Best Kinesiology Tapes of 2024 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

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Are you tired of suffering from ongoing injuries with no end in sight? Or maybe you are just tired of injuring yourself when playing sports. The point is that you don’t have to immediately turn to a doctor or to prescription drugs. The solution can actually be as simple as some tape, kinesiology tape. If you are unsure of what this stuff is, bear with us because we are going to talk about it in great detail below. The point is that kinesiology tape can help heal old muscle and joint injuries, prevent future injuries, relieve pain and inflammation, and so much more. Let’s get right to it and help you find the best kinesiology tape that your dollars can buy!

What Is Kinesiology Tape?

No, this is not duct tape! Kinesiology tape is actually a special kind of body tape worn by athletes and other sports professionals. It is a special kind of elastic tape with a strong adhesive on one end, meant to stick to the skin and stretch it out, sometimes for several days on end.

Kinesiology tape is meant to provide your muscles and joints with support, stability, and decompression in order to deal with a multitude of injuries, relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve athletic performance. This stuff is also meant for preventative maintenance and can be used for a ridiculously wide variety of applications.

Kinesiology taping can be used for treating or preventing things such as (this is not exhaustive by any means as this tape can be used for a huge variety of purposes):

  • Knee pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Elbow pain
  • Arm pain
  • Wrist pain
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Ankle pain
  • Foot pain
  • Bicep pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Tennis elbow
  • Carpal tunnel
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Shin splints
  • Hamstring strains
  • Pregnancy support
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Muscle support
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Inflammation reduction
  • MCL and ACL Injuries
  • Inflamed joints
  • Pulled muscles

The Benefits of Kinesiology Tape

There are a few really important benefits that come along with using kinesiology tape, so let’s just talk about those in some detail.

Benefit #1: Relieving Pain

Perhaps the biggest benefit of kinesio taping is that it is excellent for pain relief. The way in which this tape lifts up your skin helps to reduce pressure on painful nerve endings and painful muscles. It takes pressure off of sensitive parts while also blocking pain signals from going to the brain.

Benefit #2: Bruise Recovery

Another benefit of kinesiology tape is that it removes blood that accumulates under the skin. In much the same way that this tape provides pain relief, it also helps to heal bruises very quickly. This stuff can help bruises heal within days instead of weeks.

Benefit #3: Reducing Inflammation & Swelling

Inflammatory conditions, sports injuries, and surgeries can all be very painful. However, kinesiology tape helps to spur on the drainage of built up fluids and other materials under the skin at the site of an injury. The result is a much faster healing injury, the reduction of swelling, and the aid in recovery from surgery.

Benefit #4: Muscle Recovery & Support

Another thing that kinesiology taping can do for you is to help your muscles heal faster after exercise. Things like lactic acid as well as other substances can cause soreness and stiffness. Kinesiology tape will help get rid of those substances in record time, thus healing your muscles and allowing you to get right back to the gym. On a side note, many people like kinesiology tape so much because it does not restrict your natural range of motion. The bottom line is that this stuff helps to offer your muscles a whole lot of support, and in the end, this means being able to work out harder and do so longer.

Benefit #5: Spasm Prevention

Muscle spasms, cramps, and contractions can be quite painful no doubt. The enhanced blood circulation provided by kinesiology tape will help to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, thus reducing the severity and frequency of spasms and cramps.

Benefit #6: Working Through Injuries

Since kinesio taping can help to prevent the overstretching and overcontraction muscles it is great for athletes healing from injury. Also, since it helps to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation, plus the support it offers your muscles, it works really well for athletes who want to keep exercising even when suffering from an injury.

How To Use Kinesiology Tape

Using kinesiology tape really is not all that hard. Follow these simple steps to get the relief that you need. This is only rudimentary, but for more info for specific uses, check out some of the videos below.

  • Your skin needs to be dry and free of any oils, moisture, and lubricants before application. This is so the adhesive can stick well.
  • When applying kinesiology tape on a joint, make sure to apply it when the joint is bent, not while it is straight.
  • When applying on muscles, make sure that it is stretched out enough to provide you with the relief that you need.
  • The ends of the tape should never be stretched when applying. Only stretch out the center part of the tape.
  • Make sure to rub the tape in order to keep it firmly in place. Make sure all edges are stuck down well.

