Why do my shoes get mouldy in the wardrobe?

It’s such a bummer to pull out a favorite pair of shoes only to find them covered in mould. I’ve noticed this happening more frequently than I’d like, especially with the humidity here in Toronto. My wardrobe is organized, yet I still encounter this issue every few months.

From what I gather, the problem usually boils down to moisture and poor ventilation. Shoes stored without adequate airflow can trap moisture, creating a perfect environment for mould to thrive. I’ve experimented with different storage solutions like silica gel packets and cedar shoe trees, but unfortunately, the mould keeps coming back.

Has anyone here found a reliable method to prevent mould on their shoes? What storage solutions do you recommend to keep your footwear in great shape throughout the year?

I had a similar issue, and one thing that helped was putting my shoes in breathable cotton bags instead of keeping them in the boxes. It really helped with airflow. Also, rather than just silica gel, I started using a small dehumidifier in my closet, and that seemed to make a difference too.