Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center

Would you travel 1,000 miles for the best boot fitting of your life?
Yes, do it!
In the adult skating world, I'm sure there are many with ill fitting or uncomfortable skates as well as underlying issues with unique feet. I am one of those skaters who has undergone foot surgery with the hope of prolonging my ability to do what I love- ICE SKATE. Problem feet with unresolved boot issues led me to seek out the expertise of Patti Larkin at Houston Skate & Orthotic Center. I carried a suitcase of three different existing skates with me to Houston all the way from South Carolina via Delta Airlines to meet with a professional who truly loves what she does.
Patti greeted me with kindness and keen interest in both physical troubles related to foot pain and the desire to help me find a solution to keep me on the ice. I brought MRI and x-ray reports depicting physician notes about my problem feet. Patti reviewed them carefully and then began her own physical assessment of my skeletal centering, balance & flexibility. She had me lace up each of my previous brand of boot and very quickly began to hone in on what I needed more or less of by way of equipment.
For the last three years, I have been in pain while skating. I have endured three different brands of boot and one surgery along with PT and many emotions along the way. My goal is to achieve Adult Gold MIF however my own bio-mechanics and equipment were failing me. I strongly felt I had to make one more attempt at finding a solution before giving up all hope.
After reading an article in Skating Magazine written by Patti Larkin, I knew I needed to connect with her. Given her specialized training and passion to problem solve foot issues, she was my remaining resolve. Patti met with me at great length beyond the typical boot fitting and orthotic consult.
Together we brainstormed and discussed options for boots based on the needs of my feet. Patti created with ease a custom orthotic made of the finest sport grade material and incorporated a shock absorption factor. With precision, she created and installed my custom orthotic to the boot we agreed would work best for me.
Patti understands my skating goals. She thoughtfully helped me prepare the new boots with blade selection and appropriate sharpening. Mounting of the blades was tactical as well. Special thanks to Raymond for his patience as we adjusted the blade placement.
Having a mid-morning appointment with Patti, allowed for us to achieve all objectives so I could fly back home that same evening.
Several days later, my new boots arrived at my doorstep & were ready for the ice. Was I nervous to try them? Yes, only because of the previous painful years of skating.
I skated in my new ensemble of equipment for 90 minutes- PAIN FREE.
Thank you Houston Skate & Orthotic Center from the bottom of my skate loving heart.
With sincere appreciation for Patti & Raymond Larkin! With so many options for boots these days, only trust the true professionals to help make the appropriate and comfortable skate selection for you!

Patti and her staff are the best for figure skaters in Houston! I have been a customer for years and have never been disappointed. The knowledge and expertise they have are top notch!

Wow! So passionate and knowledgeable! We had a fitting appointment for ice skates and I feel like we learned so much about my daughter's feet. Clearly the staff truly care about their work and making sure skaters get the right skate for them.

Patti and the whole staff are so kind and knowledgeable. My daughter has been going to see Patti for the past 4 1/2 years. We have since relocated to Indiana, and we still will only work with Patti. We have had numerous her ritual sitting and conversation on the best boot for my daughter. I have never encountered someone who knows so much about so many different brands of boots and blades. The selection there is unparalleled. If you are able to try on and experience every single boot imaginable. Cayla first met Patti when she was a pre-preliminary. Now she is a junior national pairs skater. Patti is the only we have and will trust with Cayla’s skating equipment needs. If you need stock or custom skates, go to Houston State and orthotics.

My visit to Houston Skate and Sports Orthotic Center was excellent. Patti Larkin is a knowledgeable professional in the area of biomechanics, orthotics and the entire skating area. I am a high level ice dancer and she took the time to understand my issues and work to correct them. I highly encourage visiting her if you are a skater at any level

Patti is amazing. We just moved to Houston from California. I am anxious to let my daughter get her new skates. I found this great place. We got new skates in a few days. My daughter can't wait to wear them to skate. The new skates fit very well like custom made. They don't even need to be broken in. Thanks!

