The Best Indoor Shoe Tray

Snow, rain, mud, slush, ice, dirt, sand, grass – the list is endless when it comes to what you bring inside on the bottom of your shoes. No matter the weather, there is often residue left on the bottom of shoes and boots that can get onto your flooring or shoe racks. To avoid this mess and to make cleanup easier, it’s important to get an indoor shoe tray.

An indoor shoe tray is somewhat like an entryway mat. However, it is made from a waterproof material and has a raised edge. This ensures that no moisture from your shoes absorbs into the tray or runs off the sides, keeping everything contained within the try. The tray also has a raised surface so your footwear doesn’t end up sitting within the muck. When you need to clean it, you can simply carry the shoe tray outside and dump out any water or debris.

When getting an indoor shoe tray, one of the first things you have to consider is space: where do you plan on keeping the tray and how much room do you have. You’ll also want to think about how many shoes will be on the tray on a regular basis. For example, if you have four people in your home, you can expect to have at least four pairs of shoes on the tray at a time. This will help you determine what size indoor shoe tray you need to get.

Depending on the weather in your area, you’ll have to pay special attention to the height of the tray trim. If you get a lot of snow, then opting for a higher trim is a good idea. The snow that comes in off your boots will melt into the tray, and you don’t want any of the water running off over the trim.

• Most indoor shoe trays are a rectangular or square shape, which fit in nicely in entryways and hallways. However, you can also find some triangle-shaped trays that are ideal for placing in corners. If you have a small entryway, this is a good way to maximize your space.
• Most commonly, indoor shoe trays are made from a plastic or rubber material. This is a hardy and waterproof option that can withstand rough daily use. If weight is an issue when carrying the tray, plastic is lighter than the rubber option.
• Keep in mind that indoor shoe trays are not a permanent place to store your shoes, such as a shelf or shoe rack. Be sure to use the indoor shoe tray as a temporary stopping point, where you place wet or dirty shoes. Once the shoes are dry or have been cleaned, you can move them to the shoe rack or closet. This will make room on the tray for other shoes.
• The indoor boot tray collects all sorts of residue, so it’s important to clean it on a regular basis. First, shake off any debris outside and drip off any water that remains in the tray. Depending on the condition of the tray, you may be able to just rinse it off with warm water and let it stand to dry. If there is debris caked on, use an old toothbrush to dislodge it with a mixture of water, dish soap and vinegar. You can then rinse off the cleaning solution.
• In addition to keeping an indoor shoe tray at the front entrance, some may also want to keep one in the mud room or at the back door. This way, no matter where people are coming in, they have a place to leave their dirty shoes behind.