Updated on July 18, 2023
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Amazon Basics WISHR-011
Very basic, this metal cabinet installs quickly and can hold up to 9 pairs of shoes. As the top level is open, you can even store boots.
This metal shoe cabinet was the easiest and quickest to assemble. In less than 5 minutes, we had our little 3-level piece of furniture ready to serve its purpose. The structure was already pre-assembled, so all we had to do was adjust the height of the legs and clip the shelves in place. In fact, there are 6 different possible heights, offering a certain degree of adjustability. We were able to fit 3 pairs of shoes per level, giving us a total of 9 pairs of adult shoes. As the top level is open, you can also store taller shoes such as boots or ankle boots. What’s more, the unit’s overall dimensions are fairly compact (47 x 32 x 68 cm), allowing you to place it discreetly in a hallway. However, unlike its direct competitor, it doesn’t offer the option of a seat. In short, it offers excellent value for money.
The various shoe cabinets we tested.
We judged the ease and tediousness of assembly.
We put several pairs of shoes per level to check total capacity.
We passed judgment on their overall quality.
Vasagle LHS10NL
This wooden bench can store up to 10 pairs of shoes. It stands out for its large format, fabric bench, sturdiness and modular compartments.
Available in a range of colors, this wooden cabinet features 10 30 cm-deep compartments. You can even store up to 2 pairs of large shoes (boots, heels, ankle boots…) thanks to the modular compartments: the side shelves can be removed or adjusted in height. While this makes it ideal for larger sizes (with the 46 still sticking out a little), the compartments are a little too narrow for bulkier shoes. Capable of supporting a maximum load of 150 kg, it is suitable both as storage space and as a bench for tying your shoes. During our tests, however, it took us over 40 minutes to assemble. What’s more, we didn’t manage to screw in the bottom, as there are no pre-drilled holes to facilitate this step. After trying to screw one in to no avail (while trying to hold the bottom in place), we finally gave up. The bottom is only there for aesthetic reasons, and adds nothing to the solidity of the assembly, allowing you to choose whether or not to place it. Apart from that, the rest of the assembly was straightforward, if a little time-consuming. Finally, note that you’ll need 2 different crosshead screwdrivers to be able to assemble it, as no wrenches are present in the box.
Vasagle HSR86BX
This industrial-style piece of furniture serves as both coat rack and shoe storage. Combining modern looks and strength, it’s an ideal 2-in-1 solution for an entrance hall.
This model features a metal frame and chipboard panels. The upper part features no fewer than 12 hooks for hanging a few jackets and bags, while the lower part can support up to 90 kg, allowing you to sit on it or place bags, clothes, etc. on it. During our tests, we noted that the shelves, 100 cm long, can accommodate 4 to 6 pairs of shoes (2 large pairs of men’s boots or 3 small pairs of women’s sneakers per board). This makes them an ideal multi-purpose solution for families. On the other hand, you’ll need 2 people to assemble it, and at least 45 minutes to do so. If the assembly isn’t too complex, the time it takes can be a real pain. Also, be careful not to hang too much weight from the hooks or you’ll break them, as has been the case with some online buyers.
Vasagle LBS73X
This shoe bench seduces with its industrial design blending a steel frame with a wooden shelf. Measuring 73 cm long, it can accommodate up to 6 pairs of shoes.
Simple yet effective, this base unit features 2 steel shoe shelves. It offers storage capacity for 6 pairs of shoes (provided they’re not 6 large pairs of safety boots), while the upper section can support a load of 90 kg. In practical terms, this means that a medium-sized adult can sit on it (to put on his shoes, for example), or even put groceries on it when he gets home. Sturdy and easy to move, it easily fits into even the most confined spaces. During our tests, it took us 25 minutes to assemble it on our own. However, it would have been much easier to do it with 2 people, as you have to screw the boards together while holding them in the air… We also noted that the box contained everything we needed, such as a small Allen wrench. In short, this is a great choice for anyone looking for a space-saving model. It can, moreover, be combined with a matching wall-mounted coat rack.
