Football is more than a contact sport--it is a collision sport. As such, support for the joints is paramount. One way to ensure added support for the toes and ankles is to use tape. This can be applied on the foot itself or on the actual football cleats, or both. Some football players tape (or "spat") their cleats for the look, taping in intricate patterns. Tape on the cleats is, however, about protection and support, and it needn't be difficult.
Step 1
Put on and tie your cleats tightly and securely. It's important that they are comfortable, since you're about to tape over them. Making adjustments later will entail removing the tape.
Step 2
Wrap the tape several times around the mouth of your cleats. This means wrapping tape over your laces at the top of your shoe. Allow the various layers of tape to overlap one another for a more complete wrap.
Step 3
Wrap tape around the ankle, again overlapping with each layer for a more complete wrap.
Step 4
Continue wrapping, switching with each revolution between the cleat and ankle. Initially, your wraps will be close together, but with each new round, bring them slowly farther apart as the tape moves down the cleat (but remains in the same general area around the ankle).
Step 5
Begin moving the tape down the cleat after about 20 to 25 wrap-arounds, still wrapping in one motion. Be sure to wrap the middle section of your cleats tightly; you don't want the tape to get loose on the field during play. As always, allow each layer to substantially overlap the previous layer, ensuring a more complete and sturdy wrap.
Step 6
Wrap the toes by continuing down the cleat to the toe area. Do this until the end of your shoe is completely wrapped.
Step 7
Wrap the tape lengthwise across the football cleat several times to finish.
Tips and Warnings
- For extra protection, tape your ankle before your put your football cleats on, then tape again, as outlined here. Consider keeping extra tape around on the bench, especially during wet or muddy games when your original tape may become ruined.
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