This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy.

5 DIY Shoe Rack Ideas For Your RV

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

shoes on RV patio mat - DIY Shoe Rack Ideas

5 DIY Shoe Rack Ideas For Your RV

Storage space is always a prized commodity in RVs. Travelers usually want to have everything they need on hand, but it can be tricky to fit everything into the limited space that an RV provides. For shoe lovers, this challenge can be especially difficult. That’s why it’s a good idea to explore some DIY shoe rack ideas for your RV.

Shoe storage is a common issue that many campers struggle with. Shoes are difficult to compress and it can be annoying to cram them into small spaces or leave them lying around. Proper storage makes your living space neater and preserves the quality of your shoes. So, to help you find a solution for your own RV, we’ve compiled 5 ideas of how you can add a bit more shoe storage to your home away from home.

1. Plastic shoe organizers

To start off the list, we’ve got a classic space-saving item: The hanging plastic shoe organizer. These are super cheap and widely available. Basically, they’re just a sheet of plastic with small pockets arranged in rows and columns. They are designed to lay flat against a door with a set of hooks or adhesive strips.

Sign up for the newsletter today!

Please enter a valid email address.

An error occurred. Please try again later.

× logo

Thank you for subscribing to the Do It Yourself RV newsletter, keep your eye on your inbox for updates.

These organizers are often used to store shoes and other small items in a convenient way, but they can also be adapted to better suit an RV lifestyle. You can certainly use them as-is, but if you’re already using the surface of your doors for other things, you can also cut these organizers into long rows. Once you have these rows of pockets, you can arrange them around the base of your bed, next to doors, or along the base of cabinets.

2. Sets of tension rods

Another classic staple for organization in an RV is the tension rod. These are useful for hanging things, securing loose items in shelves, and providing a handhold. They can also be useful for people who are looking for a DIY shoe rack.

A few tension rods can be used to make floating shoe storage anywhere you want. You just need to locate a nook that is narrow enough for the rods to comfortably span the gap, and place the first rod higher up and further back than the second. Secure each rod firmly and line your shoes along the length. Generally, the heel of each shoe will sit on the rear rod and the toes of the shoe will rest on the front rod.

This arrangement will keep them neatly organized and the angled placement will also make it easy to see all of the pairs. You can set up multiple layers of this type of shelving, so it can accommodate all the shoes you have. Tension rods are super useful items and you’ll be glad to have some around, even if you don’t want to use them for a DIY shoe rack.

3. Command Hooks on doors/walls

Shoe racks and pockets are all well and good, but there are also options for free-floating shoe storage that you might want to look into. Because of the open design of shoes, it’s easy to hang them from hooks. You can screw hooks into furniture/walls, or just use adhesive Command Hooks to make a set of hanging shoe storage.

Another option is to arrange rows of Command Hooks on the doors in your RV. This way you can keep the shoes out of sight, but also conserve space and keep them organized. Hanging storage is also handy if your shoes often get wet. It allows them to dry more easily without getting the surrounding floor wet.

This is a simple and low-effort solution that can be very useful for RV campers. For more ways to use Command Hooks in your RV, check out this article.

4. PVC Shoe Stand

This DIY shoe rack is a simple and ingenious solution to the age-old problem of having too many shoes and not enough space. This shoe rack works particularly well for shoes that are sandy, wet, or otherwise dirty. It keeps them out of the way, organized, and elevated so they don’t create a mess while they air out.

The shoe rack is made by setting up rows of upright PVC pipes that can hold shoes in place. This is especially great for RVers who are worried about shoes falling or shifting during travel. Because this rack holds them upright, there is very little risk of movement during travel.

For a step-by-step tutorial, check out the video below from RVs of America:

5. Shoe basket

Finally, you can’t go wrong with a good old shoe basket. These can be set up near your RV entrance, in your bedroom, or both. The only downside of this method is that some shoes get hidden at the bottom of the pile, so it may take some time to find the pair you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for a cleaner method, you could also go with a set of shelves, or an adjustable rack that sits on the ground. Products like this 3-tier stack of shelves are simple and convenient for RVs and homes.

There are many ways to incorporate shoe storage space into your RV, whether it’s with a store-bought product or a DIY solution. Don’t forget to look into things like hanging closet shoe racks, or see if you have an empty cabinet that can be repurposed.

The options are pretty much endless once you start looking. Hopefully, this article gave you some ideas to help you get started on your own DIY shoe rack project!


RVers looking for valuable how-to information have learned to go to the experts. Forums such as iRV2.com and blog sites like RV LIFE, Do It Yourself RV, and Camper Report provide all the information you need to enjoy your RV. You’ll also find brand-specific information on additional forums like Air Forums, Forest River Forums, and Jayco Owners Forum.

Related articles: