fixit tape ·

Fixit Tapes, Foams & Underwraps: The Unsung Heroes of Sports Strapping

Introduction

Every strapping job seen from the outside — the neat ankle tape, the shoulder strap, the buddy-taped finger — depends on a layer of preparation and finishing that rarely gets talked about. Foam underwraps, skin adherent sprays, cohesive fixation tapes, and padding foams are the behind-the-scenes products that make the visible tape work better, stay on longer, and cause less damage to the skin it sits against.

In the world of sports strapping, these accessory products are not afterthoughts. They are critical components of any well-executed taping job. This guide covers fixit tapes, strapping foams, and underwraps in detail — what they do, how to use them, and why they matter.

Foam Underwrap (Pre-Wrap)

Foam underwrap — sometimes called pre-wrap or pre-tape foam — is a thin, lightly adhesive foam layer applied to the skin before rigid strapping tape. It serves several important functions:

Skin Protection

Rigid tape applied directly to skin daily will cause progressive irritation — adhesive residue build-up, hair removal, minor skin tears, and eventually more serious contact dermatitis in susceptible athletes. Foam underwrap creates a protective interface that absorbs much of this stress. The foam is soft enough not to create pressure points and porous enough to breathe.

Comfort Over Bony Prominences

The ankle, wrist, and elbow all have bony prominences where skin is thin and sits directly over bone. Without padding, rigid tape at these points can cause bruising and significant discomfort, particularly during prolonged wear or in contact sport. Underwrap smooths and cushions these areas so the tape job feels comfortable throughout activity.

Base Layer for Adhesion

When combined with a skin adherent spray, foam underwrap becomes a reliable base that helps the outer tape layers grip without depending entirely on direct skin adhesion. This is particularly useful for athletes who sweat heavily or who work in humid conditions where direct skin adhesion degrades faster.

How to Apply

Apply foam underwrap in overlapping circles, working from distal to proximal (up the limb toward the body). Use gentle, even tension — the goal is coverage, not compression. Avoid applying it too tightly around the Achilles tendon or calf, where excessive compression can cause discomfort or restrict blood flow. Strapit's foam underwrap tears cleanly and conforms well to contoured areas, making it easy to work with even at pace on a sideline.

Fixit / Cohesive Bandage

Cohesive bandage — also sold under product names including Fixit — is a flexible, breathable bandage that adheres only to itself, not to skin or hair. It is one of the most versatile products in any sports first aid kit.

What It Is Used For

  • Securing dressings and wound pads without traditional adhesive tape

  • Adding a final fixation layer over rigid tape or kinesiology tape to prevent edges lifting

  • Compression bandaging for soft tissue injuries like muscle strains and contusions

  • Padding and protection around fingers, wrists, and toes in contact sport

  • Holding ice packs and wound pads in position during sideline treatment


Advantages Over Traditional Adhesive Bandage

Because cohesive bandage does not stick to skin, it is painless to remove — no adhesive residue, no pulled hairs, no skin irritation. This makes it ideal for athletes with sensitive skin and for high-frequency use situations where tape is applied and removed multiple times per week. It also means the bandage can be re-positioned if the initial application is not quite right, reducing waste and frustration during rushed sideline application.

Strength and Durability

Good cohesive bandage holds its compression and shape throughout exercise. The self-adhesive structure means it does not loosen under sweat the way some traditional adhesive bandages do. Strapit's Fixit cohesive bandage is available in a range of widths and colours, allowing teams to colour-code by position or simply match club colours for a professional appearance.

Padding Foams

Where underwrap provides a thin cushioning layer, padding foam is used for targeted protection of specific anatomical areas — either to prevent injury or to protect an existing injury during return to sport.

Donut Pads

A donut pad is cut from firm foam and shaped with a central hole that sits over a bruise, blister, bony prominence, or tender area. By redistributing pressure around the painful spot rather than directly over it, donut pads allow athletes to continue participating without aggravating the injured tissue. They are commonly used for heel bruises, toe blisters, and knee contusions.

Felt and Closed-Cell Foam

Firmer felt padding is used where more substantial protection is needed — such as around the shin and forearm in contact sports. Closed-cell foam provides a waterproof, non-absorbent padding option that maintains its shape through wet conditions better than open-cell alternatives.

Adhesive vs Non-Adhesive

Padding foam is available in both adhesive-backed and non-adhesive forms. Adhesive foam can be applied directly to the skin or underwrap layer, while non-adhesive foam is secured with an outer covering of cohesive or elastic tape. The choice depends on where the foam is being placed and how much movement the area is subject to during activity.

Skin Adherent Spray

While not a tape or foam product, skin adherent spray deserves mention as the critical first step in any professional strapping job. Applied to clean, dry skin before underwrap or tape, it creates a tacky surface that dramatically improves the adhesion of everything that follows. In hot and humid conditions — which Australian summers reliably deliver — skin adherent spray is the difference between a strap that holds the whole game and one that is half-off at quarter time.

Building a Complete Strapping Kit

A well-stocked sports first aid kit includes products across all these categories:

  • Rigid sports tape — 25mm, 38mm, and 50mm widths

  • Elastic adhesive bandage — for compression and coverage

  • Kinesiology tape — for muscle and proprioceptive support

  • Foam underwrap — to protect skin under rigid tape

  • Cohesive / Fixit bandage — for dressing fixation and compression

  • Padding foam — for donut pads and targeted protection

  • Skin adherent spray — for adhesion preparation

  • Tape scissors or cutters — for clean, safe application and removal


Having the right product for each situation means faster, better outcomes — both in acute injury management and in ongoing injury prevention through the season.

Final Thoughts

The best strapping job in sport is built in layers, and each layer matters. Foam underwraps, fixit tapes, padding foams, and adhesive sprays are not extras — they are the foundation on which effective, comfortable, and durable tape applications are built. Athletes and practitioners who invest in understanding these products and using them properly will see better results, fewer skin complications, and tape that actually holds when it counts.

Explore the full Strapit range of foams, underwraps, and cohesive bandages and build a kit that is ready for whatever the season demands.

 

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