Ms. Patty and everyone there are amazing and knowledgeable! They are very patient, and are determined to put you in the correct skate! In addition, they are very amazing with my two young kids. They are amazing!

We came to get skates fitted and my child loves these skates. The whole process was smooth and seamless. We had all our needs met and more!

Patti and her staff are the best. They are so knowledgeable abs patient. My 7 year old is enjoying her second pair of skates from them!

They're always super kind and helpful. I get my ice skates fitted here every time and never had a problem with their services. Best place to go to for ice skates and fitting especially if you're taking the sport more seriously.

Took 10 min to sharpen my hockey skates they were sharp and well done. So happy to find a place that can do them right. Well priced and every fifth one is free. Staff was great.

I highly recommend this place! I drove over four hours and will gladly do it again. They went above and beyond to make sure my new blades got in on time and then were able to fix ALL of the issues I was having with my boots and blades. They even had some accessories I was searching for. Patti, her husband, and Steph were all very hospitable and more than helpful. I will definitely go to them again no matter where I am located! They are extremely good at what they do and wouldn’t bother going anywhere else- they are the best! My skating has never been better! Thank you guys!

Patti and her team are exceptional can’t say enough good things about them. So patient and attention to detail is on point. I ordered a custom pair of Harlick skates and Patti helped me the whole way. She has all the knowledge for a great fit and really makes you feel she wants the best product for your skating goals. I highly recommend her shop for all your skating needs from beginner level all the way to an elite athlete.
Thank you again.

Patti and the staff were very attentive to me during my fitting. They were focused on making sure that I had the best skates to help me progress as well as making sure I would be comfortable in my skates. Great experience and would definitely return the next time I need new skates.

I had to drive into Houston from Cedar Park Texas so I could receive expert care from Patty Ray and Stephanie. My granddaughter’s feet are totally different than I’ve ever seen, very narrow at the heel and foot but at the toes wide. Ray addressed all of these issues and got her in a pair of skates that she is so comfortable with. She says it hugs her feet like a glove. She had her first skate on them yesterday and actually her skate performance Improved. Stephanie was very informative and helpful with putting on the skates and tying laces. Patty is such an informative an amazing orthotist. I will not go anywhere else ever again! Thank you again for helping to access and get her into better fitting skates!

The staff is knowledgeable and provided good advice on skates and blades and fitted a good orthotic for my daughter. She is very happy and for the first time changing boot does not hurt her. We wish we knew about this place earlier.

Thank you for helping my daughters to find their perfect skates! Their coach has noticed an improvement in their spins and jumps after getting new skates! One of them was able to get a sit spin after a few months without any progress in her old skates.

Made an appointment for a beginner skate fitting for my Riedell Roller Skates. Being on wheels, I'm not a typical customer but Patti and the rest of the staff were so friendly and helpful! Not only did they help with sizing but I also learned a lot about my own feet. I was recommended insoles, how to fix my pronation, and shown some exercises to increase ankle mobility. The staff at Houston Skate & Sports are so passionate about what they do and it really shows as they go above and beyond with their customer service. My skates have never felt better and I look forward to visiting again in the future.

My coach told me to drive to Houston to get a new pair of skates at Patti's shop. It was a great experience. Patti spent two hours with me, fitted me with a pair right for my needs. She also custom made orthotics. She said the boots should fit like gloves. They do feel that way.
The next day I went skating, my coach observed that the boots gave me great support. It's been almost two weeks now. The new skates are comfortable. My pinky toe area used to bother me, but not any more.
I highly recommend Houston Skate and sports Orthotics!

This is the be all end all place to go for all of your figure skating needs. The level of expertise in boot fitting to get the perfect skates and blades is unparalleled. Patty and Ray have this down and are a wealth of information and tips. I’ve been going to them for years and so happy we have such an amazing dynamic duo to help with my skating needs. Oh and they are super cool people.