Whether to store shoes in their original boxes or keep them out on display is a common dilemma for shoe lovers and collectors. Both options have their pros and cons in terms of shoe care, organization, aesthetics, and more. This article will examine the key factors to consider when deciding the best shoe storage approach for your needs.
Keeping Shoes in Boxes
Storing shoes in their original boxes offers a few key benefits:
Protection from Dust and Dirt
The box acts as a protective shell, keeping shoes free from dust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants when not being worn. For collectors or those with expensive designer shoes, this helps maintain pristine condition and extend the lifespan of the shoes.
Preventing Deformation
Certain shoe materials like leather can become misshapen over time when not supported properly. Keeping shoes in boxes with shoe trees or filler paper inside can help them retain their original shape. This is especially important for shoes that are not worn frequently.
Organization
Original shoe boxes allow for tidy storage on shelves, with each pair easy to identify by its labeling. This is convenient when you have a large shoe collection and need to quickly grab a certain pair.
Preserving Value
Collectors know that keeping shoes in mint, unworn condition with the original box will maximize resale value if they choose to sell later on. The box proves authenticity and completes the product.
Sentimental Reasons
Some shoes may hold sentimental value, like a special gift or pair worn at your wedding. Keeping them pristine in the original packaging preserves the memory.
Potential Downsides of Box Storage
However, there are a few potential downsides of keeping all shoes in boxes:
Takes Up More Space
Boxes use up valuable closet space and shelf space. If you have a large shoe collection or limited storage, displayed shoes condensed on shoe racks may allow fitting more pairs in the same area.
Not Displaying Your Shoes
Part of the pleasure of owning shoes can be showing them off and enjoying the sight of them. Storing shoes out of view in boxes prevents being able to admire your collection every day.
Forget What You Have
When shoes are tucked away out of sight, it’s easier to forget exactly what is in your collection, especially if boxes are unlabeled. You may end up continually wearing the same pairs while other shoes go neglected.
Damage from Long-Term Storage
While boxes protect against dust, keeping leather or rubber shoes enclosed for extremely long periods could potentially lead to rot, mold, or stiffness. Taking them out periodically allows them to air out.
Displaying Shoes Out of the Box
Here are some benefits of keeping at least some of your shoes readily visible:
Save Space
You can fit more shoes in the same amount of closet or shelf space by displaying them out of boxes, stacked neatly using shoe trees for support. This helps maximize storage.
View Your Collection
Seeing your shoes out allows you to admire your collection and get more enjoyment from them compared to being hidden away. It can also inspire you to wear different pairs more often.
Quick Access
With shoes already out on display, you can quickly grab the pair you want to wear that day without having to dig through boxes. This helps make getting ready faster and more convenient.
Assess Condition
By keeping shoes visible, you can inspect their condition periodically and care for them as needed. Out of sight, out of mind – damage could go unnoticed.
Decorative Element
Artfully arranged shoes can add visual interest and style to a room’s decor. They become an attractive design feature rather than just hidden possessions.
Potential Cons of Displaying Shoes
However, displaying shoes also comes with a few drawbacks to consider:
More Exposed to Damage
Without protective boxes, shoes are more prone to scuffs, falling debris, getting knocked over, UV damage from sunlight, etc. Homes with kids or pets face more risk.
Can Appear Cluttered
Mass displays of shoes without deliberate organization could end up looking cluttered or chaotic rather than intentionally designed. Editing your collection is key.
Cleaning is Harder
Dust and dirt will collect more easily on open shoes. Boxes help minimize how often cleaning is needed.
Puts Strain on Shoe Trees
Relying solely on shoe trees long-term can compress and deform shoes since they were designed to be worn on feet. Rotation is ideal.
Fading Over Time
Light and air exposure may cause shoe materials and colors to break down and fade more quickly versus protected storage.
Tips for Keeping Some Shoes Out
For those who opt to display some shoes out of boxes, here are some tips for maintaining their condition:
– Use glass shelves, cabinets, or dust-resistant bookcases rather than open racks. This helps minimize dust and debris settling on them.
– Display them away from direct sunlight to limit fading.
– Stuff shoe trees, filler paper or towels inside on rotation to help retain shape.
– Consider protective shoe bags over the most delicate pairs when not being worn or displayed.
– Polish, condition, and spray shoes with protector regularly to defend against scuffs and stains.
– Group shoes by type, color, or season rather than mixing dress shoes with sneakers, etc. This looks more styled.
– Edit down your displays to your favorites you actually wear rather than overloading shelves.
– Never leave shoes tangled in a pile. Stand or lay them neatly side-by-side.
Hybrid Approach
Given the pros and cons of boxes versus displayed storage, many shoe lovers find success with a hybrid approach:
– Keep most shoes protected in boxes, but rotate select favorites into displays.
– Display shoes only for certain seasons (like summer sandals). Box the rest.
– Box shoes not worn more than once a year. Display oft-worn pairs out.
– Display shoes in a closed cabinet to reduce dust but still view them.
– Box shoes prone to creasing like leather dress shoes. Display hardy sneakers and boots.
This balanced solution allows you to get the benefits of visibility and access for oft-worn pairs while delicate and off-season shoes stay protected.
Other Shoe Storage Solutions
Beyond boxing versus displaying, consider these other creative storage ideas:
Under-Bed Storage
Slide flat boxes or tubs of shoes neatly under your bed to get them off the floor and utilize wasted space. Just be sure to label boxes to distinguish contents.
Hanging Racks
Vertical space is great for shoes. Hang sturdy canvas sneakers from over-the-door hooks or standing racks.
Repurposed Furniture
An old bookcase, cabinet, chest of drawers or media console can become shoe storage with shelves or cubbies added inside. This also hides shoes within furniture.
Entryway Benches
Entryway benches with lift-up lids allow shoe storage inside the seat. Conceal shoes conveniently right by the door.
Under Stairs
Build or buy custom cabinetry to fit under a staircase. The inclined space is perfect for shoes. Add doors for an integrated look.
Key Factors in the Box vs. Out Decision
When debating whether to stow shoes in boxes or keep them visible, here are some final considerations:
Type of Shoes
Delicate shoes prone to creasing like dress shoes and heels fare better boxed. Rugged sneakers and boots hold up fine on display. Formal shoes see more box storage; casual styles work displayed.
Amount of Storage Space
If you have extensive shelving and room to spread out, displays make sense. With more limited space, boxes help maximize storage capacity efficiently.
How Often You Rotate Shoes
If you wear most of your shoes frequently, visibility helps you grab and return shoes easily. But if you have many shoes you rarely wear, boxing makes sense.
Your Aesthetic Preferences
Do you like the visual appeal of displayed shoes as decor? Or do you prefer a tidy, minimized look? Let your style guide your approach.
Dust Level in Your Home
In dusty spaces, boxes provide needed protection. Where dust is minimal, displays work. Consider your home’s conditions.
Pets or Kids
Rambunctious pets or kids raise the risk of damaged display shoes. Boxing provides safer storage in those cases.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, deciding whether to keep shoes boxed up or out on display comes down to personal preference, priorities and lifestyle. If style and frequent use take precedence, displaying shoes can make sense. For those focused solely on protection and collecting, boxing may be preferred.
Many find a combination approach keeps oft-used pairs handy while safely stowing delicate and sentimental pairs. Proper editing, dusting and storage methods also come into play. Test out different solutions and see what shoe storage strategy brings you joy, keeps pairs in ideal condition, and fits your space best.
| Storage Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Boxed Storage |
|
|
| Displayed Storage |
|
|