Out with the old, in with the organized—declutter and refresh your shoe collection this season.

Our shoe closets can get out of control—real fast. One day, you’re carefully arranging your favorite pairs, and the next, it’s a jumbled mess of old sneakers, forgotten heels, and those boots you swear you’ll wear next winter. If it takes you more than 10 seconds to find a matching pair, it’s time for a spring refresh! This guide will help you sort through your shoes, clean them up, and store them like a pro, so you can actually enjoy your collection instead of battling it.

Step 1: Assess & Declutter Your Shoes

Alright, let’s be real—your shoe collection has probably gotten a little out of control. We’ve all been there. That pair of heels you wore once in 2018? Still sitting there. Those sneakers with holes in the soles? Somehow still in rotation. It’s time to get ruthless and take back control of your shoe closet.

This step is about making space for the shoes you actually love and wear while saying goodbye to the ones that are just taking up room. 

Take Everything Out

Grab every pair of shoes you have—check your closet, entryway, under the bed, and that one random pair in your car. Gather everything in one place, and give yourself a shoe reality check. You might even find a pair you’ve totally forgotten about!

Sort Shoes Into Categories

Now that you can see what you’re working with, start sorting. You’ll want to create a few piles:

• Everyday shoes – Sneakers, flats, comfy boots—whatever you grab most often.
• Special occasion shoes – Heels, loafers, anything you only wear to weddings or fancy events.
• Workout shoes – Running shoes, hiking boots, anything built for movement.
• Seasonal shoes – Flip-flops, sandals, snow boots, rain boots—shoes you wear based on the weather.
• The “Why Do I Still Own These?” pile – Shoes that you already know hurt your feet, don’t fit, or haven’t been worn in forever.

Sorting like this makes it easier to see where you’re overloaded and what’s worth actually keeping.

The Keep, Donate, Or Toss Test

Now, it’s decision time. Every single pair of shoes you own should go through this test. 

The Keep Pile

If your shoes meet these criteria, they’ve earned a spot in your closet:

• They are comfortable and in good condition.
• They match multiple outfits and get regular use.
• You’d 100% buy them again if you lost them.

The Donate Pile

If your shoes meet these criteria, it’s time to donate them to a local shelter or thrift store to try to help them find a new home:

• They are in good condition but you can’t remember the last time you wore them.
• When you have worn them, you notice they don’t quite fit right.

The Toss Pile

If your shoes are falling apart, full of holes, or missing soles, it’s time to say goodbye. Instead of just trashing them, check for different shoe recycling programs or if any local thrift stores accept damaged footwear for repurposing. 

Struggling to let go? Put those questionable pairs in a “Maybe pile”, tuck them away, and set a reminder for 30 days. If you don’t miss them (or even forget about them), it’s time to donate.

Step 2: Clean & Restore Your Shoes

Now that you’ve decluttered your shoe collection, it’s time to give your keepers some much-needed TLC. Shoes go through a lot—mud, sweat, spills, and scuffs—and proper care can extend their lifespan, keep them looking fresh, and even improve comfort.

Clean Your Shoes

While certain shoe materials, like leather or suede, need special care, here are some general tips to clean up your shoes:

• Remove dirt and debris – Use a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works great) or a dry cloth to brush off dirt before applying any cleaner.
• Spot-clean stains – Always test a small area first before applying any cleaning product.
• Deodorize and refresh – Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes overnight to absorb odors. You can also use dryer sheets, activated charcoal bags, or shoe sprays.
• Air dry properly – Avoid direct heat (like a hairdryer) since it can warp leather or damage glue in sneakers. Stuff shoes with newspaper to absorb moisture and help retain their shape.

If you are unsure how to best clean your shoes, look up a care guide for the material of the shoe so you understand the best ways to keep your shoes in tip-top shape.

Restore & Refresh Your Shoes

Cleaning is just the first step, but sometimes, shoes need a little extra love.

• Polish and buff – Leather shoes looking dull? A little shoe polish (matched to the color) and buffing with a soft cloth will bring them back to life.
• Replace inserts and laces – Swap out your worn-out shoe inserts for a new pair to keep your feet comfortable. Clean or change out your laces for a fresh look.
• Repair scuffed heels – If the heel caps are worn down, take them to a cobbler for replacement.

Step 3: Organize & Store Your Shoes

Now that your shoes are clean and refreshed, it’s time to get them organized in a way that makes them easy to find, protects them from damage, and maximizes your space. Here’s how to create a functional, clutter-free shoe storage system that works for your lifestyle.

Choose the Right Storage System

Not all closets (or homes) are created equal, so it’s important to find the best shoe storage solution for your space and collection size. Here are some storage options to consider:

For Small Spaces & Apartments

• Over-the-door shoe organizers
• Under-bed storage bins
• Hanging shoe racks

For Walk-In Closets Or Large Shoe Collections

• Clear shoe boxes
• Shoe racks and cubbies
• Shoe drawers or pull-out shelves

For Entryways & Everyday Use

• Shoe bench
• Wall-mounted shoe racks
• Trays or mats for muddy shoes

Store Seasonal Shoes

Not wearing those snow boots in July or flip-flops in December? Then they shouldn’t be taking up prime real estate in your closet! Store your seasonal shoes away for the season.

For summer shoes, store sandals in small bins and keep casual shoes in an easy-to-access spot. Clean and condition winter shoes before storing them away for the season. Use boot trees or tissue paper to prevent slouching. 

Step 4: Keep Your Shoe Closet Organized Year-Round

The key to maintaining your beautifully organized shoe collection is regular upkeep. Try these simple habits to prevent your closet from getting messy again:

• Follow the one-in, one-out rule – If you buy a new pair, donate an old pair. 
• Do a quick shoe check every season – Reevaluate what you’re actually wearing and donate the pairs you haven’t touched all season.
• Fix shoe issues right away – If a shoe needs cleaning or repair, don’t shove it to the back of the closet—take care of it now.
• Keep a shoe care kit on hand – Having polish, suede brushes, and disinfectant spray on hand makes maintenance easier.

Take a step back and admire your work—your shoe closet has never looked better! With everything clean, organized, and easy to find, you’ll never have to dig through a pile of mismatched shoes again. Plus, with all that extra space, maybe now you can justify that cute new pair you’ve been eyeing. Here’s to a fresh start and happy feet this spring!