Use This Easy Hack to Stop Your Shoes From Collapsing in Storage
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If you've ever pulled your favorite pair of heels or suede loafers out of storage, only to find them crushed and warped, you're not alone.
Delicate shoes don’t always fare well when tossed in a box and closet. Luckily, this simple hack will keep your favorite shoes perfectly protected.
Table of contents
1. The inflated Ziploc bag hack
Here’s the simple, game-changing method: use air-filled Ziploc bags to help your shoes keep their shape.
Blow air into a small plastic bag using a straw. Zip it up most of the way, leaving a tiny opening for the straw. Inflate the bag, then quickly remove the straw and seal it tightly. Slip the bag into the toe box or shaft of your shoe.
No weird creases. No collapsed suede. No need to buy dozens of cedar shoe trees.
2. Why it works
This simple hack works because the gentle air pressure supports the shoe’s shape without overstretching, helping it maintain its original silhouette during storage.
3. Bonus tip
For boots, use a few larger Ziplocs or lightly stuff them with clean socks, then add an air-filled bag near the top for extra shape support.
Final thoughts
This trick has been shared by home organization experts and is a favorite on Pinterest boards everywhere. Plus, it’s endlessly reusable and space-efficient.
So if you’re prepping for a seasonal closet swap or tucking away wedding shoes you definitely want to keep perfect, skip the paper stuffing and go with this smarter alternative.
Let us know your thoughts on this hack in the comments down below.
Next, check out these 5 Timeless Accessories Every Woman Should Own.
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I use paper towel cardboard rolls to keep my boots upright. Sometimes 2 rolls. For really tall boots, I use the cardboard rolls from parchment paper. They are really strong.
When did we STOP caring about the health dangers of plastic sandwich bags? Even though Ziplock is the only plastic bag that doesn't have PFA's, unlike Sammie bags sold under Walmart (Great Value) Target Walgreens CVS Price Rite, etc....knowingly sell on MASSIVE SCALE plastic bags we use to pack our kids school lunches in and that have high levels of "FOREVER CHEMICALS"!!! Just a friendly=y reminder: these PFA's (15,000 chemicals!) are linked to cancer, liver problems, thyroid issues, birth defects, kidney disease, decreased immunity and other serious health problems!! Npne of which including they still are NOT biodegradable! Those bags will live for infinity in Landfills! If you want to keep shape and form of your shoes, boots, sneakers, Sandals AND purses AND arms of winter coats......then use my FREE hack handed down through 4 generations..... cut up old linens and towels, sprinkle one pc with an oil (I love Peppermint) than wrap that up in more cut up linens, ball in up and shove into whatever to keep the shape! It will smell delicious for years! Just my humble thoughts........