Soccer Shin Guard Tape
Soccer shin guard tape is an important element of many soccer players’ uniforms. Although it is not required in competitive play or training, shin guard tape improves comfort and lessens distraction while on the field. Shin guard tape helps secure shin guards in place so they do not slide down an athlete's legs.
Benefits of Soccer Shin Guard Tape
Shin guards are a required element of soccer uniforms that every soccer player must wear during games. Shin guards protect an athlete’s shin bones and lower legs, as soccer players may frequently get kicked in that area.
Sometimes, shin guards can slip down the leg easily, making it difficult for soccer players to move comfortably. This can also leave their leg more vulnerable to injury. Shin guard tape is often utilized to secure shin guards in place and prevent them from slipping.
Shin guard tape is typically wrapped around both the top and bottom of the shin guard to secure it in place. It is available in many different stores and can be purchased by the roll. Most commonly, shin guard tape is created from materials such as PVC or zinc oxide. Read on to learn about the different types and specific details of shin guard tape.
Things To Consider
When looking for shin guard tape, you'll want to consider the following:
- What type of shin guard tape are you looking for?
- How much are you looking to spend on shin guard tape?
- How many rolls of shin guard tape do you want?
What are you looking for in soccer shin guard tape?
- Easy to apply and remove
- Lightweight
- Weather resistance
- Self-adherent
- Multi-purpose
- Affordability
Types
Soccer players can buy different types of tape that can secure their shin guards in place while they play soccer.
Shin Guard Tape
Soccer players utilize shin guard tape to keep their shin guards in place during practice or competitive play. Shin guard tape is available on a roll, allowing you to take pieces off when needed while wrapping your shin guards to your legs. Typically, shin guard tape is made out of polyvinyl chloride or zinc oxide.
Medical Tape
Medical tape is another type of tape utilized by many athletes and can also function as shin guard tape. Medical tape can be used on most parts of the body and can be used to help support or provide comfort to certain injuries or weak spots. Some medical tapes can be elastic and can follow the contours of the body.
Athletic Wrap
Athletic wrap serves a similar function and purpose as medical tape, as it can be taped directly on the body. A unique feature of athletic wrap is that it only sticks to itself and will not pull hair or skin from athlete’s legs. Sometimes referred to as athletic tape, athletic wrap is used to prevent injury, rehabilitate, and provide comfort from chronic pain. Athletic wrap can be elastic and can also be utilized to prevent shin guards from slipping.
Brands
A multitude of brands sell shin guard tape in various colors and sizes.
DICK’S
Dick’s Sporting Goods sells their own shin guard tape. It is sold at $2.99 a roll and is available in both white and black. The athletic tape sticks easily to fabric and was designed specifically to keep shin guards in place. Each roll of tape purchased comes with 108 feet of material.
Premier Sock Tape (PST)
Premier Sock Tape is a company based in the United Kingdom that sells PVC sock tape as well as athletic wrap. PST’s PVC tape is available in a wide variety of colors. PST sock tape is flexible and able to expand as a player’s muscle heats up. PST creates their sock tape from a polyvinyl chloride that is both water-resistant and carries ultra-stretch capabilities. This material is brand-specific, and no other company is allowed to use it.
Mueller
Mueller is a company that sells a wide variety of sports medicine equipment. Mueller sells their original products, “Mwrap” and “MTape”. MWrap is a form of athletic wrap that can be utilized to hold shin guards in place, and provides a barrier between the skin and other tape. MTape is the company’s own medical tape for sports medicine made from cotton backcloth and zinc oxide.
FAQ
How much does soccer shin guard tape cost?
One roll of soccer shin guard tape can cost anywhere from $2 to $10. The material the shin guard tape is made of, along with the quantity and quality of tape on each roll, can impact the price. The adhesiveness of the material and the color of the tape can also play a role in the overall price. Finally, multi-packs of tape will often have a lower per-unit price.
Are there alternatives to shin guard tape in soccer?
Yes, soccer players can utilize both medical and athletic tape to wrap their shin guards and prevent them from slipping. There are other products available that also secure shin guards in place, such as shin pad sleeves that go under your socks to secure shin guards. Companies such as Nike also sell reusable straps that can fasten around shin guards.
How do you apply shin guard tape for soccer?
Applying shin guard tape is a relatively easy process. First, you position your shin guard on your leg and secure it. Next, either apply athletic wrap or your shin guard tape. Start by wrapping the tape 3-4 times at the bottom of the shin guard, close to your socks. Then, wrap the tape several times around the top of your shin guard. Be mindful of wrapping the tape until it is secure, but not so tight that it could restrict blood flow.