How does kinesiology tape work?

How do the kinesio tape works?

Kinesiology tape for knee pain

How to apply Kinesiology Taping for Knee Pain - Patella tendonitis and Patella femoral pain

How to apply kinesiology tape

How to apply Kinesiology tape

Applying kinesiology tape for shoulder pain (rotator cuff)

How to apply Kinesiology Taping for Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff - Supraspinatus strain)

Applying kinesiology tape for rib pain

How to apply Kinesiology tape for Intercostal muscles and Rib pain

Applying kinesiology tape for tendonitis of the wrist

How to apply Kinesiology taping - Tendinitis of Wrist and forearm

Applying kinesiology tape for shin splints

What To Look For When Buying Kinesiology Tape

Kinesiology tape is usually not all that expensive, but you still want to pay attention to a few specific details before making a purchase. Here are a few of the most important things to look out for before buying any kinesiology tape.

Adhesive

The adhesive on kinesiology tape is probably the most important aspect of all. Without a very strong adhesive, kinesiology tape is rendered totally useless. The tape needs to be able to stretch out, while at the same time sticking to your skin. The adhesive should be quick drying so you can get on the move in a short period of time. This stuff is meant to be worn at all times, even when showering or swimming, so the adhesive definitely needs to be waterproof or at least water resistant.

Stretch

Good kinesiology tape needs to have a whole lot of elasticity if you expect it to do its job right. At minimum, the tape in question should be at least 160% elastic, if not 180%. The more elastic the kinesiology tape in question is, the better and bigger the benefits you reap will be.

Material

You also need to make sure that the kinesiology tape in question is built of strong materials. You don’t want this stuff ripping apart and disintegrating while in use. A plastic center is usually a standard thing to have in the middle of any kinesiology tape as it helps to add support. Also, cotton, synthetic, or nylon fibers for the outer are also ideal. Many people like cotton because it stretches easily and is also lightweight and breathable.

Kinesiology Tape Reviews

Our Rating

Perhaps the best kinesiology tape out there today, the RockTape Kinesiology Tape for Athletes is fairly inexpensive, yet it still manages to provide you with everything you need for great performance.


Design

One of the best parts of the RockTape Kinesiology Tape for Athletes is that it is extremely stretchy. This stuff has an elasticity of 180%, making it some of the most elastic tape out there. This means that it helps provide you with an unrivaled level of support, comfort, and relaxation for your muscles and joints. It helps everything stay in place and it does so very well. Even though this tape does offer a high level of support, it is still thin and light enough that it doesn’t inhibit your full range of motion.

Something else that you can appreciate about the RockTape Kinesiology Tape for Athletes is that it is latex free, it is hypoallergenic for people with allergies and sensitive skin, and it sticks very well. The adhesive used for this kinesiology tape is so strong that even an hour in the pool or shower won’t make it come off. The adhesive is so good that you can literally wear it for up to 7 days without having to change it.

One of the reasons why this tape is as good as it is is because it is made out of a mix of cotton and nylon. This makes the RockTape Kinesiology Tape for Athletes very strong and durable, it won’t rip apart, and it is stretchy like virtually nothing else.

We really like this tape because it helps to promote body awareness for posture correction, it stimulates nerve endings to alter pain signals, and it helps reduce swelling and decompress the affected area. There is of course much more that the RockTape Kinesiology Tape for Athletes can do, which is everything that any kinesiology tape is supposed to do.

Value for money

20 bucks is a very great price for the RockTape Kinesiology Tape for Athletes, especially since it comes so highly rated and has so many beneficial features. It can be used for a huge variety of purposes, it can be worn for up to 7 days, it’s ultra-strong, and the adhesive is about as good as can be. All in all, the price is very low when compared to the value that you are getting.

Build quality

We really can’t complain about the build quality of the RockTape Kinesiology Tape for Athletes. This stuff is made with awesome materials meant to withstand the test of time, the glue is so strong that you can go swimming with it on, and the high level of elasticity provides you with virtually unrivaled function.

