For those of us in cold climates, snow is on the way if it hasn't arrived yet. It's always a challenge keeping the slush from seeping inside, but if you prep your entryway, you can keep your floors clean without having to mop every day.
- 1) The cork mud mat is a green idea from eco-architect Michelle Kaufmann. Click here for the how-to.
- 2) Wall hung bootracks are a great small space solution. The one shown above is from Cox & Cox, £95.
- 3) Peg-style boot racks work well if you have the space. Shown above is the Six Pair Oak Boot Rack from Crocus, £75.
- 4) The pebble-filled boot tray is a classic Martha Stewart idea. For the how-to, click here.
- 5) River stone mats are an alternative to the pebble-filled boot tray. The one above is from Viva Terra, $59.
- 6) Water glutton doormats from Gardener's Supply are able to hold more than a gallon of liquid per square yard, $40 - $120.
- 7) Wooden Mats with built-in drainage are another stylish substitute for traditional boot trays. Shown above is the teak bath mat from Viva Terra, $69.
- 8) A boot hanger allows you to hang your drippy boots inside the closet and shut the door. This is the Cabela's Adjustable Hanger, $5.
- 9) A wall-mounted rack with an absorbent mat underneath is a good way to drip-dry wet shoes. IKEA's Tjusig shoe rack ($40) is shown above.
- 10) Cast iron mats (like the Crocus version shown above, £40) stand up to anything. Just add something underneath to absorb the drainage.
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i live in michigan and these are great ideas for snowy shoes :)
i think the one with the rocks is one of the best. I would think that hanging shoes upside down will just make them drip down the shoe.
I adore boots and love these ideas! Snowy Chicago streets and dirty boots = sad apartment.
I really think the only time to put a boot upside down is when it is on a boot drier. Otherwise everything just coats the whole boot instead of simply the bottom.
i bought some inexpensive Flor tiles from CB2 and made a large mat for just inside my front door. in the winter-y months i put out a drip tray with river rocks in it to put snowy boots on. works like a charm ...
For our narrow hallway, I used a wooden photo frame with the rocks on top. (It's a frame that holds 3 - 5" x 7" photos) It was a less expensive and easier to find than a serving tray. I made the mistake of not taking out the glass which has since broken under the rocks.
I think the 'rocks in a tray' idea is a good one.
Picture #1 looks like the trivets we've been making for years, from an idea in Sunset Magazine.
I agree with the other posters that upside down boot hangers are a bad idea. Messy drips all over the floor and the legs of the boots. :( I'd give up floor space for a dry, clean floor anytime.
These ideas are great. We live in the Boston area and have to deal with slushy shoes a lot in the winter months. Although I have to agree, hanging the shoes upside down wouldn't be a great idea.
I'd never hang my boots upside down and I'd never buy anything but a simple plastic tray that can take care of leftover liquid - since the majority was stomped off at the front door where there's also a brush for removing the snow. Once the tray is disgusting enough, it's easy to clean without any sand, pebbles or other to get rid of first.
We have a cast-iron mat that left rust stains on the cement stoop.
Avimom, there are great cast-iron look alikes available, and very inexpensive (I got mine at Ballard Designs). They are great for our front door which has no overhang (any other mats we put there just get soaked). Great for kicking off snow and mud, and durable.
i've had this problem for a long time now! We don't have much of an entryway at all, and the slushy shoes end up in the kitchen...only place with uncarpeted floors. i LOVE the pebble tray idea...hopefully going to implement this sometime SOON! i'm SICK of mopping salt and mud from the floor. :)