The Benefits of Taping Wrists and Feet in 2026

Article Summary

Taping wrists and feet is something many players do, but few do it consistently or correctly. In this guide, we'll go through why taping actually affects performance, how to do it in practice, and which products work in real-world situations. You'll get concrete examples of how to use grip tape, Howies wax, LizardSkins, shin pad tape PRO, and skate laces to achieve a stable feel throughout your practice or game.

It's quite evident when a player doesn't have control over the details. The grip on the stick changes during the session, wrists start to feel tired, and feet are adjusted in the skates between shifts.

This is not uncommon. We see it in almost every team, regardless of skill level. The problem is rarely strength or technique – but rather that the equipment doesn't stay in place from start to finish.

Taping wrists and feet is a way to eliminate those variations. Not as an "extra thing," but as part of how you prepare.

In practice, it's about creating stability where the body would otherwise have to compensate. Use grip tape to build an even grip on the stick. Apply Howies wax on top to get the same feel even when gloves get damp. For players who want something that lasts longer, use LizardSkins instead to avoid re-taping every session.

For feet, it's about keeping everything in place. Use skate laces that maintain tension and use shin pad tape PRO to lock shin pads so nothing moves around the ankle.

When these elements are properly set, it's immediately noticeable. Fewer adjustments, more focus on the game.

What Wrist Taping Actually Does in the Game

It's easy to view taping as a habit rather than something functional. But when you break it down, the effect becomes quite clear.

We often see players lose their grip on the stick during a session. This happens when gloves get damp or when the tape wears out. The player then starts to compensate with more force in their wrists.

You solve this by using grip tape as a base. It builds up an even surface that keeps the hand stable. To make the grip last over time, apply Howies wax on top of the grip tape. This reduces friction and helps maintain the feel even when the pace increases.

For players who train a lot and want something more consistent, use LizardSkins. It provides an even grip without needing to be re-taped as often.

The result is that the player doesn't have to adjust their grip during the session. Less energy is spent holding the stick – more can be put into the game.

How Taping Feet Affects Stability and Balance

When it comes to feet, the problem is usually movement. Not large movements, but small shifts that affect balance over time.

We often see skate laces lose tension after 20–30 minutes. This causes the foot to start moving in the skate. This affects both skating and control.

Use skate laces that maintain tension to avoid this. Tighten them evenly from the start so the foot sits stably.

The next step is the transition between shin pad and skate. If the shin pads move, it affects how the skate feels. Use shin pad tape PRO to lock the pads so they don't slip.

In practice, we do this:

use skate laces to stabilize the foot
use shin pad tape PRO to lock the shin pads
check that nothing moves before going on the ice

This means the player avoids adjusting during the session and gets a more consistent feel while skating.

How to Establish a Routine That Actually Lasts Over Time

The biggest problem isn't that players don't tape – but that they do it differently every time.

We often see the same player trying different solutions day to day. This means the feel changes all the time.

The solution is to establish a routine.

Start with the stick. Use grip tape the same way every time. Apply Howies wax on top for a consistent feel. If you want something that lasts longer, use LizardSkins instead.

Move on to the skates. Use skate laces that hold tension and tighten them the same way every time.

Finish with the shin pads. Use shin pad tape PRO to lock them so they sit the same way every session.

When this becomes a routine, the player doesn't have to think about it. It just works.

Common Problems – and How to Solve Them Immediately

A common problem is that the grip on the stick changes during the session. Solve this by using grip tape and applying Howies wax on top. For a more durable solution, use LizardSkins.

Another problem is that skates feel good at first but worse later. This is often due to lacing. Use skate laces that maintain tension.

We also see shin pads starting to slip. Use shin pad tape PRO to lock them.

And finally – players who are constantly adjusting. This is usually a sign that the setup isn't holding. Solve this by using the same products in the same way every time.

FAQ

Why do players tape their wrists?

To stabilize the grip and reduce strain on the wrists. Use grip tape to build an even surface and apply Howies wax on top to make the grip last throughout the session. For players who want less maintenance, use LizardSkins for a more consistent grip that doesn't change as much over time.

How do you tape wrists correctly?

Start by using grip tape on the stick to create a stable base. Apply Howies wax on top to get a consistent feel even when gloves get damp. If you want a more durable option, use LizardSkins instead. The point is to create the same feel every time you play.

How does taping affect performance?

When grip and stability are constant, the player doesn't have to adjust during play. Use grip tape and Howies wax for an even grip, and use skate laces and shin pad tape PRO to stabilize the feet. This allows more energy to be put into the game instead of the equipment.

Should you tape your feet?

It's more about stabilizing than taping directly on the foot. Use skate laces to hold the foot in place and use shin pad tape PRO to lock the shin pads so nothing moves around the ankle.

How do you prevent the grip from changing?

Use grip tape as a base and apply Howies wax on top. For a more long-lasting solution, use LizardSkins. This makes the grip feel the same throughout the entire session.

What is the most common mistake?

Not having a routine. Players try different taping methods every time. Solve this by using the same products – grip tape, Howies wax, skate laces, and shin pad tape PRO – in the same way every time.

How do you know the setup is right?

When you don't have to adjust during practice or a game. Use skate laces that maintain tension and shin pad tape PRO to lock everything in place. Combine with grip tape and Howies wax for the stick.

Are LizardSkins better than regular tape?

It depends on the need. LizardSkins provide a more consistent grip over time and require less maintenance. Grip tape along with Howies wax offers more flexibility. Many players try both and choose what best suits their game.