Is your massive shoe collection taking over storage space at home?

Are you spending a huge chunk of your hard-earned money on shoes only to reach out to a few favorite pairs?

Answered yes to both questions?

Well, it sounds like you need to declutter your shoes and build a minimalist shoe collection!

Before you panic, hear me out. Building a minimalist shoe collection doesn’t mean you have to throw everything away and live with 1 to 2 pairs of shoes.

Minimalism looks different for everyone. It’s far more important to build a minimalist shoe collection that works for you and your lifestyle.

Don’t know how or where to start? You’re at the right place!

Read on to discover how and why you should build a minimalist shoe collection.

Related:

• The Best Minimalist Makeup Collection For Beginners
• A Cozy Yet Minimalist House Tour
• 25 Minimalist Christmas Gifts Perfect For Everyone In Your Life
• Our Minimalist Christmas Home Tour

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase any products via my links. I only recommend products that I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. Read the full privacy policy here.

How to build a minimalist shoe collection for women

Decluttering shoes may not be easy for some. Here are 6 simple steps to help you to create a minimalist shoe collection:

1. Evaluate your lifestyle

First, you have to be honest with yourself and evaluate your lifestyle. Answer these questions to figure out what type of shoes you need:

• Do you experience cold and wet weather where you live?
• Do you work mostly indoors or outdoors?
• Are you someone who likes outdoor activities like hiking and camping?
• Do you often attend formal occasions like meetings and weddings?
• Does your lifestyle require you to be on your feet a lot? For example, if you have children or grandchildren.

Write your answers down on a piece of paper or on your phone, so you can come back and refer to them whenever necessary.

2. Gather all of your shoes

Next, gather all of your shoes in one area in your home. Seeing everything you own at a glance helps you to make better decisions.

Lay them out neatly, as you’ll be reviewing each pair in the next step.

3. Put shoes you frequently wear aside

Once you have all of your shoes in front of you, it’s time to put the shoes you frequently wear aside.

Remember, wearing a particular pair once a month does not qualify as ‘frequently’. Be honest with yourself – choose shoes you wear at least a few times a week.

4. Remove worn shoes that cannot be repaired

Done with the third step? Great!

Now, look at that pile and remove worn shoes that cannot be repaired. It’s OK if you find more than one worn pair. This means you’ve used them a lot, and that’s the whole point of a pair of shoes.

However, it can be dangerous to continue wearing shoes that are overly worn. According to The Seattle Times, a loss of support and cushioning can cause shin splints and knee pain. Additionally, the likelihood of twisting an ankle increases if a shoe’s sole and heel wear down unevenly.

Don’t forget to take note of which pair you’re discarding – you’re going to replace them later!

5. Declutter the rest of your shoes

Now, it’s time to declutter the rest of your shoes. Here are 3 easy ways to get rid of your excess shoes:

• Give them away to family and friends
• Donate them to homeless shelters, local charities, and religious organizations that may need them
• Sell them to local thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army

6. Replace your worn shoes with new ones

If you’ve arrived at this step, this means you’ve decluttered your shoe collection and you’ve only kept shoes you frequently wear.

Congratulations! Give yourself a pat on the back because you’ve made amazing progress.

The only thing left to do is to replace the worn shoes you got rid of earlier.

You can also use this time to purchase shoes you need that are missing from your collection.

For example, you can buy a new pair of pumps if you have a new job that requires you to attend more formal meetings, and it’s not something you currently have.

Minimalist shoe collection essentials

Are you building a minimalist shoe collection from scratch? I got you. Here’s a list of my minimalist shoe collection essentials:

White sneakers

White sneakers are my ultimate favorite shoe because they go with everything! They match every pair of clothing e.g. jeans, skirts, maxi dresses, etc.

They’re comfortable and stylish. Plus, you can wear them during the summer, fall, winter, and spring. You can literally wear these casual shoes everywhere.

I can’t think of a more timeless shoe than the white sneaker.

My picks:

• Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Women’s Shoes – I love how this all-white leather pair looks casual yet classy!

Athletic sneakers

Don’t want to wear out your white sneakers? Get a different pair of sneakers for working out, sports, and other physical activities.

It’s important to invest in a good pair of athletic sneakers because they are designed to provide extra support and strength.

There are many different types of athletic sneakers for various activities, so make sure to do your research and pick the best pair for you.

My picks:

• Adidas Ultraboost 22 Shoes In Grey – Perfect for running, as the narrow heel fit is designed to avoid heel slip and blisters!

Flats

Every woman needs a good pair of flats. They’re comfortable, functional, and come in so many different styles.

