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→Tapes
* Taping should be a last resort; try to fix the underlying problem first.
=Tapes=
I've used various tapes on myself and other runners, as well as conducting some specific comparison tests. I've applied multiple tapes on dry skin, wet skin and wet skin with adhesive promoter and left them in place until they fall off to see how they hold up. * '''Micropore<ref> http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/foot_care/tapes/product6.html Micropore at Zombie Runner</ref>Leukotape P''' . This is my default the only tape, partly because I have been using Micropore from my earliest memories due 've found that sticks to my skin condition. Micropore that is very thin, smooth and inflexible, but not very sticky, so you need to use it with already wet without an adhesive promoter. The biggest problem with Micropore is that it is not very durable. I find it will last well enough for a race, but I like to If you only have one tape a day or two ahead of time to make sure the tape is right, and this should probably be it can suffer wear in the mean time. * '''Leukotape P <ref> [http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/foot_care/tapes/product967.html Leukotape P at Zombie Runner</ref>].* '''Hypafix''' This is thicker. I have not used Hypafix extensively, slightly rough textured, inflexible tapebut I've been impressed with its characteristics. It works very well when you need something more robust than Micropore.* 's inflexible, thin, soft and the edges don''Elastikon<ref> t fray too badly. [http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/foot_care/tapes/product1product968.html</ref>''' This tape is thicker than any of the others, slightly rough, but flexible and porousHypafix at Zombie Runner].* '''Kinesio-Tex''' . This is a soft tape that stretches in one direction. I find that it does not stick well without an adhesive promoter, though rubbing the tape to warm it before applying will help it stick a little better. I also find the edges tend to fray, so I will often use some Micropore to stick the edges down. I find this is a good tape for between toes, where its softness is important. * '''Micropore'''. This was my default tape before I discovered Leukotape P, partly because I have been using Micropore from my earliest memories due to my skin condition. Micropore is very thin, smooth and inflexible, but not very sticky, so you should use it with an adhesive promoter. It will stick to dry skin and adhere well if given time, but that is only viable for pre-taping. It's thinness means it doesn't add much bulk nor does it fray, but it can peel up at the edges sometimes. [http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/foot_care/tapes/product6.html Micropore at Zombie Runner]* '''Elastikon'''. This tape is thicker than any of the others, slightly rough, but flexible and porous. I rarely use it, but it's worth considering if you need a flexible tape. [http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/foot_care/tapes/product1.html Elastikon at Zombie Runner]. * '''Duct Tape.''' I strongly recommend against using duct tape, as it is not breathable, so the skin tends to become saturated underneath. Duct Tape also tends to wrinkle, creating creases that cause further problems. Like many other tapes, you need to use it with an adhesive promoter to get it to stick effectively. Watch the edges, as they tend to catch and then the tape then rolls up. I have used Micropore on the edges, with some success. If you really want to use Duct Tape, look for the Gorilla Tape brand, as the adhesive is better than most. {| class="wikitable"!!!Thickness!!Texture!!Flexibility!!Adhesion!!Edges Fraying!!Edges Peeling!!Tape Edges with Micropore?!!On dry skin!!On wet skin!!On wet skin with adhesive promoter|-|Leukotape P||Thin||Smooth||Inflexible||Good||Slight Fraying||Slight||Optional||Good adhesion||Reasonable adhesion||Good adhesion|-|Hypafix||Thin||Smooth||Inflexible||Good||Negligable Fraying||Some||Optional||Good adhesion||No adhesion||Great adhesion|-|Kinesio-Tex||Medium||Medium||Flexible in one direction||Very poor||Lots of fraying||Prone||Required on cut edges||Good adhesion, but edge peal||No adhesion||Reasonable adhesion, but edge peal|-|Micropore||Very thin||Very Smooth||Inflexible||Poor||No Fraying||Slight||N/A||Good adhesion||No adhesion||Good adhesion|-|Elastikon||Thick||Coarse||Flexible||Good||Some fraying||Prone||Recommended||Good adhesion, but edge peal||No adhesion||Good adhesion|-|}<gallery widths=400px heights=350px caption="Tapes">File:IMG 0097.JPG|Leukotape P, showing the slightly course textureFile:IMG 0100.JPG|Hypafix tape, which has a backing that is cut down the middle. You can see the thinness and porous nature of this tape. File:IMG 0098.JPG|Kinesio-Tex tape, showing three of the commonly available widths. You can see the way the tape has a backing, making it easier to cut to an unusual shape. File:IMG 0095.JPG|Micropore tape in two widths, showing the thinness and the flat texture. File:IMG 0099.JPG|Elastikon tape, showing the texture, which is rather course. </gallery>
=Adhesive Promoter=
* '''Friar's Balsam<ref> http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/foot_care/adhesives/product125.html Friar's Balsam/Tinture of Benzoin at Zombie Runner</ref>''' Also known as Tincture of Benzoin, this helps tapes stick much better. I find it important to apply the balsam to the area where the tape is going to be placed; If you miss a spot, then the tape will tend to lift up in that spot. If you over apply it, you can remove the excess with rubbing alcohol or smother it with talcum powder.