A boot tray is your single greatest line of defense against a big old pile of shoes and boots on the floor. Even if there's a mish-mash of boots, a tray will instantly provide symmetry and order. Not too mention, a boot tray will protect your floors from moisture.
Recommendation: I have a boot tray next to the bench in my entry way. You can also place this outside your door (in the garage?) or in your mudroom to really protect floors. Another option? On the floor of your closet to protect rugs or hardwood floors.