From ballet flats to brogues, there’s a style for everyone.

My picks:

• Allbirds’ Tree Breezers – I love this for casual wear because it is lightweight and feels like you’re wearing nothing! It’s also machine-washable and minimizes odors.
• Everlane Italian Leather Ballet Flat – Made from buttery-soft Italian leather, this pair is all about luxurious comfort. A great day-to-night option.

Boots

If you experience winter yearly, you’ll need to invest in a pair of high-quality boots.

Just like flats, boots come in a wide range of styles. There are knee-length boots, thigh-high boots, sock boots, snow boots, ankle boots (my fav!), and more.

When in doubt, always go for something classic. Think neutral colors, a rounded toe, and a comfortable heel height.

My picks:

• Soludus Greenpoint Chelsea Boots – These real leather/suede boots are a steal at less than $80! Super easy to slip on and off and comes with a padded footbed that gives extra comfort.
• Hunter Original Tall Women’s Rain Boots – These rain boots keep your feet (and legs!) dry and warm in the rain and snow.

Sandals

Sandals are a must, especially if you experience warm weather all year round as I do! That’s because they’re breathable and lightweight, which helps to keep your feet cool during a hot summer’s day.

They are usually easy to slip in and out of and don’t take up much space, making them a convenient choice of footwear.

There are so many different types of sandals to choose from. Nevertheless, popular styles include flip-flops, slides, and strappy sandals.

My picks:

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

$49.90

Pros:

• Sturdy
• Very comfortable
• Long-lasting
• Waterproof
• Washable

Cons:

• Not stylish
• Expensive

Buy Now

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

11/03/2025 05:03 am GMT

Havaianas Top Flip Flops for Women

$18.00 $11.52

Pros:

• Affordable
• Comfortable
• Waterproof
• Comes in many colors

Cons:

• A little flimsy

Buy Now

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

11/03/2025 05:03 am GMT

Heels

Heels are optional, but it’s always nice to have a pair if you want to dress up for a girls’ night out or a friend’s wedding.

They also come in various styles such as pumps, slingback heels, wedges, kitten heels, stilettos, etc.

My favorite is a block heel. I love that it gives me additional height without sacrificing comfort.

My picks:

DREAM PAIRS Womens Chunk Low Heel Pump Sandal

$38.99 $31.99

Pros:

• Comfortable heel height
• Comes in many colors
• Wide sizes available
• Affordable

Cons:

• Tight around the toes

Buy Now

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

11/03/2025 05:02 am GMT

PIZZ ANNU Women's Square Open Toe Low Block Chunky Heeled Sandals

$32.99

Pros:

• Comfortable heel height
• Comes in many colors and sizes
• Thick wide strap
• Affordable

Cons:

• Can be slippery

Buy Now

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

11/03/2025 05:02 am GMT

Benefits of a minimalist shoe collection

Here are 5 reasons why you should build a minimalist shoe collection:

Saves money

In a 2010 study, research showed that women spent up to $25,000 on shoes in their lifetime. Imagine how much we are spending on shoes today!

Your shoe collection may look pretty, but shoes will not last forever, even if stored and handled with care. They will eventually wear down even if you don’t wear them.

You’re essentially wasting money if you buy shoes to keep them in your closet. Investing in a few high-quality pairs will help you to save money in the long run instead.

Saves time

If you have a vast shoe collection, chances are you’ll spend more time getting ready in the morning trying to decide what to wear. And, it’s likely you’ll gravitate towards your favorites anyway!

Save yourself time and the stress of making decisions! by downsizing your shoe collection.

Saves space

Shoes take up a lot of room. So, it’s not surprising to find that some people run out of storage space at home because they have too many shoes!

Not only will having a minimalist shoe collection take up less space, but it will also make it easier for you to clean and organize your shoes!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many pairs of shoes should a minimalist own?

Firstly, there is no definite number because minimalism looks different for everyone. Ultimately, the number of shoes depends on your lifestyle.

However, 5 pairs of shoes is a great starting point. Here are my recommendations:

• Sneakers/athletic shoes
• Boots
• Flats
• Sandals
• Heels

2. What is a shoe that goes with everything?

For casual wear, you can’t go wrong with white sneakers. They go with every outfit. If you’re looking for something formal yet comfortable, I highly recommend a pair of ballet flats in neutral colors like black, beige, or navy.

Conclusion

Are you ready to declutter your shoes and start building a minimalist shoe collection?

Remember, what may work for me may not work for you. All of us have very different lifestyles, so be sure to pick the right shoes that work for you. All the best!

