Good Directions Metal Boot Tray Review

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• My entryway was collecting dirt and water as I came in and out with my dog throughout the day.
• A simple but attractive boot tray is the home accessory that solved the problem.

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Last winter when I left New York City for a rural home, I learned that walking the dog around our yard can be a wet, muddy undertaking. My partner and I take him out at least five times a day, and our point of entry and exit is the backdoor, right beside our kitchen table.

Things got messy quickly — puddles lingered beside the doormat, dirt somehow inched its way across the room daily, and the beige floor began to turn gray. After googling the cost to build a small mudroom, reality set in, and I began searching for proper shoe storage. 

These gorgeous $100 embossed metal boot trays from Ballard Designs caught my eye. But if I'm ever going to get that mudroom, I figured it's best to start budgeting now. Over at Bed Bath & Beyond, I found these trays from Good Directions for less than half the price. I chose the pine cone embossed design, which measures 34 by 14 inches and holds four pairs of adult shoes or boots. It's made from galvanized steel and has a powder-coated antique bronze finish. 

I've been using this tray for 10 months. It's kept water and dirt contained, and it blends nicely with our kitchen. To wash it, I just vacuum up the dirt and then wipe it down with a wet rag.

The finish has worn thin in some spots, but all in all, I'm pleased with how it's holding up. When I stepped on the edge of the tray and it bent, I was able to mold it back into its original form. There are only some small creases in the metal that are barely noticeable.

If this tray isn't a fit for your decor and you want to keep your entryway tidy, there are plenty of other designs to check out. Here are some practical and decorative trays I came across in my search:

If you’re looking for a simple utilitarian tray, this one made of rigid polypropylene comes in black or a semi-opaque translucent version that will blend in wherever you put it. It’s a great budget-friendly option that measures 27 by 14 inches and will hold three pairs of boots or shoes.

This bronze-finished iron boot tray has an industrial appeal and is sure to stand up to whatever you toss at it. A grill sits about an inch above the tray so your shoes will dry quickly. It measures 32 by 16.5 inches, big enough to fit three pairs of shoes.

The multicolored print on the coir insert of this recycled rubber tray is a little eye candy for your entryway. The mat can be removed for easy cleaning. It measures 34.5 by 14 inches, plenty of room for four pairs of shoes.

Larger households will benefit from a double iron tray. It comes in a bronze, copper, or brass finish and a fleur de lis, wreath bee, or quilted embossed pattern. At 40 inches wide and 16 inches deep, it can hold up to eight pairs of adult-size shoes.

If you’re going to splurge on shoe storage, this is the tray to do it. The handcrafted tray is made of polished copper that will age to a bronze patina over time. You can also refresh it with copper polish. Measuring 31 ½ by 15 ¼ inches, you can expect to fit three pairs of shoes inside.

Senior Editor, Pets

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