When it comes to organizational pieces that can double as decor, professional organizers often say to buy what you need and what your household will use, instead of opting for the sleekest or chicest version. This advice rings true when it comes to shoe benches. If you have small kids, for example, a bench with cabinets or drawers may put your little ones at risk for finger pinches. If you live somewhere prone to wet weather, something with space for rain boots might be necessary. Before you make a choice, it’s key to consider your lifestyle and how the shoe storage bench will be used. To help you on your search, we researched the best shoe storage benches, evaluating their sturdiness, capacity, and versatility. We also put some models to the test in The Lab to further assess how convenient they are to set up, use, and clean. Our top pick, the VASAGLE Shoe Bench, has several different shoe compartments, a removable cushion cover for easy care, and a multipurpose design that’ll fit into any space in your home. Here, the best shoe storage benches for giving your footwear a practical and functional home. When it comes to design, it’s compact without being too small, and it’s efficiently designed so your shoes are never more than an arm’s reach away. At just shy of 12 inches deep, the 10-cubby bench can hold one pair of shoes in each compartment, and potentially more, depending on their shape and size (and how comfortable you are with a little squish). The four outer cubbies are taller than the center six, allowing you to store larger shoes, too—a feature that not every bench provides. Assembly requires two people at some points, though most of the process can be completed by one person. Our tester explained, “The illustrations and labeling were very good. The most difficult process was putting on the bottom that was a very thin, cheap particleboard with no pre-drilled holes.” Despite the flimsier piece, the bench boasts a weight capacity of 330 pounds. It felt mostly stable to our tester, earning a solid score in that area due to some slight rocking when they moved. “Overall, it seems like it won’t tip over,” they added, though, “and the shoes will not fall out.” We also appreciate that the VASAGLE shoe storage bench is fairly priced compared to similar styles. Its price actually rivals our best budget pick. Our tester concluded, “I think it’s a great quality for the price, and the extra features like the bench and the adjustable cubbies make it worth the price tag.” Price at time of publish: $96 With two open shelves underneath the seat, it has enough space to hold up to 10 of your most frequently worn shoes (or your guests’ shoes during their visit). Though, it’s worth noting that while the storage shelves are open and airy, sometimes it’s harder to keep open shelves of shoes looking tidy. The lack of structured compartments may be a major downside for those who want a cleaner look and feel to their shoe storage bench. Price at time of publish: $80 While a number of benches do include a cushion, there isn’t one with this piece. However, you can easily add a throw pillow or two to cozy up the space, use the firm surface as-is, or even add a basket for extra storage. (We are partial to entryway benches that double as grocery bag holders, too.) Price at time of publish: $204 With that in mind, we’re recommending the Keter Novel Cushion Box for a garage shoe bench. It’s designed for outdoor or deck use, so it’s hardy and durable, plus it has the added conveniences of seating and storage, too. It’s also easy to wipe clean—perfect for housing dirty shoes like gardening clogs or your kids’ cleats. The inner storage area is one large compartment that could be hard to keep organized, but we’re willing to overlook this potentially minor inconvenience for all of the added perks it offers (and the fact that you could opt to separate shoes with your own boxes or bins). Price at time of publish: $131 This hall tree from Gracie Oaks is an especially great choice for an entryway, mudroom, or hallway—anywhere that’s in close proximity to the door you use to enter and exit your home. With attention to its copious amount of shoe storage, we love this pick for large families, since it has room for 24 pairs of shoes. It also comes in four attractive colors, so there’s a version of it to match most spaces and decor styles. It’s on the pricey side, but it’s an all-in-one solution for organizing shoes and other accessories. Price at time of publish: $440 We’re fans of the bamboo material for its sleek appearance—and it can be an eco-friendly alternative to less-renewable materials. However, it’s worth noting that the slats on the front of the piece are breakable, so you’ll want to treat it relatively gently. But, if you’re looking for a small, chic bench that’s practical, too, this option from The Container Store will be all that and then some. Price at time of publish: $150 When closed, the bench has an impressive 300-pound weight capacity, so multiple people can sit down to lace up at the same time. And since it’s just shy of 47 inches wide, they won’t bump elbows, either. What’s more, the entire bench weighs less than 38 pounds, especially convenient during assembly or for moving. It’s sturdy and stylish, and best of all, the storage is subtle. Price at time of publish: $180 You will need to mount the legs, but that should only take a couple of minutes. The entire TOLKNING line is stylish and versatile, so if you enjoy the chic rattan material, there are plenty of other attractive pieces to go with this shoe storage bench. Price at time of publish: $150 Not only is this bench elegant and practical, but it also clocks in at less than 15 pounds, so it’s lightweight and not too taxing to move as needed. We appreciate that the curved armrests make it easy to lift, and they keep bags or books from sliding off when it’s in use. In a perfect world, the under-seat storage area would accommodate shoes as well, but it would be a tight squeeze. Price at time of publish: $129 While this piece is gorgeous on its own, the firm surface won’t be the most comfortable without an added cushion or pillow. Even though it’s on the pricey side, we think it’s worth the investment because of its stunning design, its overall high quality, and the ethical practices behind its production. Price at time of publish: $649 You should opt for a material and color that will coordinate with your existing decor, and a piece that’ll be practical for your everyday routine.
Organization Options
Some shoe storage benches feature open shelving, while others offer more imaginative storage options, such as drawers or cabinet doors. These design features can simultaneously conceal shoes and provide space to stow other everyday items like hats, purses, grocery bags, and even books. Some shoe storage benches also include attached coat racks for families with limited closet space. When shopping for a shoe storage bench, it’s important to consider the size of your household, as well as your lifestyle. If you only need something for one or two people’s everyday shoes, you can opt for a compact option—such as our “best for small spaces” pick, the Lotus Bamboo Storage Bench from The Container Store. But if you have a large family, complete with kids who tend to leave multiple pairs of shoes by the door, you might consider a more spacious storage bench to better meet your needs. If you’re unsure of what you need, rest assured that many styles are versatile and can be adapted for multiple uses.
Assembly Process
Shoe bench assembly requirements can run the gamut, including some models that arrive mostly assembled and others that need more time and effort to put together. Once you’ve identified a desirable shoe bench, double-check the assembly instructions before you complete your purchase. The majority of benches mentioned on this list are suitable for assembly by all skill levels. However, if you’re not comfortable constructing the shoe storage bench for any reason, consider calling in a handy friend or hiring a pro.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Dena Ogden is a lifestyle and commerce writer who has been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022. For this roundup, she thoroughly researched shoe storage benches available at major retailers, and evaluated products based on size, features, material, sturdiness, and overall value. Dena also consulted detailed insights from The Spruce’s product testers, who got their hands on several shoe storage options and put them to the test in The Lab. You can also get creative—especially in the case of concealed storage, like drawers, ottomans, and cabinets—and use the bench for school supplies, small sports equipment, or your grocery bags. In the case of hall trees—such as our “best hall tree” pick, the Gracie Oaks 60-inch Wide Hall Tree with Bench—you can also stash coats, dog leashes, and more.
