Quality heels represent a significant investment, and proper storage is essential for protecting that investment. How you store your heels directly impacts their longevity, appearance, and comfort over time. Poor storage can lead to warped shapes, cracked materials, faded colours, and deteriorated cushioning—all preventable with the right approach.
This guide covers everything you need to know about storing your heels properly, from daily practices to long-term preservation techniques.
The Fundamentals of Heel Storage
Always Clean Before Storing
Never store heels with dirt, dust, or stains on them. Debris left on shoes can set into materials over time, becoming impossible to remove. After wearing, wipe heels with a soft, dry cloth. Address any stains or marks before putting shoes away.
Allow Complete Drying
Moisture is the enemy of stored footwear. If your feet perspired or shoes got damp, allow them to dry completely in a well-ventilated area before storing. Storing damp shoes leads to mould, mildew, unpleasant odours, and material deterioration.
Maintain Shape
Heels can lose their shape when stored improperly. Use shoe trees, tissue paper, or other inserts to maintain the form of the toe box and overall shoe structure. This is particularly important for leather and fabric heels that can develop creases and deformations.
Keep a soft cloth near where you remove your shoes. A quick wipe after each wear takes seconds but prevents dirt from setting in and keeps your heels looking fresh.
Storage Methods Compared
Original Boxes
The boxes your heels came in provide excellent protection. They shield shoes from dust, light, and physical damage while allowing some air circulation.
Advantages:
- Protect from dust and light
- Stackable for efficient space use
- Keep pairs together
- Often include appropriate tissue paper
Disadvantages:
- Can't see contents (tip: photograph the shoes and tape the photo to the box)
- Takes more space than open shelving
Dust Bags
Fabric dust bags (often provided with higher-end heels) protect against dust while allowing air circulation. They're ideal for shoes stored on open shelves.
Best for: Valuable heels, satin or fabric shoes, shoes stored on open shelves
Clear Boxes
Transparent storage boxes let you see your collection at a glance while providing dust protection. Look for boxes with ventilation holes to prevent moisture buildup.
Best for: Large collections where visibility is important, renters who can't install permanent shelving
Open Shelving
Display-style storage keeps shoes visible and accessible. However, shoes collect dust and are exposed to light, which can cause fading—particularly problematic for white heels.
Best for: Frequently worn heels, small collections, well-dusted spaces
Never store heels in sealed plastic bags (traps moisture), directly on the floor (dust, damage risk, temperature fluctuation), or piled on top of each other (causes warping and scratches).
Environmental Considerations
Temperature
Store heels in climate-controlled spaces when possible. Extreme heat can melt adhesives and warp synthetic materials. Extreme cold can make some materials brittle. Aim for consistent room temperature.
Humidity
High humidity promotes mould growth and can damage leather and fabric. Low humidity can cause leather to dry and crack. In particularly humid Australian climates, consider:
- Silica gel packets in storage boxes
- Dehumidifiers in closet spaces
- Regular airing of stored shoes
Light Exposure
Direct sunlight and even bright artificial light can fade shoe colours over time. White heels can develop yellow tones from light exposure. Store in dark or shaded areas, or use covered storage solutions.
Special Considerations for White Heels
White heels require extra storage care due to their susceptibility to yellowing and staining:
Preventing Yellowing
- Store away from direct light and heat sources
- Use acid-free tissue paper inside and around shoes
- Avoid storing white heels touching coloured shoes (colour transfer can occur)
- Keep in climate-controlled environments
Preventing Staining
- Wrap in white or acid-free tissue, never newspaper (ink transfers)
- Store separately from dark-coloured footwear
- Ensure storage area is clean and dry
Regular tissue paper can contain acids that yellow white materials over time. For valuable white heels, invest in acid-free tissue paper, available from craft stores and archival supply companies.
Organisation Strategies
By Frequency of Use
Keep everyday heels easily accessible at eye level. Store occasional-wear heels higher or lower in your closet. Special occasion heels can go in less accessible spots since you won't need them often.
By Season
Rotate your collection seasonally. Summer sandals can move to higher shelves during winter, making room for closed-toe options. This keeps your daily choices manageable and protects off-season shoes.
By Colour or Style
Organising by colour creates a visually pleasing display and makes outfit coordination easier. Alternatively, organising by style (pumps, sandals, boots) helps when you have a specific type in mind.
By Occasion
Group work heels together, casual heels in another section, and formal/occasion heels separately. This speeds up morning dressing and ensures you can quickly find appropriate footwear.
Long-Term Storage
For heels you won't wear for extended periods (seasonal storage, special occasion shoes), take extra precautions:
Preparation
- Clean thoroughly and treat any stains
- Apply appropriate conditioners (leather conditioner for leather, etc.)
- Insert shoe trees or stuff with acid-free tissue
- Wrap individually in tissue paper or place in dust bags
- Store in original boxes or appropriate containers
Storage Location
- Choose a cool, dark, dry location
- Avoid attics (temperature extremes), basements (humidity), and garages (dust, pests)
- Climate-controlled closets or spare room wardrobes are ideal
Periodic Checks
Even in long-term storage, check on shoes every few months. Look for:
- Signs of mould or mildew
- Pest damage
- Material deterioration
- Shape distortion
Storage Solutions by Space
Small Closets
- Over-door shoe organisers for everyday heels
- Stackable clear boxes for vertical space efficiency
- Tension rod heel organisers that hang heels by their heel
Walk-In Closets
- Dedicated shelving at varying heights
- Display cases for special heels
- Drawer inserts for flat storage of delicate pairs
No Closet
- Under-bed storage boxes (ensure they have ventilation)
- Decorative storage ottomans
- Furniture with built-in shoe storage
- Freestanding shoe cabinets
- Always clean heels before storing—dirt sets into materials over time
- Maintain shape with shoe trees or tissue paper stuffing
- Store in cool, dark, dry environments away from direct light
- White heels need extra protection from yellowing and colour transfer
- Organise by frequency of use for practical daily access
- Check stored shoes periodically for damage or deterioration
- Invest in proper storage to protect your heel investment
The Return on Investment
Proper storage might seem like extra effort, but it significantly extends the life of your heels. A well-maintained pair of quality heels can last years—even decades—with appropriate care and storage. Consider the cost of replacing poorly stored shoes versus the minimal investment in proper storage solutions.
Your heels deserve the same care you give them when wearing. With thoughtful storage practices, your collection will remain beautiful, comfortable, and ready to wear whenever you need them.