Most sneakers fit a standard clear box. But boots, chunky high tops and some very large sizes need more room. Here is how to tell which pairs need large clear shoe boxes and how to pick the right one.
The short version
- Boots, Timberlands, bulky high tops and very large sizes need more room.
- Measure your shoe at its tallest and longest points.
- Do not pay for space you will not use. Most sneakers fit a standard box.
- Give big boxes their own row in a mixed wall.
In this guide (10 sections)
- Large boxes should earn their space
- Which shoes need extra room
- Measure the shoe at its tallest point
- Account for doors and dividers
- Do not pay for unused volume
- Choose the right orientation
- What else large boxes can hold
- Plan mixed-size stacks carefully
- When a bigger box is the better value
- Frequently asked questions
Large boxes should earn their space
A bigger box takes up more room in your closet. Use it where you need it, not everywhere. The goal is a standard box for most pairs and a larger box for the ones that do not fit.
Which shoes need extra room
- Timberlands and work boots
- Chelsea and combat boots
- Padded or puffy high tops
- Very large sizes with chunky soles
- Shoes you want to store with extras like shoe trees
As a rule of thumb, a size 15 Air Force 1 Low fits our standard box. A size 15 Timberland does not.
Measure the shoe at its tallest point
Set the shoe on a flat surface. Measure heel to toe for length, side to side at the widest point, and floor to the top of the collar for height. Compare those numbers to the box with a little room to spare.
| Box | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard box | 14.37 in | 10.62 in | 8.75 in |
| The Bigger Box | 15 in | 11.5 in | 10 in |
Made for Timberlands, boots and bulky high tops.
15 x 11.5 x 10 in, removable divider, magnetic door. Stands upright or on its side. Sold as a 2 Pack.
Shop The Bigger BoxAccount for doors and dividers
Doors take up a little interior space, and so do dividers. The Bigger Box comes with a removable divider. Take it out for boots, or leave it in to split the box into two levels for smaller items.
Do not pay for unused volume
If your pairs fit a standard box, a bigger one just wastes space and money. Check the Sneaker Box Size Guide before you size up.
Choose the right orientation
The Bigger Box can stand upright or lie on its side. Upright works for tall boots and for using the divider. On its side works for wide boots and stacking.
What else large boxes can hold
Large boxes are great for structured handbags, hat collections, collectibles and beauty products. See How to Organize Handbags With Clear Storage Boxes.
Plan mixed-size stacks carefully
Mixing box sizes in the same column creates uneven stacks. Give large boxes their own row, ideally the bottom one, since boots are heavier and help keep the stack steady.
When a bigger box is the better value
If you own boots, it is a no-brainer: cramming them into a small box bends the shaft and crushes the toe. For everything else, stick with the standard box and save the big ones for the pairs that need them.
Frequently asked questions
Do Timberlands fit in a standard clear shoe box?
Usually not in larger sizes. The Bigger Box (15 x 11.5 x 10 in) is built for them.
Can I stack large and standard boxes together?
Yes, but give each size its own row or column for a stable, clean stack.
How is The Bigger Box sold?
As a 2 Pack, with a removable divider and a magnetic door.
Ready to see your whole collection?
The Better Box from Better Every Day is the clear, stackable shoe box built for collectors who actually wear their pairs.
- Two magnetic doors, front and side, so you never unstack to grab a pair
- Fits most sneakers up to men's US 15, depending on the model
- Shatterproof and clear on every side, ships flat, builds by hand in minutes
- Packs of 3, 6, 12 and 36. The bigger the pack, the lower the price per box
Keep reading
- How to Store Jordans and High-Top Sneakers
- Clear Shoe Boxes: A Smarter Way to Organize and Display Your Shoes
- Shoe Storage Boxes With Doors: A Buyer's Checklist
Browse every shoe storage guide or see all Buying Guides.
