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.

They are the best. Communicated when it was going to take more time than expected. And understood…read morewhen I needed more time to pick up because of my schedule. I will always choose to go here regardless of where I live!

I brought my air cast in to Cortini's today because the heel plate fell off and needed to be…read morere-glued. The owner repaired it while I waited and checked and repaired the sole because it was also showing wear. He dropped everything he was doing to help me since he correctly figured I really needed to use that air cast. I was very impressed. The repair cost was also very reasonable. Great job, Cortini's!

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.

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!

It's tragic that this place isn't rated 5 stars. My father…read morepassed away in 2012. He had a leather motorcycle jacket and my uncle Craig's leather motorcycle jacket (Craig passed in 1985). When I took from his closet they were moldy and worn. I put them in my closet and forgot about them for over 10 years. Fast forward to summer 2023 when I'm moving to a new house we bought and I find the jackets. They're even worse now than they were. I had them sitting by the trash when I decided I'd try to get them cleaned before trashing them. This was the only leather repair shop I could find. I brought them in and they said they could clean them up and redye them to look like new for $100 each. My dad's jacket cleaned up and was ready in about a month. My uncles jacket was far worse. The woman there cleaned and dried it half a dozen times. Spent months on it. Today I picked it up and I'm blown away. It looks beautiful. There's nothing I can say to express how grateful I am. This photo doesn't do it justice but I wanted to send it to my brother to show him. I wish I had taken a before and after. You wouldn't believe it was the same jackets. I would trust them with anything. They're amazing. 10/10 recommend

Got a pair of boots and a bag repaired here and they did a great job. The service was phenomenal…read moretoo. They were extremely helpful when I picked up my items giving me tips on how to care for my things. I thought it was quite affordable too. Will go back for any of my leather repair needs in the future.

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.

Sweet person, very professional and helpful. Service was super quick and boots were ready in a day…read more Customer Service was amazing would never go anyplace else. Would definitely recommend to everyone. Ralph is absolutely the GOAT.

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 went in to their new location on the Commons (ignore previous review, they just moved) and the…read morelady who helped me, the owner I think, was amazing - helpful and friendly and really really knowledgeable. She listened to what I said and found me lots of options for what I wanted. It was a comfortable and non-pushy experience. She also was kind enough to give me a discount a couple days early, since the sidewalk sale was about to start later this week. This is the kind of quality service I love to see in a local business. Great shoes in stock - I got some for play and some for work!

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.