I stopped into The House of Leather by pure chance, and it turned into one of the most genuinely…read morewarm and wholesome experiences I've had in over a decade. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed like we weren't just customers, but people Maria was genuinely happy to see. The owner, who has been working with leather for over 50 years, has a kindness and sincerity that you just don't come across anymore. What started as browsing quickly turned into something special. She invited us into her workshop, shared stories about her craft and life, and even took the time to teach my wife how to braid leather bracelets using scrap pieces she had on hand. You could feel how much it meant to her to pass on what she knows. This isn't just a shop, it's a place built on passion, community, and genuine human connection. While we were there, locals stopped in just to chat, bring her things, and check in. That alone tells you everything about the kind of person she is. Every piece is handmade, often from leftover leather so nothing goes to waste. I ended up with a bracelet made from scrap off a custom belt, and it's something I'll value far beyond just how it looks. She also offers hat sizing and will adjust or customize leather items right there on the spot, which is something you almost never see anymore. You don't just leave with something you bought, you leave with a story and a memory. I haven't felt that kind of genuine warmth in a very long time. If you're anywhere nearby, do yourself a favor and stop in. Places and people like this are rare.

Maria is the best. Not only is she a great person to talk to but she is a great leather seamstress…read morethat will modify your leather purchase right at the time. Huge selection. Good prices. High quality cowhide leather, not sheepskin or deer skin cheap stuff. She has leather hats, silver made jewelry, purses, patches, leather vest, leather chaps, leather jackets, dream catchers, wallets, belts, just about anything you could want. I purchased a leather jacket and chaps from her probably 20 years ago and grew out of them so I needed to replace them. Although she had personal business to deal with she made time to make sure that the jacket fit me properly, she took it and back and did some sewing on it. Then she helped me pick out some leather chaps and again made sure that they were fitted cut to length and hemmed all while I waited. While I waited I found a hat that I liked and she is going to order the correct size for me. I also ended up buying a nice leather bifold wallet and a leather belt with tooling. So many nice things there. Bought a few things I wasn't planning on purchasing but I'm happy that I did. She always makes time for her customers and make sure that what they get is absolutely perfect for them. She does the kind of service that they used to do in the old days. She takes care of her customers not just the purchase.

Great service and good advice given when I had a question about caring for a pair of my shoes at…read morehome. Friendly owner who takes pride in his work and the long running family business.

Shoes have been sitting with this guy for a week and a half and still aren't done. He keeps…read more"forgetting" and then needs to order "parts". Met by excuses and talking at us in circles. Definitely don't waste your time!

I had a pair of 15 yr old Carharrt work boots that needed new soles. The repair and rehab of the…read moreboots was superior and the cost reasonable. Highly recommended craftsman.

Had Cortini's do a lift on my she and i'm so far very happy with the job they did. i live out of…read moretown and they worked with me and did my shoe right away.. nice job thank you...

I went to this store to have some repairs done to a leather vest .. WORST EXPERIENCE I have ever…read morehad with any business owner was extremely rude wouldn't give a price on anything once I decided to leave store owner came out yelling about how much he has to pay in taxes and his shows I advised him he should work on his customer service skills I came to his store to get service and a price never got either horrible business

I waited almost a year for Middle Earth to come to The Clothesline Festival in Rochester so I could…read morebuy one of their gorgeous bags. When I finally went, I took my daughter with me, who became suddenly ill. I quickly bought a bag and left to get my daughter home. Unfortunately, I bought a bag that was almost but not quite the "right one". When I called Frank at Middle Earth, he was totally understanding and accommodating. I shipped him the bag I had purchased, and in return, he made me the absolute perfect bag and sent it to me in a very timely fashion. I couldn't be happier! I can't wait for them to come to clothesline next year so I can get another one. Looking to build my collection of middle earth bags. Thank you Frank!

The work is wonderful but the cost for new soles and heels was 60.00 which I thought was quite…read moreexpensive but you get what you pay for.

