Gloversville is the home to several heritage businesses, family-owned shops passed from generation to generation in storefronts that reflect the charm of the downtown business district. Among this cohort of 50+ year businesses there stands a shining example of what it means to live and work in the City: Rossbach Shoes, now in its 97th year.
Rossbach Shoes sits just off of Four Corners on West Fulton Street in the same space it has occupied since the 1920s. It is an imaginarium of shoes with no true organizational method other than the mind of Mr. Charles Rossbach, the third generation to own and operate the shop. Shoes sit in boxes piled from floor to ceiling across two stories. The smell of leather and shoe polish greet you along with the smiling face of Mr. Rossbach and the ever-present background track of his favorite doo wop on the crackly radio.
To say that Rossbach Shoes is a hidden gem would be an understatement. Rossbach Shoes is everything that is powerful, pleasing and possible in downtown Gloversville.
The experience of Rossbach Shoes is not complete without a little chat with Mr. Rossbach himself, the de facto historian of downtown. His front case has shoes from the 1860s, found years ago in the recesses of the shop. His memory has stories of the little actress from Gloversville who played a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz and used to purchase her shoes from his grandfather. Mr. Rossbach, too, has stories of how downtown changed when the arterial along NYS Rte. 30A came in and businesses began to move out of the City’s business center.
Shopping at Rossbach’s is an experience in time travel. You sit and tell Mr. Rossbach what you are looking for: a dress boot in size 9, for example then you wait and watch as he buzzes around the store pulling out options for you to try and admire. Only Mr. Rossbach knows where the perfect shoe is kept and only you will know when he finds it.
Gloversville Arts 
a gloversville treasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember shopping there as a younger (lol) woman, and I still shop there đź’•
LikeLiked by 1 person
The best place to buy shoes in the area. The store has character and personality thanks to the Rossbachs.
LikeLike
Chuck, and his father before him, have conducted their business with great service and kindness! I always enjoy the visit!! Great article!!!
LikeLike
A wonderful article and tribute to the Rossbach family! Remember shopping there throughout my childhood!
LikeLike
When I was a little girl, our family always purchased shoes from Rossbach’s store. It was a sure sign that school was about to start and summer was nearly over. Very fond memories!
LikeLike
Wonderful store, a true treasure for gloversville
LikeLike
Great shoes at reasonable prices. Something for everyone!
LikeLike
What a wonderful tribute to the Rossback family and their contribution to their community.
LikeLike
Great shoes at good prices.
LikeLike
My favorite shoe store. My dad and I always went there together to shop. I love going in and chatting about my dad it brings back great memories. đź’•
LikeLike
We would be lost if Rossbach wasn,t there. Thats are go to shoe store. Always content with service and shoes. Jean and Sheri Bowler
LikeLike
I grew up with Mr. Rossbach as my neighbor , played in his yard w/ his kids , went to their birthday parties at his home , rode the school bus with his don Carl…. Such a wonderful man w/ a wonderful family. Back to school shoes meant visiting Rossbach’s shoe store. Mr. Rossbach is an icon in our little city.
LikeLike
I grew up with Mr. Rossbach as my neighbor , played in his yard w/ his kids , went to their birthday parties at his home , rode the school bus with his son Carl…. Such a wonderful man w/ a wonderful family. Back to school shoes meant visiting Rossbach’s shoe store. Mr. Rossbach is an icon in our little city.
LikeLike
I bought my kids first walking shoes 37 yrs ago and after that school shoes and now my husband’s work boot I absolutely LOVE this store….
LikeLike
A Gloversville treasure run by a wonderful family.
LikeLike
My grandparents were in the Pythians with Carl in the 40’s/50’s when I first met him. Carl was a kind, and gentle man that, as I remember, never had a bad word for anyone, and always had time to say “hello” when you walked down Fulton St.
LikeLike
I had very difficult feet to fit and needed AAA heel footware.
My parents always took me there to get the right shoes.
LikeLike
Don’t let this distract you from the the fact that in 1966,he scored four touchdowns in a single game while playing for the Gloversville Huskies in the 1966 city championship game versus Johnstown High School, including the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds against his old nemesis, Bubba “Spare Tire” Dixon
LikeLike
I come home every summer and always stop in with my girl to take a look!
LikeLike