10 Best Kinesiology Tape Products Reviewed
Kinesiology tape is made for athletes, a lot of time by athletes. This type of tape is designed to help you treat sports-related injuries, so you don’t have to sit out of your training sessions because you are not feeling up to par.
The best kinesiology tape should be comfortable, easy to use and help you prevent pain related to exercise or other athletic activities. Since there are a lot of options out there, we know it can be hard to narrow down the best option.
Take a look at our top 10 picks below.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
...how easy the tape is to apply in terms of both time and effort
Not only are there different brands of kinesiology tape, but there are different types of adhesives. These adhesives are an important factor in how easy the tape is to apply in terms of both time and effort. Some tapes required adhesive activation through a heat source while others do not.
Most types of Kinesio tape require that you shave the area of skin that will be covered by the tape prior to application- this takes extra time. Reading the label of the tape you are purchasing will help you determine what goes into the application of the tape. This is important because you want to make sure you can actually use the tape.
If you know how to tape certain injuries specifically, that is great. Before you tape up a serious injury, it is best to consult someone who knows what they are doing so you can be sure that you have taped that injury appropriately. Minor injuries are much easier to tape, however, so you shouldn't have a problem.
Materials
Make sure your tape sticks and doesn't fall off easily!
The purpose of kinesiology tape is for it to stick to your skin and provide relief to muscles and tendons. If it doesn’t stick, what the point of applying it? The effectiveness of the adhesive was an important factor when considering the k-tapes that made our list. Take a look below at how we evaluated each tape on our list:
What do real-world users have to say?
In order to get a good gauge of how effective and efficient the tape is, we made sure to take a look at what real-life users had to say about how it held up. More specifically, we looked to see how the adhesive held up when worn during certain exercise and for longer periods of time.
Are you allergic to any of the materials used?
The last thing you want is to end up with a tape that you will end up having a reaction to. Although this is not really common, we wanted to point this out if you are someone who already knows you are sensitive to certain materials--this way you can prevent any type of irritation or reaction.
Features
Not all kinesiology tapes are the same, so take a close look at what they have to offer.
Depending on the ease of use you want and the injuries you know you would need the kinesiology tape, you will need to check out the different types of tape there is available to choose from. We took a look at several factors before making our final rating, check out what we took into consideration before making our final decisions below.
Roll-up tapes VS Pre-Cut Tapes
Some k-tapes are sold in roll form, like traditional sports tape or an ACE bandage. Other k-tapes are sold in body area kits and are pre-cut to specific lengths. Both types have their advantages. A roll of kinesiology tape can be cut to the length needed for any area of your body. The roll helps keep the tape organized and is easy to store and transport.
Pre-cut k-tapes are great for runners with a history of a specific injury, because you know the tape will fit the exact area on which it will be applied. It also saves you the time and hassle of having to cut the tape yourself.
Width and surface area covered
As you have seen from our list of reviews, kinesiology tape comes in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to the type of injury you are taping or the muscle groups you are working width, you will need to pick and choose which tape will work best for you and your needs at the time.
Durability
Some k-tapes are strong enough to hold up to sweat
Let’s be honest- we sweat a lot when we run. And, if you are a triathlete, not only will you sweat, you will also get soaked during the swimming portion of your race or training regimen. So, if you need to use k-tape to help prevent an injury, it is really important that the tape remains adhered to your body while you sweat or are swimming.
Some k-tapes are strong enough to hold up to sweat. However, not all kinesiology tapes are waterproof, so they won’t stay on your body once submerged in water, like when you swim or crawl through the mud during a Spartan Race. Different types of adhesives have different stacking capabilities, so be sure to read the label to make sure the tape you choose can handle whatever it is that you are going to put it through.
All in all, what you need to keep in mind is that your kinesiology tape should hold up to your specific needs and the activities that you need them for. Some of the tapes on our list are designed to hold up more than other types, however, there is no single solution for every person--so make sure you get the one that will fit your durability standards.
Comfort
...good k-tape will serve you well while being comfortable and safe to use!
You may have sensitive skin if your skin is easily irritated by topical products or environmental factors. Since k-tape uses an adhesive to stick to your skin, it may cause irritation on the skin, but especially so if you have sensitive skin. There is also a greater risk of irritation if you have other skin-related medical conditions, such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis.
If you are aware of ingredients or products that irritate your skin, make sure you read the labels on available k-tapes prior to making your selection. This will help ensure that the product will not irritate your skin. Good k-tape will serve you well while being comfortable and safe to use! Reading labels of medical products is a very important step in avoiding contact with known allergens.