Like this post? You may enjoy these other posts about minimalism…

• The Best Minimalist Makeup Collection For Beginners
• A Cozy Yet Minimalist House Tour
• 25 Minimalist Christmas Gifts Perfect For Everyone In Your Life
• Our Minimalist Christmas Home Tour

The post Minimalist Shoe Collection For Women – How To Get What Works For You appeared first on That Isle Life.

Hi, shoe lovers! Do you find it difficult to declutter shoes?

Perhaps you’ve loved shoes since you were a little girl, and now you’ve grown an admirable collection.

Or maybe shoes make you feel and look good, and you love the confidence a good pair brings.

If you have a shoe addiction, I can relate!

I was introduced to fashion at a very young age, and I LOVED dressing up. Over the years, I’ve shopped a ton and accumulated plenty of clothes and shoes.

However, I realized my shopping habit soon became a serious problem when I ran out of space to store my shoes.

And, as much as I loved all of my shoes, I was probably only wearing 5% of my entire collection regularly.

Not to mention, I was spending so much on trendy shoes that didn’t last very long. I could’ve saved up and bought a pair of high-quality classic shoes that could last me for years!

If this sounds familiar to you, keep reading!

The truth is, we don’t need that many pairs of shoes. Decluttering shoes will teach you how to appreciate the shoes you love even more.

I know decluttering shoes is not an easy journey, especially for people who love fashion, but don’t worry, I got you!

Here’s how to declutter shoes in 5 simple steps and what you can do with them after decluttering.

Related decluttering posts:

• How To Declutter Books For Book Lovers
• How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes Once And For All
• 100 Things To Declutter Today – Get The Ultimate Decluttering Checklist

How To Declutter Shoes In 5 Simple Steps

1. Determine your decluttering goals

Before any decluttering project, it is important to determine your decluttering goals.

Are you looking to downsize your shoe collection significantly? Or, do you only want to get rid of extra pairs that do not fit in your shoe closet?

If you LOVE shoes, it may be very difficult to downsize your collection at a go. Don’t worry, that’s completely normal. Don’t beat yourself up over it!

It’s crucial to declutter at your own pace so that you do not lose the motivation to declutter.

If it’s easier and less stressful for you, you can always do several rounds of decluttering instead.

However, if you are serious about decluttering most of your shoes, it’s a good idea to set a limit on the number of shoes you want to own.

Now, there is NO hard number to how many pairs of shoes you should have. The number of shoes relies on multiple factors like your job, the weather, and your overall lifestyle.

But, if you’re looking for a good starting point, a study has shown that women only use 4-5 pairs of shoes regularly. Start here, and you can add on when necessary.

2. Gather all of your shoes in one place

This step is key because you won’t know what to get rid of if you don’t know what you have.

The best way to do this is to gather all of your shoes in one place. Make sure you do this in a large open space, as you’re going to need room to sort out your shoes!

You’re also going to need your other decluttering supplies as well like boxes, trash bags, markers, and labels.

3. Get rid of these shoes first

Don’t waste time holding on to shoes you can’t wear anymore. They will only take up valuable space, which should be reserved for shoes you actually wear.

Here is a list of shoes you should remove from your collection immediately:

• Worn/torn/cracked shoes that are beyond repair
• Mateless shoes (shoes that are missing one side)
• Stinky and stained shoes
• Shoes that are too big or small for you
• Shoes that hurt your feet
• Old shoes that you haven’t worn in a long time (these will usually fall apart very soon!)

4. Evaluate each pair of shoes

Now that you have your entire shoe collection in front of you, it’s time to evaluate each pair.

Here’s a list of questions you can use as a guide when decluttering shoes. Remember, it’s very important to be honest if you want to be effective.

• When was the last time I wore this pair of shoes?
• If I haven’t worn this recently, why am I holding on to this pair of shoes?
• Does wearing this pair of shoes make me feel good about how I look?
• Do they fit my current lifestyle?
• Does this need to be repaired?
• Where can I wear this pair of shoes?
• Do I have clothes that match these shoes?
• Can I run around in them without hurting myself?
• Do I have a similar pair and which one do I love more?
• Am I willing to take up valuable space in my closet for this pair of shoes?

As a general rule of thumb, you should TOSS any pair if you…

• Haven’t worn it in a year
• Don’t have a good reason for holding on to it
• Don’t feel good wearing it
• Can’t use it due to a lifestyle change
• Need a lot of money, time, and effort to repair it
• Can only wear it to one location
• Don’t have many clothes that compliment them
• Can potentially injure yourself wearing them
• Love a similar pair more
• Are running out of space in your closet and you’ll rather make room for a different pair

When in doubt, always choose shoes that are comfortable, classic, and versatile.

