ᐅ What positive experiences have you had using Ikea Pax as a shoe storage unit?

Hello everyone,

I would like to start a discussion on the topic: “What good experiences have you had with Ikea Pax as a shoe cabinet?” I am planning to set up a Pax system specifically for shoe storage and would like to know how practical and suitable it is for everyday use. I am especially interested in aspects such as stability, storage capacity, handling of shelves or drawers, and how well shoes can be organized – for example, different sizes, types of shoes (sneakers, boots, sandals), and whether the system is sturdy enough for long-term use.

Who among you has been using Pax for this purpose for a longer time and can share positive experiences? Are there specific combinations or additional elements you would recommend? I’m looking forward to your tips and examples.

Thank you in advance!

BENFLO schrieb:
I am planning to set up a Pax system specifically for shoe storage and would like to know how practical and suitable it is for everyday use in your experience.

Interesting question – I have to say the challenge often lies in the details. Sure, Pax is flexible, but as a dedicated shoe cabinet? There’s a strong temptation to overfill it, which makes handling difficult.

My advice: smaller compartments with fewer shoes per section work better. The depth can quickly become an issue when shoes get misshapen by being pressed together or when you constantly have to rummage through.

Also, I believe the often-praised stability is somewhat of a myth – if you store heavy boots or multiple pairs side by side, the structure can show some weakness in my opinion. Still, for those with a smaller shoe collection, Pax is an elegant solution that offers a lot of customization.

GALEO4 schrieb:
Depth can quickly become an issue when shoes deform each other or you constantly have to dig through them.

This is an important point. The standard depth of 58 cm (23 inches) for Pax wardrobes is not ideal for shoe storage. A depth of around 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) is more practical for most shoes to ensure better organization and accessibility.

In my experience, using shelves with some space between them is recommended so that taller shoes like boots can be stored without deformation. Additionally, combining shelves with pull-out drawers can be ideal for different types of shoes.

A combination of open shelves for sneakers and drawers with transparent fronts for smaller shoes has worked well for me.

I have been using Pax as a shoe dresser for about 2 years. The stability is absolutely fine as long as the weight is evenly distributed.

Important: Use adjustable shelves to vary the height.

Drawers with clear fronts are great if you want to find shoes quickly.

I would like to share my experiences in a structured way, in case it is helpful for others:

1. Planning: It is important to size the Pax system precisely to fit the available storage space. Include additional elements such as shelves or shoe pull-outs in your plan.

2. Shoe organization: Different types of shoes require different compartment heights – flat shoes need less space, while boots require more.

3. Stability: Pax supports are sturdy, provided the weight is evenly distributed. However, too many heavy shoes on one shelf can cause the boards to sag.

4. Additional elements: Shoe pull-outs are especially recommended for deep Pax systems, as they allow easy access to shoes stored at the back.

5. Installation: Assembly is straightforward, but securely fixing the unit to the wall is essential for safety.

Conclusion: The Pax shoe cabinet stands out due to its flexibility, easy customization, and effective storage capacity when properly planned.

Nabla64 schrieb:
Pax supports are sturdy, provided that the weight is evenly distributed.

I would question that statement further. Durability depends greatly on the specific model and the quality of the materials used. Not all Pax components have the same strength – especially thin shelves or inexpensive inserts can bend quickly under weight.

GALEO4 schrieb:
For me, the problem often lies in the details.

I agree. Anyone looking for shoe cabinets for large boots and heavy winter shoes should also invest in sturdy baseboards and possibly wooden reinforcements. This is often underestimated in many user reports.

In my opinion, a standard Pax construction alone is not sufficient to ensure long-term stability.