I thrift and I've used this place several times. They are awesome. But that doesn't describe it. I…read morepurchased all leather cowboys boots with faded painted leather, and a torn toe. The heals were crap- it was a long shot for me. But I purchased them cheap and figured why not? I brought them in, they promised nothing, I expected little- and HOLY CRAP- they are gorgeous. The boots look brand new. The price? $80 bucks. Seriously? These boots will now last me forever. Not only are they masters in leather repair, but they are reasonably priced, always open and- ready for it- Nice people. I totally recommend and am a repeat customer and will continue to be a customer. Thank you for everything

I'm trying to find a shoe repair in Utica, NY that could make a lift for my right foot.read more

Repaired my sons cowboy boots and did an amazing job!!! The owner was a pleasure to work with. This…read morestore is a real gem, so wonderful that a place like this still exists.

They have a pretty great selection of comfortable and well-made, cute shoes here and they are the…read morefirst place I go in Ithaca when shoe-shopping. Also, the owner who often works there is incredibly helpful and not pushy but just patient and informative. I went in looking for a pair of wedding shoes and she pulled about 5 styles for me and continued looking in the back for the others while I tried them on. She also let my obnoxious self stay late after the store closed because I couldn't decide on a pair. And I loved that she offered honest opinions herself when asked. Every one of the shoppers seemed happy with the service and were all talking to each other and the owner, and it felt like a real experience, not just a store.

I came in today to see if they could fix the strap on my new pair of shoes...I bought them at…read moreTarget but they were too big and the back strap wouldn't stay up, so I wanted to try to make them more snug. The girl at the counter was very friendly and offered to punch more holes in the strap so I could buckle them more tightly. It literally took two minutes and she didn't charge me even though I had not purchased my shoes there. I don't know if that's a standard practice, but it was a refreshing change of pace from Fontana's where they always glared at me if I came up to the counter with my own shoes...I don't know if they do other repairs but since they still have all the signs and equipment I would assume yes...

I have been a customer of Extreme Biker Leather for several years. While I no longer live in…read moreRochester, I do visit regularly, which has allowed me to make a few purchases from EBL. They offer a wide array of different leather jackets suitable for use when riding a motorcycle. They also offer textile jackets, rain gear, and protective armor, etc., too. I purchased my favorite pair of riding gloves from EBL and I'm still enjoying them when I ride. With great customer service and pricing, I'm bound to return again when time permits. Give them a chance like I did, and you'll probably become a repeat customer like me.

My wife and I own several pairs of Aurora shoes. I have given them as gifts and recommended the…read moreshop be part any tour of this area. The materials are of very high quality as is the workmanship. Most folks I know wear them until the soles are nearly gone, then they ship or bring them back to the shop to pay to have a new sole put on. That's just one indication of how much folks like these shoes. Though I have not worn all the different styles, the classic shoe and sandals are very comfortable, durable, and well worth the price. The owner stands behind his products. Setting the spelling mistakes of the negative review aside, I find it hard to believe that either that reviewer's description of the product or the alleged response that was reported credible. The Aurora Shoe Company would not be in business today if that description was even vaguely accurate.

I've been coming here for decades (when it was little more than a pole barn/garage) and still have…read moresome of my original purchases. Amazing, comfortable and beautifully crafted leather shoes for casual wear. They can take a beating. Also a significant discount if you visit in person. Love love love these shoes.

I wish I could review this product but my product never came. Sent emails every possible way,…read morecalled: voicemail full. Don't waste your money. They literally are just gonna steal from me and act like nothing has happened.

My wife and I love our Ithaca Sheepskin slippers and have been customers for quite a few years…read more Our slippers are so comfortable, we call them foot therapy. Mark and Jessica are so friendly and accommodating whenever we had the smallest request. We love visiting their shop whenever we're in Ithaca, even just to stop in and say hi. Keep it up Ithaca Sheepskin we love you.