How to Store Jordans and High-Top Sneakers

Hand placing a Jordan 4 sneaker into a clear shoe storage box

Jordans are some of the most worn, most collected sneakers out there, and high tops come with their own storage problems. Collars get creased, toe boxes get crushed and laces end up tangled. Here is how to pick shoe boxes for Jordans and store them so they come out looking the way they went in.

The short version

  • Measure height at the collar. That is where high tops get crushed.
  • One pair per box. Never force a high top into a box that is too short.
  • Stuff toe boxes and tuck laces before storing.
  • Bulky high tops and boots belong in a bigger box.
In this guide (10 sections)
  1. Fit high tops without crushing them
  2. Measure height at the ankle collar
  3. Check shoe length and width
  4. Leave space for the door
  5. Never force a high top into a small box
  6. Keep laces and tongues tidy
  7. Store pairs you actually wear
  8. Build a Jordan-friendly display
  9. When to choose a larger box
  10. Frequently asked questions

Fit high tops without crushing them

The goal is simple: the shoe should sit naturally in the box without the collar bending or the toe pressing against the end. If you have to push to close the door, the box is too small.

Measure height at the ankle collar

Set the shoe on a flat surface and measure from the floor to the top of the collar. That is the number that matters most for high tops. Our standard box is 8.75 in tall, which gives most high tops like the Air Jordan 1 High room to sit upright.

Clear stackable shoe box with front and side magnetic doors open, holding red and black Jordan 1 sneakers

Check shoe length and width

Measure heel to toe on your largest pair. Our standard box is 14.37 in long and fits most sneakers up to men's US 15 depending on the model. Chunkier pairs with padded collars or wide soles may need more room.

Built for Jordans. Room for the collar.

Magnetic doors on the front and the side. Clear on every side. Fits most sneakers up to men's US 15. Builds by hand in minutes, no tools.

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Leave space for the door

A door needs to close without pressing against the shoe. Leave a little gap between the toe or heel and the door side. If you are storing pairs side by side, angle them slightly so nothing touches the door.

Never force a high top into a small box

Squeezing a high top into a short box creases the collar and can permanently bend the leather. If a pair does not fit comfortably, move it to a larger box. That is what The Bigger Box is for.

The Bigger Box, a large clear shoe box for boots, standing upright with its door open and divider in place

Keep laces and tongues tidy

  • Tuck laces inside the shoe or loosely tie them so they do not dangle.
  • Straighten the tongue so it does not fold.
  • Stuff the toe box with tissue or shoe trees to hold its shape.

Store pairs you actually wear

Jordans are made to be worn. Keep your rotation in the easiest-to-reach boxes, and let pairs air out for a day before you put them back after wearing.

Build a Jordan-friendly display

Group by model (1s, 3s, 4s, 11s), by colorway, or by release year. Face every box the same way and use the side profile when you want to show off the silhouette.

Clear stackable shoe box with both magnetic doors open, holding white and gray Jordan 3 sneakers

When to choose a larger box

Pick a bigger box for:

  • Boots and Timberlands.
  • Very large sizes with bulky soles.
  • Padded or puffy high tops.
  • Pairs you want to store with extras like spare laces.

Frequently asked questions

Do Jordan 1 Highs fit in Better Every Day boxes?

Most do. Our standard box fits most sneakers up to men's US 15 depending on the model. Check the Sneaker Box Size Guide if you are on the edge.

How do I stop Jordan collars from creasing in storage?

Use a box tall enough that the collar stands upright, and stuff the shoe so it keeps its shape.

Should I store Jordans with the original box?

If you plan to resell, keep the OG box flat. For display and daily access, clear boxes are easier.

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

Shop the boxes  Storing boots? Get The Bigger Box

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