One can never have too many shoes. Fashion demands a type of shoe for every occasion, setting, and mood. After all, shoes should match and complement one's outfit in terms of design, color, and texture. There are oxfords, dress boots, casual boots, Mary Janes, stilettos, espadrilles, sandals, flats, sports shoes, loafers, and sling backs. The list goes on. With the many shoes in one's collection, it becomes necessary to get a shoe rack.Shoe racks eliminate clutter and make shoes easier to find. They also prevent dust buildup, as well as scuffing and scratching.
Shoe racks can be easily found in most furniture and home improvement stores, as well as on eBay. In fact, eBay offers a wide array of shoe racks that the buyer can choose from. With the many choices available on eBay, buyers should know the types of shoe racks on the market and decide on the dimensions, material, and overall look of the shoe rack meets their needs, budget, and sense of aesthetics.
Considerations When Choosing a Shoe Rack
Before making a decision to buy, it is important to first consider the reasons why a shoe rack becomes a necessary addition to the home.
Available Space
Although shoe racks are actually compact, space is still a consideration. One can assign some space in the closet, under the bed, on the wall, or in the unused corners of a room. Before choosing a shoe rack, measure the space (in terms of length, depth, and height) allotted for the rack using a measuring tape. Record the measurements in inches. Before making a selection on eBay, use the measurements as a reference. It can be disconcerting to buy a shoe rack only to find out that it is too wide or too tall for the allocated space. If there is limited closet or wall space, one can consider a telescoping shoe tree (which only covers around 1-square foot of space) or an over-the-door shoe rack.
Height of the Shoes
Different types of shoes may require different types of shoe racks. Flats and sneakers can be inserted into small slots while high heels and boots need more space. If the shoes to be stored come in various heights, one should consider a shoe rack with adjustable shelving.
Capacity
When making a choice on which shoe rack to get, consider the storage capacity of the unit. The choice of shoe rack should consider the size of the shoe collection. Before choosing a shoe rack, go through the shoes in the collection. Decide on which shoes to keep and which ones to sell or toss away. It does not make sense to allot extra shoe storage space to shoes that are no longer in use or unlikely to be used anymore. The rule of thumb is that if a fashion accessory like a pair of shoes is not worn in the last 12 months or no longer fits, it is best to let the pair go. When sold, one can even use the proceeds to cover the cost of a shoe rack. Once a consumer has weeded out unused pairs, it is easier to decide on what type of shoe rack to buy based on its storage capacity. Of course, buyers should make allowances for future shoe purchases.
Shoe Maintenance
Proper shoe maintenance is important. After all, shoes are expensive wardrobe investments. With proper shoe maintenance, one can get more use out of these shoes. For some types of shoe materials, such as suede or leather, the shoes can be distorted or stretched out of shape when hung on pegs or inserted into slots. Shelves prevent this problem since they provide enough space for the shoes. If the shoe rack comes with lids, doors, or flaps, check whether the material allows the shoes to breathe. This helps to keep mold and mildew at bay.
Aesthetics
First, consider the material and design of the selected shoe rack. Some shoe racks are for utility purposes and not bought for their aesthetic element. There are also shoe racks designed to complement the room's overall look. Choose a shoe rack that goes together with the color scheme or theme of the room. For instance, if the buyer is going for a contemporary look, they can get a chrome metal shoe rack.
Next, consider the placement of the shoe rack. It can be placed inside a closet, along the hallway, or in the bedroom. For shoe racks placed in more visible areas such as the living room, shoe cabinets are better as they keep the shoes tucked out of sight. Consider getting a separate shoe rack for shoes used for jogging, working out, or for gardening. This shoe rack should be placed in the garage or near the entrance rather than inside the bedroom. This can also work if the buyer has kids who may track in mud and dust on their shoes.
Aesthetics do not only involve how the shoe rack looks, but also how they are able to prevent unpleasant odors. For instance, shoe racks made from cedar wood emit a fragrance that counters the smell of sweat that may emanate from the shoes.
Budget
There is a wide price range when it comes to shoe racks, depending on the kind of materials used. Wood or chrome-plated shoe racks are more expensive than the canvas or plastic versions.
Types of Shoe Racks
Shoe racks come in different sizes, materials, and designs. The following section provides some of the more popular types of shoe racks.