Pros

  • Extremely high elasticity
  • Very strong
  • Can be worn for up to 7 days
  • Waterproof
  • Made of a mix of durable materials
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons

  • Edges may begin to peel after being worn for several days

Our Rating

The Kinesio Tex Gold Kinesiology Tape is without a doubt one of the best kinesiology tapes around. The adhesive on this tape is excellent, its durable build is long lasting, and the pain relief it provides thanks to its high level of elasticity is like virtually no other tape out there.


Design

Something that you will like about the Kinesio Tex Gold Kinesiology Tape is that it has special air channels which allow for ventilation. This means that you will never get too hot while wearing it. Moreover, the material is quite thin, which means that this stuff is also fairly lightweight so you will barely notice that you are wearing it.

This tape is also 100% latex free and hypoallergenic as well, which means that it shouldn’t irritate your skin even after wearing for several days. Even better is that the quick drying adhesive is extremely strong, so much so that the Kinesio Tex Gold Kinesiology Tape can be worn in the water and can last for up to 5 days at a time.

The 100% high grade cotton build which the Kinesio Tex Gold Kinesiology Tape features is excellent for providing pain and inflammation relief, joint pain relief, stability, and more. This tape is quite elastic and that is of course what you want from any kinesiology tape. This particular kinesiology tape is flexible and allows for a full range of motion while still providing you with all of the benefits of any other kinesiology tape.

Value for money

The Kinesio Tex Gold Kinesiology Tape is going to cost you around 15 dollars, which is a great price. This tape sticks well, is waterproof, highly elastic, supportive, lightweight, and breathable all at the same time. You really can’t expect any more value for the awesome price of 15 bucks.

Build quality

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the build quality of the Kinesio Tex Gold Kinesiology Tape. This stuff is built to last, its high level of elasticity provides for awesome pain relief, the adhesive is quick drying and waterproof, and so much more. This kinesiology tape will provide you with all of the relief that you need while still allowing for a full range of motion.

Pros

  • Highly elastic
  • Wide range of uses
  • Waterproof
  • Quick drying adhesive
  • Lasts for up to 5 days
  • Strong build

Cons

  • Some people have suffered minor rashes after removal
  • Is not pre-cut

Our Rating

This is a very high-quality kinesiology tape option to go with. It will do literally everything that you would expect the best of the best kinesiology tapes to do for you. It is more than affordable and it works extremely well, which is pretty much everything you could ask for.


Design

Something awesome about the TheraBand Kinesiology Tape is that it features special stretch lines which indicate the level of stretch which you are applying to your skin. This allows you to stretch your skin out to the right level for adequate pain relief, inflammation relief and much more. This helps to eliminate application errors so you don’t ever waste any tape.

We also like the fact that the TheraBand Kinesiology Tape is made out of a mix of cotton and spandex. This allows for maximum elasticity while also ensuring that it is lightweight, breathable, and ultimately comfortable too. This stuff is also extremely strong and is not going to come apart any time soon.

Moreover, the adhesive on the TheraBand Kinesiology Tape is very long lasting and can be worn for several days without falling off. Even better is that it is water resistant so you can sweat and shower all you want without having it peel off. Also, the high level of elasticity it provides you with is perfect for a wide number of applications.

Value for money

The TheraBand Kinesiology Tape is only going to cost you around 12 bucks, making it one of the more affordable options out there. Even though the price is relatively low, the function of the TheraBand Kinesiology Tape is just as good as any other brand out there.

Build quality

There is nothing wrong with the build quality of the TheraBand Kinesiology Tape. The adhesive is awesome, it’s quick drying and water resistant, the materials is very stretchy, the stretch line indicators allow for precise application, and it can do everything that you would expect kinesiology tape to do.

Pros

  • Water resistant
  • High amount of stretch
  • Perfect for a variety of applications
  • Very durable build
  • Quick drying adhesive

Cons

  • Is not pre-cut

Our Rating

A good kinesiology tape option to go with, the Physix Gear Sport Kinesiology Tape Pro sticks very well, it stretches like almost nothing else, and it is very strong as well. Whether for rehab and fixing injuries or support, this tape is a great option to consider.


