I bought a pair of sandals from this store in Florence as a returning customer, but after getting home I noticed that the two shoes were clearly not in the same condition. One sandal showed visible signs of wear compared with the other, including differences on the sole and the insole/branding area. I contacted the store politely with photos, but instead of offering a proper solution, they repeatedly denied the issue and eventually replied in an unprofessional and disrespectful way, blaming me rather than addressing the complaint. Very disappointing experience, especially as a returning customer. I would not expect this level of product inconsistency or this attitude toward a legitimate complaint. read more

My first sandals I bought in person and it was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!!!! I ended up buying a total of 7 pairs of sandals!!!! I will keep on buying these beautiful, comfortable sandals!!! read more

my wife was about to purchase a pair of shoes and I was in the process of persuading her to buy a second pair when the old man, who wasn't even the person serving us, came over and insulted me. I told his colleague. i told the man directly. He even followed us out of the shop! At that point I reiterated that he was a very rude man. needless to say we didn't mKe a purchase. I would recommend buying your shoes elsewhere! read more

Wonderful little shoe store, reasonably priced and lovely classic footwear. Assistance was very nice.

Great shoe quality, both owner and associate were pleasant to work with to find the shoes for me and also funny. People complaining about owner being rude probably live in a bubble and are probably hard to deal with as customer. read more

EXACTLY the shoes I was looking for! High quality, handmade, "Vera Cuoio" Italian leather sandals. This shop is a freaking treasure trove! There were so many beautiful styles for men and women and prices were great. The owner was quirky but we didn't find him objectionable - funny actually! TIP: You may need to size up one depending on the style. read more

Rive Gauche - Shoe Stores Near Me - Florence, FI

We bought shoes/boots here on our vacation and really love them. Excellent quality, supple leather, and great timeless style. Since then we placed an on-line order and found the customer service to be exceptional. This is a good family owned business. read more

Great shoes and a great experience. The shop is quirky as are the people that work there. We went in once for recon and a second time to make our purchase. Both times the people were friendly and we asked questions and were given good advice. We saw typical "tourists" treated with indifference because those tourists blow in like it is a footlocker in a Long Island strip mall. read more

I was hesitant at first thinking this may be a situation of great location but selling imitation...wrong. I was I Florence last fall bought a pair of boots (attached pic) and I have been holding on to them for a while. I put them on and walked a city for a weekend and they were more than comfortable. Long story short..if they can ship them to Maryland I will order more. Also, let them size you..I suggested a higher size and they let me walk in it and measured me to my true size (for that boot). read more

Rive Gauche - Florence was great but finding modern artist was even better. Just try them on: - Shoe Stores Near Me - Florence, FI

low quality. Don't be fooled by the appearance. Bought 2 pairs of shoes there recently. One pair for my wife(see pic), leather straps broke within 3 wears and very poor customer service upon trying to get it fixed. Clearly it was defective. Another pair of shoes, leather boots, basically spot when water hits them... good quality leather doesn't do this. We own everything from cheap to Prada and this is less than average quality and you'll realize quickly terrible customer service. read more

Rive Gauche - Shoe Stores Near Me - Florence, FI

Rive Gauche shoes is the place to go for quality Leather products. The owner and his employee are both experts in their craft and make all their items by hand. Their elegant footwear is made of the highest quality leather and the owner was able to find the perfect size of the perfect shoe for both my wife and I. I would definitely recommend this shop to anyone looking for quality Italian leather goods at a fair price, specifically footwear. read more

Strolling around Florence I found this hidden gem. Great shoes and excellent customer service. I got this fantastic pair of boots and I could not be happier. read more

Rive gauche carries beautiful loafers and flats with excellent leather quality, the owner speaks moderate English, he's a cynical old man but harmless, and quite honest . We spent about an hour in his store, and walked out with 4 pairs of loafers and flats. Average price are around 90 Euros for women, and 110 Euros for men. Highly recommended. read more

After spending 190 euros on some shoes, the owner started being rude and started rushing us out of the store. I wish I never spent any money with them. I wanted to cause a ruckus in his store, but I kept calm and just walked away. Fucking bitches read more

This shop owner is the rudest jerk you'll ever meet. I had three pairs of shoes over €500 worth at the register. He wouldn't let me try a pair in the size I wanted- he refused because he said they were too big. It's not what you want it's what he wants. I left without buying anything. This guy needs medication. read more

Bought in person and online from them. Best looking shoes I've ever owned and best shoe store in Florence, no question.

