Knowing how to best store your shoes for the long term will help keep them in pristine shape. It doesn’t matter if they’re a high-priced investment into landing a job or expensive running sneakers. Improper storage can cause damage, but it can be avoided. If you need to store them for a while, you’ll want to do it the right way.
So, if you’re looking for tips on how to store shoes long term, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll cover some of the best ways to prevent damage to your favorite footwear.
1. Clean and Condition
An important but often neglected part of long-term shoe storage is to clean and condition them before storage. The very least that should be done is to wipe them down with a damp, lint-free cloth.
For footwear with laces, remove them before cleaning. Dislodge any debris that’s stuck on the soles. Allow them to fully air dry before putting them into any type of storage.
Shoes or boots made of leather require a little more care before long-term storage. After removing all dust and debris, let them air dry and apply a light coat of leather conditioner with a clean rag. Allow them to set for 24 hours, then wipe off any remaining conditioner.
2. Wooden Adjustable Shoe Trees
Using shoe trees when storing your shoes long-term is a great way to keep them in good shape. Not to be mistaken for the tree-shaped item for hanging shoes, shoe trees are a device that fits into your shoes. Using them helps shoes keep their shape during long-term storage. They’re sometimes also referred to as shoe stretchers.
The best ones are made from cedar, although there are less expensive types made from plastic. For long-term shoe storage, wooden shoe trees are the best. They’ll help maintain the shape of the shoes and will absorb any damage-causing moisture.
Shoe trees are a smart choice for expensive leather shoes or boots. As leather dries, it tends to curl. Using shoe trees will prevent your leather footwear from becoming misshapen.
3. Stuff With Paper
An alternative to wooden shoe trees is to stuff your footwear with paper. You’ll want to use acid-free paper that’s highly absorbent. Acid-free paper helps remove moisture and can also help maintain the shape of the shoes. Avoid using newspapers to stuff shoes, as newsprint doesn’t absorb much moisture and the ink can damage the inside of the shoes.
For larger footwear, like cowboy boots, an acid-free paper may not provide enough support to maintain their shape. Try using pieces of unbleached muslin fabric. The muslin will remove moisture and is sturdy enough to keep your boots in their proper shape.
For knee-high boots, roll up a piece of acid-free cardboard and place it inside before adding paper or muslin. The cardboard will help maintain their shape. Whenever possible, high boots should be stored upright.
4. Shoe Bags
A wise choice when considering how to store shoes long term is to use shoe bags. Many high-end shoe purchases come with these handy bag protectors, which are sometimes called dust bags. Made of breathable cloth, shoe bags will protect shoes from dust or damage. Each shoe should be placed in a separate bag.
The best shoe bags employ a drawstring for closing. This keeps your footwear safe. At the very least, place each shoe into a plastic bag. Although not the best method, it will provide some protection, although this method can trap moisture and cause mildew to form on your favorite shoes.
5. Silica Packets
To help keep footwear free from damaging moisture, silica packets can be placed inside each shoe. These packets will absorb moisture, helping to keep your shoes looking good, and will help prevent any mold or mildew from forming. This is a major concern for those who live in climates with high humidity.
For shoes that are open-toed, such as pumps or sandals, you can’t simply drop in a silica packet because it will just fall out. Instead, place this type of footwear inside a shoebox or shoe bag and include a silica packet.
6. Shoeboxes
An excellent way to store your shoes long-term is to place them into shoeboxes. If you still have the original box the shoes came in, you can use that. It will already be the proper size and will allow for ventilation.
Boxing shoes also allows for easy long-term storage because you can stack them. Just remember to put the heavier shoes, such as boots or clogs, on the bottom of the stack.
For added protection, before placing your shoes in the box, you can stuff them with acid-free paper to help maintain their shape. The paper will assist with absorbing the moisture that can damage shoes. Another option is to add silica packets to the box.
Although there are a variety of different plastic boxes and bins with lids on the market specifically sold for shoe storage, some styles should be avoided. Choose boxes that have adequate ventilation.
If the box is completely sealed, even a small amount of inside moisture can cause mold or mildew. You would then have to spend time and money removing the growth or in the worst case, have to toss the shoes in the trash.
7. Climate-Controlled Storage
Another option for how to store shoes long term is to place them in a climate-controlled storage unit. Changes in humidity and temperature can damage shoes. These factors can stiffen leather and cause the glue to break down.
If you plan to store your shoes as the seasons change, specifically summer and winter, it is not a good idea to store them in an attic, garage, or basement.
These home areas are oftentimes subjected to extreme changes in temperature and humidity, so storing them in these locations isn’t recommended. Even just a season or two in these unstable environments can place undue wear and tear on your favorite footwear.
Your best option is to store them temporarily in a climate-controlled storage unit. When stored in a location that has climate control, your shoes won’t be subjected to damaging changes in temperature or humidity.
An added bonus is you’ll free up storage space by only keeping the shoes you need for the season in your closet.
8. Shoe Storage Box Systems
If you want to store shoes for a long period but still want easy access to them, consider purchasing a shoe storage unit. You’ll want one that allows your shoes to remain dust-free and away from the damaging rays of the sun.
There are several styles you can purchase at big box stores or online retailers, so you’re sure to find one that works for you. Some stack on top of each other and have clear doors for viewing and easy access.
Shoe storage units can be placed in bedroom corners, under beds, or in closets.
Long-Term Shoe Storage Explained
Learning how to store shoes long-term doesn’t require much effort. To keep your footwear looking its best, especially during seasons you won’t be wearing them, there are several steps to keep in mind. Before packing them away, it’s important that you give them a good cleaning.
Leather boots or shoes should also be treated with a leather conditioner. Acid-free paper can be stuffed into them or they can be stored with silica packets to absorb moisture.
With a small amount of effort, you can master how to store shoes long term and keep them in excellent condition.