We chose this bench because it has the flip drawers, which keep the shoes hidden and make them easier to reach from above than flat shelves. This bench also holds more weight than the previous bench we purchased here.
Pros: Feels sturdy, looks nice, functions well, flip drawers operate smoothly and their dividers are adjustable. Most of it can be assembled by one person - you only need a second set of hands when attaching the drawers to the hinges inside the bench. Instructions are fairly clear, but because the drawings are small, rely on the letters to show you which bag of parts to use for each step instead of trying to identify the screw type by image alone.
Cons: 1) Seat cushion isn't black, it's gray, and lighter than the photos imply (but the drawer handles are black). 2) The 14 screws for the back panel have no pilot holes, so you have to drill them yourself with a tiny bit. 3) The six plastic parts that must be pounded into their holes with a hammer are larger in circumference than the holes, so I had to use my drill like a dremel to slightly widen the holes enough. Trying to sink the first part without expanding the hole first led to damage around the surface of the hole. 4) Even with the dividers in the highest position, the bottom shoe slots are too short in height to accommodate mens athletic shoes. If the bench was a bit deeper, such as 14" instead of 12", the seat would be more comfortable and the shoe slots could be taller. 5) This door style (country / barn look) is the only style available in this design.
Overall, this is a good bench for its combined purpose of storing shoes out of sight and providing a place to sit. I made one improvement (see first photo): I bought some gray felt and lined the panel inside where the toes of the shoes rest to avoid them getting scuffed. As advertised, it does hold eight pairs of shoes, but doesn't offer enough height or width to store some mens shoes together on the same shelf (see second photo). The cushion is thin, but comfortable enough for now.
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