K-tape adhesives vary, so make sure you check what adhesive your k-tape uses so you can avoid any topical allergens you might react to. Another important allergen to look out for is latex. Latex allergies can become serious fast, and some k-tapes contain latex. Check the label for latex if you have this allergy. If you do have a reaction to k-tape that you have applied, seek medical attention.
10 Best Kinesiology Tapes
1. Master of Muscle - Beast Tape
If you need k-tape that will hold up to even the most strenuous of workouts and conditions then this is the product you have been looking for!
Read moreUse
Designed to keep you going longer and at full speed, Beast Tape gets it done by providing adequate recoverability and the reduction of pain. Functionality is even increased when applied appropriately.
Materials
Made from quality materials, it is made to be durable and comfortable and to provide you with the protection and support you want and need.
Features
If you're not satisfied, instead of a money-back guarantee, the company will actually refund your money and send another roll of tape for free.
Durability
This option is ideal for those longer distance and triathlon runners, due to the tape's heat-activated adhesive and excellent waterproof properties.
Comfort
Runners who are allergic to latex don't have to worry either, this tape is latex-free. It really works well for just about any athletic activity, including swimming.
2. StrengthTape
K-tape is made to be effective while also being easy to use. This product takes it a step further and makes it even easier to get ht right fit and application each and every time.
Read moreUse
It is easy to use and is a great choice for beginners who have not used k-tape before or who are not well versed in its use and application.
Materials
Made of durable and effective materials, you can count on this tape to stay on as long as you need it to.
Features
Simplicity is in short supply these days. One of the greatest things about the StrengthTape taping kit is that it’s very simple. They sell individualized pre-cut kits for specific body parts. So if you know you’ll only use it for knee issues then buy the knee kit, slap it on and be done it with. No cutting, or configuring, no hassle.
Durability
It holds up well to workout routines and will add an extra layer of support and protection for your day to day workouts or for that big game day race!
Comfort
Whether you are a beginner or a pro this tape is a great way to add some extra support to your workout routine!
3. YOtape
K-tape is made to be durable yet comfortable and offers a unique level of support that few sports products can. It is a great investment for anyone in need of k-tape support.
Read moreUse
Designed specifically with the female athlete in mind Yotape is another great variation of k-tape to consider. It’s the first (and perhaps only) k-tape made specifically for women, with its precut strips going on smooth and staying in place.
Materials
If you want to stay comfortable when you work out in your tape, this is a great brand to try out.
Features
Help keep your blood flowing through circulation points, reduces inflammation, and gives you that tiny bit of support just where you need it. You tape is a great choice whether you are a world champion athlete or an occasional jogger.
Durability
This product lives up to that reputation and provides superior support while being flexible and comfortable at the same time.
Comfort
Beginners and pros alike can benefit from this quality k-tape!
4. Vara
This product is a great example of the versatility that exists when it comes to k-tape products and selections.
Read moreUse
It's easy to use, long-lasting, and of superior quality and design.
Materials
Versatile and comfortable, this product will stay on so you can work out without having to retape yourself.
Features
As far as features go, this tape is available in several colors and is one of the more flexible and easy to apply selections on our list.
Durability
When it comes to durability, this K-tape definitely holds up.
Comfort
Anyone who works out on a regular basis or is preparing for a running event can benefit from using this product.
5. Vara
Enjoy a better workout and get better results from your training sessions each day with this quality k-tape product. Try it now and see the difference for yourself.
Read moreUse
It's great for athletes and runners who like to make a statement in everything that they do and who want quality as well as style in all of their workout accessories.
Materials
It's versatile and made from quality materials so it will hold up to the wear and tear of long runs and intense workout sessions with ease.
Features
Their tape uses Cramer Sports Medicine’s state of the art adhesion to ensure the tape remains in good contact. Beyond that, you can expect a high-grade durable tape product that is easy to apply and comes to a wide range of styles from subtle all the way to flashy.
Durability
TheraBands K-tape is another solid choice if you’re looking to add a bit of support to a body part. All K-tape should stick pretty well, but this is precisely where TheraBand excels.
Comfort
This is a great middle-ground k-tape product that will meet both practical needs as well as aesthetic needs.
6. RockTape
Whether you are a seasoned pro who has been running for years or you are a beginner who is just discovering the joys and benefits of running, this k-tape can help you get more out of your runs.
