While plastic bins may be tempting to use for shoe storage because they're clear and easy to stack, a sealed plastic bin can trap moisture which allows for mold and mildew growth which will damage your shoes.
The right storage solution
never store shoes in plastic as any kind of leather/animal hide needs to breathe! For shoes that you know you won't be using for months, store them in their original shoe box. Alternatively, they can also be stored in plastic boxes, so that you can see the shoes through the boxes.
Even if you buy high-quality shoes, shoe boxes were not created to support the storage needs of your shoes. If shoes are not exposed to proper air circulation, their parts and materials can easily disfigure or wear out. Some plastic shoe boxes may also cause damage by drying out the glue, fibres, or sole material.
To store leather shoes, you must first clean them with a flannel to remove dust. Then stuff them with tissue paper or a shoe rack so they don't lose their shape while in storage. Finally, put your leather shoes in a cardboard box and store them in a dark and cool space, like your closet.
Keeping your shoes stored in a cardboard shoebox for long periods can make them absorb any moisture that builds over time. Moisture causes the shoe to crack, making it difficult, if not impossible, to restore. It also causes discoloration, making the shoes look older or dingier than they should be.
It's important to keep cardboard boxes dry and free of pests to extend their lifespan. If you need to store shoes for an extended period of time, only use plastic containers. If you don't plan on wearing a pair of shoes for at least a month, it's best to store them in a box.
Leather needs to breathe, just like your skin. You should always have at least two pairs of shoes in your regular rotation to avoid having to wear the same pair every day. Your feet sweat throughout the day (facts are facts), and the leather absorbs that moisture.
Shoe boxes
Shoe boxes are an excellent storage option. Boxes offer protection from sunlight and prevent dust build-up. Plastic storage containers can also be used to store and display your collection, just be sure to clean and dry your shoes before storing to avoid mildew growth.
Keep your leather shoes in a cool and dry place. If the leather shoes are kept in plastic bags or other heat-trapped containers, mold will begin to grow on them. If you see mold growth on your leather shoes, clean or dry them as soon as possible and store them in a place with the right ventilation and exposure.
Ditch the plastic wrap, bubble wrap, and baggies. Even for short local moves, plastic wrapped leather shoes can trap moisture allowing the quick growth of unhealthy mold, stinky fungus or even melt in the heat, sticking to and ruining the surface of your shoes. Wrap in clean paper or cloth instead.
This process usually occurs if your leather footwear is kept in warm, dry conditions. Dry rot can also happen if your shoes are being stored in extreme conditions — very hot or cold temperatures as well as high humidity. The degradation won't happen overnight.
So, you can place them in your closets, shoe racks or any other dark, ventilated area. If you don't have enough room in your closet, you could store them under your bed. PS. storing them close to windows can also expose them to sunlight!
Plastic and non woven bags also cause fading and discolouration (yellowing) in leathers, suede, cotton, silk, embellished pieces, wedding gowns and other delicate fabrics. The longer your leather and suede items in these types of bags, the more prone they are to discolouration and fade.
Leather needs to be able to breathe, so avoid storing it in plastic bags or containers. Instead, opt for breathable bags or containers, such as cotton storage bags or cardboard boxes with holes punched in them.
Although they're quite luxurious, leather clothes, shoes, and accessories are prone to mildew and mold growth if they're stored in an area where moisture and heat levels are too high. It only takes one spore to start a colony, so it's important to remove mold from your belongings as soon as you spot it.
Mold is a type of fungus. Under certain temperature and humidity conditions, it can easily grow on leather and feed causing various undesirable effects: Stains (can be grey, green or black and may be permanent in light color leathers)
If the atmosphere inside your closet is overly damp or dirty, that could help foster mold growth on the items in your closet, including your shoes. Trapped humidity is yet another potential culprit of moldy shoes.
The best zones for shoe rack placement as per Vastu are the west and the southwest corner of your home. These directions are ideal to place your shoe racks and cupboards. Avoid placing them in the north, northeast and east zones. So, move your shoe rack to its ideal location today.
Whatever you decide is fine if it works for you. The only thing that isn't okay is keeping empty shoe boxes on the floor or shelves of your closet where they are collecting dust or taking up valuable space.
Roberts explained the basis of the process when it comes to organizing footwear, explaining: “We like to store like with like, so obviously, all sandals together, all heels together, but you do want to keep in mind colors can be together for the kind of event you can wear them to; just keep like with like.”
Silicone and “instant-drying” sprays both do more damage than good. Shoe trees. Shoe trees like cedar shoe trees, for example, are used to maintain the shape of the shoe while you're not wearing it. More importantly, they wipe up excess moisture, keeping the shoes dry and healthy for the feet.
Because leather is a porous material, it will quickly soak in that water. This rapid influx of water, followed by a release when the water dries, can lead to premature damage and cracking of the leather. Letting your shoes get soaked in the rain is no way to take care of your investment.
Leather Uppers especially need time to air out
We define ample time as around 24 hours – so ideally give it a day between wears. If you don't give your shoes a day to air out, the sweat-soaked leather will warp, and your shoes can start to lose their shape — not to mention get musty and start to smell.