Design

One of the best parts about this particular kinesiology tape is that the adhesive used for it is very strong. The Physix Gear Sport Kinesiology Tape Pro uses an extra strong adhesive that is shown to stick to your skin even in the toughest of circumstances. Sweat, water, and rain aren’t going to make this stuff peel off anytime soon.

Something else that everybody can appreciate about the Physix Gear Sport Kinesiology Tape Pro is that it is made with an expanded plastic core for ultimate stability. This core is covered with reinforced 100% synthetic fibers to make it stronger and make it more elastic than ever before.

The result is that this kinesiology tape is very lightweight, so much so that you will barely notice wearing, while at the same time it is also very strong. It is not going to come apart from normal wear and that is a big bonus no doubt. This tape actually uses special 4-way stretch and compression technology to offer a whole lot of support.

The Physix Gear Sport Kinesiology Tape Pro can be used for a variety of applications such as rehabilitating muscles, relax muscles, reducing pain and inflammation, dealing with shin splints, ACL and MCL issues, joints pains, and more. It can be used on virtually every single part of your body.

Value for money

For the 20 or so dollars that you are spending on the Physix Gear Sport Kinesiology Tape Pro, it definitely provides you with a great amount of value. This stuff is very strong, waterproof, approved by the CE and FDA, and is highly elastic for rehab, pain relief, and much more. It even comes with a free downloadable E-Book that is all about using this particular product to get the best possible results.

Build quality

The build quality of the Physix Gear Sport Kinesiology Tape Pro is up there for sure. The plastic core combined with reinforced synthetic fibers make it stronger than most other tapes out there. The adhesive sticks very well and is waterproof, and its high elasticity makes it perfect for a wide variety of applications.

Pros

  • Highly elastic
  • Waterproof
  • Great for a variety of purposes
  • Sticks very well
  • Comes with 2 rolls

Cons

  • Is not pre-cut

Our Rating

If you are looking for an affordable yet effective kinesiology tape option, then look no further than the Spartan Tape Kinesiology Tape. This tape is strong, built to last, extra-sticky, comfortable to wear, and helps to promote healing and rehabilitation from various injuries and conditions.


Design

Perhaps the best part about the Spartan Tape Kinesiology Tape is that it is lightweight and waterproof. You will hardly notice wearing it, plus it can last up to 5 days through showering, swimming, CrossFit workouts, and much more. You will also like this particular kinesiology tape because it is latex free as well as hypoallergenic so you know that it won’t irritate your skin.

We like the fact that the Spartan Tape Kinesiology Tape has a high level of elasticity. This helps to pull your skin away from the underlying tissue, provides decompression, and allows for stability and support, while at the same time helping to heal muscle and joint injuries. This stuff is very elastic and it stretches with your skin instead of against it, thus providing you with a full range of motion.

The bottom line is that the Spartan Tape Kinesiology Tape is made of extremely strong materials which are proven to last for a very long time and the adhesive is quick drying and waterproof. Anything that normal kinesiology tape is used for can be achieved with the Spartan Tape Kinesiology Tape.

Value for money

The Spartan Tape Kinesiology Tape is only going to cost you slightly under 10 dollars, which is a great price for such an effective product. This tape can be used for any general kinesiology tape purpose, it has quick drying, extra-strong, and waterproof adhesive, it is very strong in general, and has a high level of elasticity too.

Build quality

The build quality of the Spartan Tape Kinesiology Tape is very good no doubt. It is made with some of the strongest and most elastic materials around, the adhesive is virtually unrivaled in terms of sticking ability, and the high level of elasticity provides relief from even the most severe of pain.

Pros

  • 180% elasticity
  • Can be used for any general kinesiology tape purpose
  • Very strong build
  • Adhesive is very strong
  • Hypoallergenic and latex free
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Is not pre-cut
  • Some people have mentioned skin irritation as an issue

Our Rating

If you need muscle relaxation, relief from inflammation, and lots of support, you should definitely try out the KT TAPE PRO Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape. This tape is strong, built to last, and easy to use as well.


