Systems and methods for enforcing consistency of file to storage node mappings in distributed file systems. An example method may include: receiving a request to perform a file operation with respect to a file associated with a directory of a distributed file system; identifying a directory layout version number associated with the directory; identifying a volume layout version number associated with a volume in which the directory resides; and responsive to determining that the directory layout version number matches the volume layout version number, performing the requested file operation with respect to the file.