Shoes are stored badly more often than any other category, and the damage — crushed toe boxes, collapsed shafts — is usually permanent.
Shoe trees are not optional for leather
They absorb moisture and hold the shape while the leather dries. Cedar ones do both; plastic only does the second.
Boots need support in the shaft
A boot stored slumped develops a permanent crease at the ankle. Boot shapers or rolled magazines both work.
Never store leather in plastic
It traps moisture and grows mould. Cloth bags or open shelving only.
Storage by type
Storage by type
- Leather shoes — cedar shoe trees, open shelf
- Boots — shapers or rolled paper in the shaft, upright
- Trainers — anywhere dry; stuff toes if long-term
- Occasional shoes — original boxes, with a photo on the outside
- Never — plastic boxes for leather, or near a radiator