How to Tape the Ankle Over the Shoes

It is common for athletes to tape their ankles before a game. The tape gives added support to the ankle area, helping to prevent injury. Many professional athletes (notably football and baseball players) tape their ankles over their cleats rather than taping first and then putting on their footwear. The shoe provides additional stability when taped onto the foot. Some players tape over their shoes because they like the way it looks. The practice is known as "spatting."

Things You'll Need

  • Razor (electric or safety)
  • Underwrap tape or elastic bandage (optional)
  • Sports Tape
  • Cleats or athletic shoes
  • Low socks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Shave the part of your leg that will be covered by the tape. (In addition to making the tape stick better, this will make removing it later much less unpleasant.) Make sure the area to be taped is clean and dry. If you have any rashes or cuts, cover them with bandages.

    • 2

      Apply a layer of underwrap tape or elastic bandage if your skin is sensitive to adhesives. Wrap it around the leg from just above the heel to about 6 inches above the ankle.

    • 3

      Put on the socks and shoes. Tie the shoes tightly and make sure they're adjusted correctly; you will be taping over the laces.

    • 4

      Starting at the top of the shoe, wrap the tape three to five times around the mouth of the shoe to cover the laces at the top. Start wrapping in a figure-eight pattern, alternating between making a loop around your ankle with making a loop around the bottom of the shoe. Overlap the tape by 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the tape on each revolution. Make about 25 total wraps. The tape should gradually rise to a height 2 inches above your ankle, and to the bottom of the laces of your shoes.

    • 5

      Make sure the tape is adhering snugly where it touches the shoe, or it could come off on the field. Cut the tape off the roll, press the end down firmly and repeat the entire process on the other foot.