Read moreUse
Whether you are a beginner or a long-time runner, you can benefit from using this k-tape for your running and workout needs!
Materials
A nice blend of high-grade cotton mixed with 6% nylon, RockTape hugs your skin while providing just the right amount of tactile support and fluidity.
Features
Another staple of the KT market, RockTape is strong, useful, and engineered to perform at the maximum. As the name implies RockTape is heavy duty and designed to function well in a variety of harsh environments.
Durability
It is durable, easy to use, and offers a level of quality that many find surprising for such an affordable product.
Comfort
It is flexible yet durable and offers a snug fit that supports your muscles and helps prevent strain and injury.
7. KT Tape Original
If you want a product that has stood the test of time and proven its worth then this is the k-tape for you. While it is not as flashy and fancy as some other tapes on the market today it is durable, flexible, breathable, and lasts for a long time. This is a great product to get started with!
Read moreUse
It was firstly created by a doctor and was meant for people practicing high-performance sports. It comes in one size, the strips are cut so you don’t need to do it on your own. The strips length is 254 mm.
Materials
This is an original kinesiology type created in the ’70s. It’s really great for people who need very breathable tape and it’s supportive as well. It’s made of cotton so wearing it is very comfortable.
Features
They’re not very expensive and the price also depends on the color. It is available in 8 colors.
Durability
Producers say that it will last 1 to 3 days after initial application depending on what activity level you are at. It was designed for athletes so it will be very helpful with injuries and other problems.
Comfort
This is a latex-free product so it's great for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
8. Aollop
Need k-tape that is water-resistant that will hold up well for water runs or triathlons or rainy day weather? Then this is the product you are going to want to try. Its made from quality materials and has a soft yet snug feeling when applied, which provides optimal support for your muscles.
Read moreUse
This type is also water-resistant, even when you’re wet or sweat a lot, it still stays in place.
Materials
This one will provide very fast relief and it also supports muscles. It’s a blend of cotton and spandex but cotton is 95% of the material. The material which is very lightweight enhances the breathability.
Features
The measurements are 2 in. x 16.4 ft. It’s available in 6 colors.
Durability
The time of lasting is also long- it’s about 5 days. It’s made with hypoallergenic materials so there shouldn’t be any skin irritation.
Comfort
You need to cut the type before usage- for some people, it’s a waste of time and they prefer to buy the pre-cut tape. But for many, this is a great option as you can choose the shape and size of the type and adjust it to your needs.
9. UberTape
Durable, flexible, water-resistant, this is a product that can meet your needs if you want an affordable k-tape. Its not as flashy or fancy as other products on our list but it is priced great and will work for a wide range of workout and running needs!
Read moreUse
You won’t need any braces or bandages with this tape. It provides real pain relief and also helps to boost blood circulation in the applied area. The adhesion is also at a high level, the tape stays in place.
Materials
It’s made of latex-free materials, reviewers pointed out that they didn’t have any skin irritation. Buyers can download the taping application guide for free
Features
There are many illustrations that can help to use it, reduce pain and boost your performance. There’s a possibility of getting your money back if you’re not happy with your purchase. The tape is available in 7 different color versions. It’s not very expensive. It can last up to 12 baths.
Durability
Even if you sweat a lot, the tape stays in place. You can also wear it while taking a shower.
Comfort
Very comfortable and flexible---and also one of the more breathable options out there.
10. KG Physio
Reduce the chance of muscle strains and injuries with k-tape. This product offers additional and much needed support for runners just like you. With an affordable price tag and a user-friendly design, it is great for beginners who are just using k-tape for the first time.
Read moreUse
If you want to prevent any injuries or cure the present ones, this tape will be a good option. With this kinesiology tape, there will be a significant reduction of swelling. Your issues will be much faster healed with the tape.
Materials
The product is FDA and CE approved but the producer says openly that people with very sensitive skin may get skin irritation.
Features
There are 7 colors to choose from.
Durability
The product is adored by many reviewers also because of the price. A high-quality product like this can be purchased for a low price.
Comfort
You can also use it if you want to offload the areas which are injured. It will provide pain relief.
Sources
- , Let's Go to the Tape, Informational Running Website
- , 9 Signs of Sensitive Skin, Informational Health Website
- , Latex Allergy, University Medical Website
- , How, When, and Why to Use Athletic Tape, Informational Fitness Website
- , Six Good Reasons to Use Cohesive Bandage as a Strapping Tape, Informational Health and Fitness Website