5. Get rid of unwanted shoes properly

Don’t throw your old shoes into the trash! Although there’s no perfect way to get rid of them, these are a few alternatives to consider:

Sell

Selling your used shoes is a little tricky because they need to be in VERY good condition. You can either sell them for cheap or give them to family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors.

However, if your shoes still look brand new, you can sell them on:

• eBay
• Poshmark
• TheRealReal (for luxury/designer shoes)

Donate

If selling your shoes is too much of a hassle, consider donating them to these places instead:

• The Salvation Army
• Goodwill
• One World Running – A non-profit organization that donates shoes to developing countries
• Soles4Souls – A non-profit organization that provides shoes and clothing to people in vulnerable circumstances
• PickUpPlease – A free donation pick-up service that supports the Vietnam Veterans of America

Recycle

You can also recycle your shoes here:

• Native Remix Project – They accept shoes of any style and brand, which you can ship to them for free
• Nike – Drop off used shoes at participating stores. However, they only accept athletic sneakers (good news: different brands are allowed!)
• Wearable Collections – Only available in New York. You can drop off your shoes at their location or any of their 31 weekly GreenMarkets or schedule a pick-up
• Asics – Send your gently used shoes and clothing to them for free
• Adidas – They accept both shoes and clothing, which you can ship to them for free. Bonus: you can earn 200 membership points and up to $40 worth of Adidas vouchers!
• Columbia – Drop off used clothing and shoes at any participating stores

Why Should You Declutter Your Shoes?

If you’re a shoe lover, you’re probably wondering why you should even declutter your shoes at all.

Well, it’s important to declutter shoes because you’ll get to:

• Free up valuable closet/storage space
• Spend less time trying to find shoes you want to wear
• Skip the hassle and pain of organizing a large shoe collection

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase any products via my links. I only recommend products that I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. Read the full privacy policy here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pairs of shoes should I own?

The number of shoes depends on factors like your job, location, and overall lifestyle.

A good number to start with would be 4-5 pairs – one for work/formal occasions, one for casual outings, one for sports/outdoor use, and one for cold weather.

How do I organize my shoe collection?

Now that you’ve decluttered your shoe collection, it’s time to organize them.

Not only does organizing help you to locate each pair easily, but it also makes the entire space look prettier!

Here are five great ways to organize your shoe collection:

A slim shoe rack

I love a piece of multipurpose furniture like this shoe rack.

Not only does it fit 15-20 pairs of shoes, but it comes with a drawer to store keys, coins, and other small items.

It’s slim, sturdy, and beautiful, which makes it the perfect addition to a small entryway.

Shoe boxes

Shoe lovers, you’re going to love this! These clear storage shoe boxes are a perfect way to flaunt your newly edited shoe collection.

These stackable boxes come with large ventilation holes to ensure good air circulation. This helps to prevent bad odors from being trapped inside. Say goodbye to foul-smelling shoes!

Over-the-door shoe storage

I love using over-the-door shoe organizers for small spaces. This one, in particular, looks super classy and spacious. The best part? No installation is required!

Under-the-bed shoe storage

This under-the-bed shoe organizer is sleek and slim enough to fit under most beds. Unlike most under-the-bed organizers, this has a transparent window to keep all your footwear visible. Again, no installation is required!

Shoe slots

Already have an existing shoe rack/closet? Maximize your storage by adding these convenient shoe slots.

These come in 4 adjustable height levels, which means they can accommodate different types of shoes comfortably.

Remember, although these shoe organizers can store many shoes, it is NOT an excuse for you to keep or buy more shoes!

Conclusion

I hope this post has prepared you to declutter and organize your shoes.

Use these tips to get started and you’ll be on your way to building a minimalist shoe collection.

All the best with decluttering and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below!

More decluttering tips here:

• The Decluttering Mindset – 5 Ways To Change Your Mind About Clutter
• Why Is Decluttering So Hard? 13 Reasons Why & How To Overcome Them
• 10 Decluttering Tips For Seniors To Make Their Lives Easier
• 15 Decluttering Blogs That Will Motivate You To Start Decluttering Today
• How To Declutter Quickly – 12 Ways To Declutter In 30 Minutes
• 9 Decluttering Motivation Tips That Will Help You To Keep Going
• How To Declutter Paperwork Quickly (& 5 Important Organizing Tips!)
• How To Declutter Your Garage Without Feeling Overwhelmed

The post How To Declutter Shoes For Shoe Lovers appeared first on That Isle Life.