Shoe Racks: Measure These 4 Things Before You Buy
A shoe rack is an open set of shelves for shoes, usually by the front door or in a wardrobe. It only works if it fits the floor without blocking a door, the shelves are deep enough for your shoes, the gap between tiers takes your boots, and it holds the number of pairs you have. Use these checks before choosing one. This guide is a planning aid, not a compatibility guarantee.
Jump to the products to check against this list (affiliate links)
Download the original checklist image
1. Floor space
Measure the free wall width and how far the rack can come out before it blocks a door or the walkway. IKEA's TJUSIG shoe rack is 79 cm wide and 32 cm deep. The metal rack we checked is 56 x 26 cm in its images; the narrow tower is 27 x 26 cm (26 x 26 cm in one image).
2. Shoe length
Measure your longest pair from heel to toe and compare it with the shelf depth. Both AliExpress racks are 26 cm deep in their images, so shoes longer than that will stick out at the front or back. TJUSIG is 32 cm deep.
3. Tier height
Measure your tallest boots and compare them with the gap between tiers. The metal rack's images give 16 cm between tiers, and one says "Install one less layer" and "Boots can be placed." next to a 32 cm gap. The narrow tower gives 17.5 cm between tiers; it is 56 cm high with four tiers and 124 cm with eight.
4. Pairs and stacking
Count the pairs you want to store. IKEA says TJUSIG "Holds approx. 6 pairs of shoes." and "Connection fittings for stacking 2 shoe racks are included." IKEA's MACKAPÄR page says that if you stack two racks, both must be anchored to the wall to avoid tipping. The metal rack lists "Max. Load Capacity of Each Tier: 40 lb (18 kg)".
Before you order
Keep the floor width and depth, your longest shoe, your tallest boots and the number of pairs next to the rack's width, depth, gap between tiers and number of tiers. Anchor stacked racks to the wall, as IKEA advises. If a figure is missing, ask the seller.
Products to check against this list
The links below are affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Specifications are as listed by the seller on the date shown; we have not measured, tested or approved these products for your space.
- Metal shoe rack, 4 or 5 tiers, 56 x 26 cm, 16 cm between tiers. Seller-listed: Images: 56 x 26 cm; 16 cm between tiers; 74 cm high with four tiers, 91 cm with five; 'Install one less layer' and 'Boots can be placed.' beside a 32 cm gap; 'Max. Load Capacity of Each Tier: 40 lb (18 kg)'. Options 4 or 5 layers. (checked 2026-09-29). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
- Narrow stackable shoe tower, 27 x 26 cm, 4 to 8 tiers. Seller-listed: Images: 27 x 26 cm (26 x 26 cm in one); 17.5 cm between tiers; '4TH FLOOR 56CM' up to '8TH FLOOR 124CM'. Text: 'steel pipe/PP/non-woven fabric'. Options: 4 to 8 layers, 2-packs and 'widen' versions; check which one you pick. (checked 2026-09-29). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
Your fit worksheet
Use centimetres or inches consistently. These cells are intentionally unfilled: we have not measured your space or approved a product for it.
| Check | Your space or equipment | Product requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor space | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Shoe length | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Tier height | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Pairs and stacking | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
Reference and evidence limits
Retailer example: IKEA TJUSIG shoe rack, Ireland listing.
The linked retailer page and its public customer feedback supplied research leads, not independent performance evidence. Comments can reflect individual experiences. We have not independently reproduced them or verified compatibility, stock, price, load limits or current numerical specifications. Check the product page and instructions for your market before buying. Source reviewed on 2026-09-29.