I bought a pair of boots from the owner in the fall of 1999. I wear them all of the time. They have stood up beautifully. I wish I had both two pairs, one brown and one black. The owner was wonderful to me. I also bought a pair of sandals. Very comfortable. The leather is wonderful. They have a website for those of us that can't travel to Florence for boots. They do ship. read more

Excellent selection of handcrafted leather shoes. Proprietor has dry, cynical and straightforward personality but can size your foot by looking - mine is AA width which is rare and he found nice loafer that actually fit. Sorry previous reviewers could not handle his personality but he knows his craft and he sells a good product. Will come back. read more

I had read other reviews before I went in this shop, bracing myself for an experience with a rude owner. Sure enough, I got it. Owner was very arrogant and rude. I was shopping with my aunt and when she said to me that the shoes I was trying on had to feel comfortable, the owner interrupted and snapped at her, telling her they fit me like a glove. We weren't even talking to him. I almost walked out right then and there, but I did really love the shoes - exactly what I was looking for and one of a kind, so I bought them. The atmosphere of the shop was very unpleasant and uncomfortable - it felt like the customers were walking on eggshells, afraid to be snapped at by the owner. The only reason I didn't give it one star was because the leather is beautiful and high quality and I am pleased with the product. It's a shame because I'm sure this place would get a lot more business if the owner learned how to treat customers. read more

What a jerk he is. Tried to be friendly to no avail. I really wanted the boots I got but if he said one more rude thing with his face in mine (e.g. "Lady, if you worked here you wouldn't last one year and I've been here 40!) I'd have walked out without spending a dime. But I tolerated it long enough to get what I wanted and get out of there. Really too bad the fine products are marred by a terrible shopping experience. read more

I found this store to have some of the best quality handmade shoes in all of Italy. Yes, it's true that the owner is a bit arrogant, how ever he is extremely passionate about his product. My wife and I spent some time in the store being educated by the owner, we each bought a pair of shoes and wish we had purchased more. My observation is that the owner was very informative and charming. He and his staff were only rude in response to arrogant and rude shoppers that were trying to beat him up for a better deal or looking for a discount. The prices are fair and the quality is deserving of the full asking price. read more

This place unfortunately has some of the most amazing shoes I saw in Florence. Amazing in that they have a huge variety of hand-made, high quality leather styles that are truly unique and beauty. UNFORTUNATELY because the staff is aggressive, arrogant, and generally completely awful and unpleasant to be around. It was one of the worst customer retail experiences I've had, but I dealt with their snooty negative grossness because I wanted my shoes. Also, they don't do detax. read more

I don't care about the rudeness of the owner. He just says it like it is and has no patience with some customers. I bought a wonderful pair of shoes that fits like a glove and still looks brand new after two years. Highly recommended read more

My girlfriend and I both bought a pair of shoes there today. Owner and staff were great. Very funny and hospitable actually. Owner came across as being very knowledgeable and passionate, not rude at all. Shoes look and fit great. Highly recommend this place. read more

If you want to spend hundreds of euros while being berated by a grumpy storekeeper this place is for you. The shoes are nice enough but not so unique that it is worth putting up with the owner. read more

The shoes are well made however the owner is very rude. I would not shop here because you are not treated with any respect.

This shop is extremely embarrassing. Their shoes seem like pretty decent however their customer service is extremely extremely hostile! Owner's mind is way over cynical. I walked in and asked him 2 different pairs to try in size 37. All of sudden he asked me to try on different style model in 37 from display model. So I asked him I want to try actual 2 models in size 37 which I previous asked him. (Hello, Grandpa we are willing to buy shoes, not your socks!) He was keep telling me to try different model in size 37 and if I Like Size 37 ... He Will Bring Out Size 37 For The Model I wanted for purchase. Such a ridiculous customer service!!!!! I do not know how great their shoes are, but Rive Gauche people you have to keep in mind you are doing business in main stream spot in firenze, there must be lots lots travelers all around the world. U guys really need to learn and study about right attitude towards customers. read more

We were referred to this shop by a local leather goods shop. Quality is astonishing by US (cheap import) standards. My husband got a fine pair of loafers; I got walking shoes that feel like slippers. My large calves make quality, leather boots a non-option in the States, so I was hoping to get some custom-made. The owner, Stephano, is an old Italian shoemaker who measured my legs from knee to ankle and sized the foot. The price quoted for handmade quality was more than fair. I agree with some reviewers that his manner was a bit less than diplomatic, as he seemed impatient with my concerns regarding my problem feet. He assured me that all his shoes stretch to an individual comfortable fit due to the quality of the leather, and he was very confident at his craft, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. He's probably made shoes for 50 years. They also retain your measurment records if you want additional purchases later. I'll have a followup after my boots arrive. Word to the wise: we spent big bucks here but got nailed for 22% tax because this shop doesn't (or neglected to) give you the REFUND FORM you need at the airport along with your receipt. read more