Years ago, back in the early 90’s,I learned how to duct tape my feet at the 72-hour Gibson Ranch Multiday Runs. Back then, duct tape was the best and is still preferred by many athletes. Since then other tapes have come to the forefront and in some cases, have edged out duct tape as the tape of choice. Here are the most popular, in no certain order:
• Athletic sports tape can be found in most sporting goods stores, it should be avoided except for taping sprained ankles. One width. Not very sticky.• Duct tape is easy to find and inexpensive. Buy a quality brand. Non-breathable so over many days can cause skin issues. Some people may be allergic to the adhesive. One width. In addition to the every popular silver, now comes in colors and even transparent. Very sticky and long lasting when others fall off. Not recommended for extreme heat.
• Micropore is a good paper tape, especially for toes. In spite of
being paper, it holds up well in wet conditions. The widths used for
feet are 1/2, 1, and 2 inch. Micropore is pictured here.
• Leukotape is a good alternative
to duct tape. Comes only 1-½ inches wide. Very sticky and can be easily
cut to shape around heels.
• Hypafix is a very soft tape with a peel off backing. It is very
soft and is 2 inches in width. I use this tape for anchoring tape on
the ball of the foot and between toes, and occasionally for heels.
Shapes very well to the foot.
• Kinesio-Tex tape is fairly new to many athletes. It comes in 1, 2,
and 3 inch widths. It adheres very well if you use the water-resistant
tape. It too has a peel off backing, is soft and smooth, and stretches
in its length. It works well on rounded parts of the foot, from toes to
heels. It is becoming very popular with experienced athletes. Kinesio-Tex tape is pictured here but the the colors have no signifance. Beige is the most common. Kinesio-Tex is more expensive than other tapes.
• Elastikon tape is fairly course but porous and comes in 1, 2, 3,
and 4 inch widths. Is sticky but can be affected by the high heat and
cold conditions. It has been one of the favorites in foot taping for
years.
I have switched to using mainly Kinesio-Tex, Micropore, and Hypafix tapes.
Sources of tapes: Regular duct tape is found in your hardware store.
Micropore and athletic tape can be found in medical supply stores. Leukotape and Hypafix tapes can be bought on the Internet through a Google search. Medco Athletic Supply has many tapes, but some types have to purchased
in large quantities. Zombierunner.com has Elastikon, Kinesio-Tex, and
Micropore.
KMS is a dealer for Kinesio-Tex tape.