Our selection
Our choice, Best cheap Best mid-range Best high-end Cheap alternative Amazon Basics WISHR-011 Vasagle LHS10NL Vasagle HSR86BX Vasagle LBS73X Very basic, this metal cabinet installs quickly and can hold up to 9 pairs of shoes. As the top level is open, you can even store boots. This wooden bench can store up to 10 pairs of shoes. It stands out for its large format, fabric bench, sturdiness and modular compartments. This industrial-style piece of furniture serves as both coat rack and shoe storage. Combining modern looks and strength, it's an ideal 2-in-1 solution for an entrance hall. This shoe bench seduces with its industrial design blending a steel frame with a wooden shelf. Measuring 73 cm long, it can accommodate up to 6 pairs of shoes. £ 28.93 on Amazon £ 64.99 on Amazon £ 59.49 on Amazon £ 39.99 on Amazon
Selectos compares and tests hundreds of products to help you buy better. We sometimes receive a commission when you buy through our links, which helps fund our work. Learn moreWhy trust us ?
How did we test?
To test the shoe cabinets, we timed the time it took us to assemble them. Following this, we judged the ease and tediousness of assembly. We also noted the presence (or absence) of a wrench or screwdriver for direct assembly, even if we didn’t have any tools to hand.
Next, we put several pairs of shoes on each level to check whether the total capacity of the furniture shown online was faithful to reality, with women’s shoes (39-40) and men’s shoes (46). Finally, we assessed their overall quality.
How to choose your shoe cabinet?
A shoe cabinet is a practical storage space for keeping the most frequently used pairs in an entrance hall, dressing room, bedroom, etc. Depending on its location, more or less discreet storage and more or less aesthetically pleasing furniture will be preferred.
First of all, you should know that there are different types:
- The shelf: the most classic model, it allows shoes to be arranged side by side. Quite high, it can accommodate a large number of pairs, of all sizes, making it ideal for families. However, without doors, the storage is rather unattractive.
- The drop-leaf column: its distinctive feature is that it’s fairly space-saving, since the drawers are angled. This makes it ideal for hallways where space is at a premium. Storage is also more discreet, since the unit is closed. On the other hand, this type of cabinet is less practical with large shoe sizes.
- Le meuble bas:this too is frequently chosen for its small footprint. Storage is provided by small shelves or compartments. This kind of model generally has the advantage of also serving as a bench where you can sit to put your shoes on.
- The shoe cabinet/coat rack combination: this is a high-end solution combining several types of storage (shelves, hooks…). It therefore requires a little more height, but its multi-functionality is very interesting.
There are, however, a few criteria to consider for a piece of furniture suited to your living space and needs:
- Capacity:depending on the cabinet’s dimensions, it can accommodate more or fewer pairs of shoes. This is an important criterion to ensure its usefulness for all members of the household. If you only have a limited amount of space, it may be worthwhile to place only seasonal shoes in it.
- Storage space dimensions: they must be adapted to the type of shoes you want to store (pumps, sneakers, ankle boots, etc.) and to your shoe size. Indeed, many people complain that furniture with angled drawers can’t accommodate large sizes, for example.
- The materials: shoe furniture can be made of metal, wood, bamboo, etc. The materials used influence durability, ease of maintenance, as well as ease of assembly and transport (weight).
Other shoe cabinets we recommend
Songmics LBS13W (€41.99 at time of publication): A bamboo solution. In our tests, it took us just under 8 minutes to assemble this bamboo shoe cabinet. In fact, we’d advise you to assemble it sideways rather than flat, as indicated in the manual, as this gives you more room to screw the boards in. To do this, it’s best not to screw everything in all the way, so as to leave a bit of play, and then tighten the screws once all the boards are in place. Note that the actual assembly was fairly straightforward and not too painful. A small wrench is supplied in the box, so we didn’t even have to take out our screwdriver. Each of the 3 levels can support up to 10 kg and accommodate up to 3 pairs of shoes. However, it’s worth pointing out that the boards are quite narrow, leaving the shoes (a women’s size 40) sticking out of the structure.
Other shoe cabinet tested
Songmics RXJ36HV1 (€32.23 at time of publication): For a low budget, this model easily stores 4 pairs of shoes per level. It includes 10 levels, but the last one is covered by the cover, which suggests that only 9 levels are really usable. However, its biggest flaw is its fragility, as the cover immediately tore when slipped on.