Design

Perhaps the best part about this particular kinesiology tape is that it is made out of reinforced 100% synthetic fibers which cover an expanded plastic core. The result here is that the KT TAPE PRO Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape is very strong and durable. It is not going to rip, shred, or come apart just from being worn from a full day. Its special design also ensures that it is very lightweight in order to make it feel like you almost aren’t wearing anything at all.

The KT TAPE PRO Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape is great at supporting and relaxing your muscles, reducing inflammation, aiding in rehabilitation and much more. This is all thanks to the fact that it is made with a unique matrix mesh, which allows it to provide you with over 160% elasticity.

Moreover, the KT TAPE PRO Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape features a very strong adhesive which is quick drying as well as water resistant, so you know it isn’t just going to come off mid use. It comes in many patterns and designs as well. This particular kinesiology tape even has reflective areas for safety while exercising at night time. For your convenience, this stuff is also pre-cut into 10-inch strips which are very easy to apply.

Value for money

The KT TAPE PRO Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape is only going to cost you around 20 bucks. This is a very reasonable price for a pack of kinesiology tape that is of such high-quality. This stuff works and that makes it well worth the money.

Build quality

The build quality of the KT TAPE PRO Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape is quite superior indeed. It is made out of an extra strong plastic core with reinforced fibers, it is water resistant, has an extra strong adhesive, and is shown to seriously help athletes find comfort where they otherwise couldn’t.

Pros

  • Really cool designs
  • Reinforced strength
  • Water resistant
  • Pre-cut into strips
  • Strong adhesive
  • Easy to apply
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Leaves a residue on your skin
  • Ends may fray a little bit

Our Rating

This kinesiology tape is much like the other KT Tape option, however it has minute differences which you may prefer. The KT TAPE Original Cotton Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape has many of the benefits of the KT Tape PRO but differs slightly in its construction.


Design

Something that you will like about the KT TAPE Original Cotton Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape is that it still has the plastic core, just like the KT Tape Pro, something which makes it very strong and able to provide stability and support for any muscle or joint injury.

However, the difference is that this particular kinesiology tape is made with reinforced 100% cotton sheathes. Some people prefer cotton over synthetic materials because it is even more breathable and more lightweight. This stuff is great for adding support without restricting your normal range of motion.

Something else that you will appreciate about the KT TAPE Original Cotton Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape is that it is made with an extra strong adhesive. This tape is so strong that it will last through sweat and water, and can actually be worn for up to 3 days straight depending on how much physical activity you are performing. The adhesive actually dries quite fast, which is of course beneficial for busy people who are always on the go.

We also like the fact that the KT TAPE Original Cotton Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape comes in 10-inch pre-cut strips, making it easy to apply and eliminating the need for cutting it. Moreover, the corners of the strips are rounded in order to stop them from snagging on various things.

Value for money

The KT TAPE Original Cotton Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape is only going to cost you slightly upwards of 10 dollars. This really is a great price for a kinesiology tape that has so many different applications, not to mention that it is strong, supportive, and has great adhesive too. This stuff can be used for any purpose which you would use any other kinesiology tape for.

Build quality

The build quality of the KT TAPE Original Cotton Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape is simply fantastic. It is made with an extra strong and supportive plastic core, lightweight and breathable cotton sheathes, super strong adhesive, and it can be used for any part of your body. Quality is definitely not an issue with this tape.

Pros

  • Very strong adhesive
  • Waterproof
  • Lasts for up to 3 days
  • Strong core
  • Fast drying adhesive
  • Reinforced cotton
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Comes pre-cut

Cons

  • Not quite as elastic as other tapes
  • Edges may fray after prolonged wear

Conclusion

The best kinesiology tape out there comes with more benefits than you could ever have imagined. This stuff is some kind of miracle tape that can help treat and prevent a huge variety of painful conditions. If you are tired of expensive medications and useless solutions, it might be time to try a cheaper and highly effective alternative, kinesiology tape!