of people who end up spending a great deal of money on some fancy-looking spacious shoe cabinet, later on realizing that there is hardly any space in the room to accommodate it. Decide beforehand as to where you wish to place the cabinet―in the wardrobe, under the bed, at the foyer, behind the door, or elsewhere. It would be a good idea to take the measurements of the decided space, to make sure that the dimensions of the final purchase suits the decided spot.

What kind of footwear would you keep?

It is advisable to store the shoes used for gardening, jogging, and other heavy outdoor activities from the others. Shoes that are highly exposed to mud and dust are likely to soil up the rack, thereby, affecting the rest of the footwear. Shoe cabinets and cubbies are ideal for storing such shoes, while an over-the-door shoe pocket organizer and other fabric-based racks are ideal for storing footwear that are comparatively cleaner.

Do you want to save on some space?

Space is a big deciding factor because of our living spaces getting more and more compact by the day. If you want the rack to serve as a décor item as well, and have enough space, then go for an elaborate shoe rack such as a closed shoe cabinet or a shoe cubby. On the other hand, if space is an issue, then options such as over-the-door shoe pocket organizer, hanging shoe bag, under-the-bed shoe rack, would be feasible, even money-wise. In fact, options such as the revolving shoe tree and a shoe wheel also have an ornamental look, and would be great for compact floor spaces.

How about the storage capacity and spacing?

Ensure that the storage capacity of the rack meets your needs and budget. Take a note of the pocket/shelve spacing―depending on the type of rack you choose―and ensure it has adequate amount of spacing. This becomes a crucial point, especially when your footwear such as high heels, pumps, and boots, that need a considerable amount of height to fit properly in the allotted space. Shoving these pairs into the rack inappropriately may cause potential damage. A safe option in this case would be to go for shoe organizers with adjustable shelving space.

What is your outlook on maintenance? Maintenance, a worth-considering facet of every purchase! Most of us tend to go for a low-maintenance option. While shoe racks made with fabrics tend to be more portable and wallet-friendly, they need constant washing and cleaning. On the other hand, wooden and metallic shoe racks, although expensive, are low in maintenance, especially those that come with a protective finishing coat. To minimize the need for cleaning, go for earthy colors. Ensure to clean the soles of the shoes before placing them on the rack to minimize dirt accumulation.

Budget plays an important role in decision making. So, be very clear about the amount you wish to spend for this task. Though you will come across countless tempting options―revolving shoe tree, shoe wheel, over-the-door shoe rack, designer free-standing shoe rack―don't let these options stray you away from your actual requirements; choose an option that satiates all the aforementioned aspects.

(Buzzle)