This unit does not hold 38 pairs of shoes. Because you can only fit 2 pair a shelf (gym shoes & heeled shoes) , it actually holds "25 pair". I did lay my flats on their sides bottom to bottom and was able to fit 4 pair on each shelf. The five shelves in the middle, which I have not put in yet only hold 1 pair each shelf. So if you store only flat shoes, you probably would get 38 pair in. The unit itself is sturdy and worth the price, but it definitely does not hold 38 pairs of shoes. I was bummed out about the false advertisement, which is why I give it only 3 stars. (Unfortunately unable to leave photo)