Over-the-Door Shoe Pocket Organizer
This type comes with hooks used to attach the rack to the door or hung on the wall. This type of shoe organizer is ideal for flat shoes such as sneakers, slippers, or ballet flats. Some units come with clear plastic pockets so that one can easily choose a pair of shoes from the collection. This type is typically made from plastic, canvas, or other types of fabric. An over-the-door shoe pocket organizer makes use of the unused space provided by the door, making it ideal for rooms with limited floor space. This type of shoe organizer is also ideal for those on a budget, as they come at a very affordable price point. There is no assembly required with this type of shoe storage system.
Over-the-Door Shoe Rack
This hooks onto the door or mounted on the wall but comes with foldaway bars that act as shelves. The bars are adjustable to fit shoes of various heights. The over-the-door shoe rack can fit flats, heels, and even boots. The bars and the overall structure are typically made from lightweight or chrome-plated steel. There is no assembly required.
Under-the-Bed Shoe Rack
There are plastic or fabric versions and there are also units made from wood, steel, or a combination of these. Some units come with wheels to facilitate storage and retrieval under the bed. This is ideal for seldomly-used shoes. Under-the-bed shoe racks keep the shoes out of sight and the bedroom more organized and clutter-free.
Revolving Shoe Tree
This unit stores shoes vertically through pegs that come in tiers. Usually made from steel bars, the revolving shoe tree has a heavy base and a spring-loaded pole that revolves to allow easy access to the shoes. The unit needs minimal floor space as it only covers about 1-square foot.
Hanging Shoe Bag
This unit requires no assembly. Simply attach the straps with Velcro or clips onto the closet rod. This requires 6 to 7 inches for 1-column units. These straps are strong enough to support the weight of the bag and the shoes. The hanging shoe bag is best used for shoes that are used indoors, rather than shoes that are exposed to the elements such as mud or dust since one stores the shoe bag inside the closet. When not in use, the shoe bag easily folds up and requires minimum storage space.
Free-Standing Shoe Rack
This comes in wood, plastic, or steel versions and requires more floor space. Some units have stackable options so that there is more shelving space for the same floor space. In order to maximize space, store heels and boots on the top-most rack while flats go into the interior racks.
Shoe Wheel
Admired for its contemporary and unique design, this features a unit similar to a carousel, with compartments. Insert the shoes with the tip of pointing to the center of the wheel. To fit boots and heels, simply adjust the compartments.
Shoe Cubby
This shelf-like unit comes with individual slots designed to fit a pair of shoes. Usually made from wood, this can be placed inside the closet, mounted on the wall, or at the end of the bed to double as a bench. Some shoe cubbies have stackable options.
Shoe Cabinet
This comes as a freestanding piece of furniture. Some designs complement the other furniture in the room. A shoe cabinet can come with swinging, sliding, or double-drop doors. The shoe cabinet is an effective way of storing shoes discreetly while adding to the decorative elements of a room.
Shopping for a Shoe Rack on eBay
To begin the search, simply type "shoe rack" or " shoe organizers" in the search bar on an eBay page. The buyer can then filter the search further by choosing options which are then presented. When evaluating a product, take note of its description, which includes dimensions, color, material, and condition. Some eBay sellers may offer discounts for multiple purchases so take a look at other products that the sellers have for sale.
Before committing to buy, evaluate the seller by checking their eBay profile, especially their feedback. The feedback is an important gauge of the seller, their reputation, and their products. If the seller has already sold the same item as the one the buyer is interested in, take a look at the comments of the previous buyers.
Conclusion
Shoe racks are an excellent way to organize one's shoe collection and extend the life of their shoes. They are designed in various styles to fit a buyer's unique requirements. Shoe racks also make choosing the right shoes simpler, especially if one is in a hurry. Over-the-door units, pocket organizers, hanging shoe bags, and shoe cubby holes are all ideal for bedrooms and walk-in closets. Shoe cabinets are ideal for more public areas in the home such as the living room or another shared space.
Carefully read the product listings and compare prices from different eBay sellers. Check the seller's feedback and ask questions with regards to the terms of the sale, the shipping details, and other items that may concern a buyer. Knowing how to make the purchase through eBay allows a buyer to get the right product at the best price.
