How to tape correctly to protect your gloves 2026

It's rare for gloves to break during a tackle. It happens gradually. First, a small tear in the palm. Then a hole where the stick rubs most. Finally, a grip that doesn't feel right – and suddenly your whole game is affected.

Most players don't think about how they tape their stick until it's too late. But the truth is simple: proper taping is one of the most underestimated factors in both protecting gloves and improving performance. And for teams that train multiple times a week, the difference quickly becomes apparent – both in cost and in game quality.

If you want to understand how to truly protect your gloves, it's not about a single product. It's about a system where grip tape, LizardSkins, Howies wax, shin guard tape PRO, and even skate laces play a role in how the equipment performs over time.

Why gloves wear out – and why taping is crucial

If you look at a pair of used gloves from an entire season, you'll see a clear pattern: the wear is almost always concentrated in the same areas. It's not random – it's about friction. Every time you hold the stick, twist your wrist, or receive a pass, micro-movements are created between the glove and the grip.

When you use traditional tape without texture or supplementing with Howies wax, the surface quickly becomes uneven. This creates small edges and dry areas that act like sandpaper against the gloves. Add sweat and cold, and you have a perfect environment for wear.

This is where grip tape and premium alternatives like LizardSkins change the game. Instead of an uneven taped surface, you get consistent, soft, and stable contact. This reduces friction and thus wear on the gloves. When you also use Howies wax on top, you create a protective surface that both improves grip and reduces direct contact between glove and tape.

In practice, this means that a pair of gloves lasts significantly longer. For a player who otherwise replaces gloves every season, proper taping can make them last an entire season longer. For a team, it quickly becomes a noticeable cost saving.

But it's not just about economics. Less wear also means the grip feels the same every practice. And that's where performance comes in.

Step-by-step: How to build a grip that protects your gloves

Taping correctly isn't about doing more – it's about doing the right things in the right order. The best players often have a routine they follow consistently, not because it looks good but because it works.

Start by completely removing old tape. Many skip this step and apply new tape over old. This creates unevenness that immediately increases wear. Once you have a clean surface, apply grip tape or LizardSkins depending on preference. The goal here is to create a consistent base that doesn't change during the game.

Once the grip is in place, apply Howies wax. This step is often what separates an okay taping from a really good one. The wax further evens out the surface and provides controlled friction that protects the gloves. It shouldn't be too much – just enough to create a consistent feel.

Finish by checking the transition between blade and shaft. Many forget this, but an uneven edge here can create extra wear when the hand slides down in certain situations.

This is also where shin guard tape PRO is sometimes used as a supplement in certain setup solutions, for example to create a softer transition or extra stability in specific zones. Not everyone does it – but at a high level, it's details like these that make a difference.

Skate laces can even play an indirect role. Stability in the skates reduces the need to compensate with the hands, which in turn reduces pressure on the grip. This shows how everything is connected.

Common mistakes that destroy gloves faster than necessary

The most common mistake is that players focus on grip – but not on how it affects the gloves. A too aggressive grip might feel good during the first session, but it quickly wears out the material.

Another common problem is using cheap tape without supplementing with Howies wax. The result is a dry and uneven surface that increases friction. Here, grip tape or LizardSkins make a clear difference, as they are designed to maintain a consistent structure over time.

Many also don't change tape often enough. When the tape starts to break down, the surface changes, which increases wear exponentially. It's better to change a little too early than a little too late.

A third factor is inconsistency. If you tape differently every time, you create variation in the grip. This affects not only performance but also how the gloves wear. The best players tape the same way every time – not because it's a habit, but because it provides a predictable result.

How to build a routine that lasts all season

For teams, this is not about an individual player – it's about structure. Teams that standardize their taping not only get better performance, they also reduce costs and problems over time.

A simple routine could look like this: before each practice, grip tape or LizardSkins are checked, and new Howies wax is applied if needed. After the game, the tape is removed if it shows signs of wear. Once a week, a full re-taping is done.

Shin guard tape PRO is used in parallel to ensure that the rest of the equipment fits properly. When the entire system works, the need to adjust during play decreases. And that's where you gain time and focus.

Skate laces should also be checked regularly. Stability at the base means the rest of the equipment is less stressed. It's a chain where each part affects the whole.

When this becomes a habit, taping stops being something you "do quickly before practice". It becomes part of your performance.

FAQ

How do I protect my gloves with proper taping?

To effectively protect gloves, you need to combine grip tape or LizardSkins with Howies wax. Grip tape creates a smooth surface, while wax reduces friction. Avoid old tape and replace it regularly. By maintaining a consistent routine, wear is reduced and gloves last longer.

Are LizardSkins better than regular grip tape?

LizardSkins provide a more consistent grip over time compared to traditional grip tape. The smooth surface reduces wear on gloves and provides better control. For players who train frequently, it's a clear step up in both feel and durability.

How to use Howies wax correctly?

Apply a thin layer of Howies wax on top of grip tape or LizardSkins. It should smooth the surface and create controlled friction. Too much wax can make the grip sticky, so keep it balanced.

How often should I change tape to protect gloves?

Change tape when you notice the surface becoming uneven or worn. For active players, this often means weekly. Regular replacement reduces wear on gloves and provides better performance.

Can shin guard tape PRO affect gloves?

Indirectly, yes. When shin guards are properly secured with shin guard tape PRO, the need for adjustment during play decreases. This means you put less strain on your hands, which reduces wear on the gloves.

Do skate laces affect the lifespan of gloves?

Stability in the skates reduces the need to compensate with the hands. Good skate laces therefore indirectly contribute to less wear on gloves.

What is the most common cause of worn gloves?

Uneven taping and excessive friction are the biggest causes. By using grip tape, LizardSkins, and Howies wax, you can significantly reduce this.

Is it worth investing in better tape?

Yes. Better tape and the right products reduce both wear and the need to replace equipment. This leads to both better performance and lower costs over time.

Summary

Protecting gloves is not about luck – it's about structure. With the right combination of grip tape, LizardSkins, Howies wax, shin guard tape PRO, and skate laces, you create a system that lasts. Less wear, better feel, and higher performance. These are small details that make a big difference over an entire season.