The Best Hockey Tape for 2025

Use: Stick and socks

Overview: Thanks to its versatility, the overall most popular tape in hockey is the one-inch white cloth tape. 

Key Features:

• Can be used on your sticks butt-end and blade, and can be used around your hockey socks to hold up your shin guards (although cloth tape is usually used on your stick).
• Creates a barrier between your stick blade and the ice giving you enhanced control of the puck during stickhandling and shooting.
• White cloth tape is also a great way to add durability to your stick blade, particularly the toe of the blade.

Use: Socks

Overview: The Renfrew Clear Shinpad Hockey Tape is the go-to option for players who use tape around their hockey socks to help hold shinpads in place.  

Key Features:

• A bit more elasticity than cloth tape, allowing you to stretch the tape as you wrap your shinpads to get that comfortable and perfect feel.
• Water-resistant -- won’t have any issues losing its “stickiness”.

Why is Howies White Cloth Hockey Tape a go-to for players?
Because it’s built to last—game after game, even on outdoor rinks. With 68 strands per inch, this tape has the highest thread count in the game, making it incredibly durable. Add in extra sticky, water-resistant adhesive that fights off snow and ice buildup, and you've got a tape that doesn’t just stick—it performs. That’s why it’s the top choice of pro players everywhere.

Top Features:

• Ultra-durable with highest thread count (68 strands/inch)

• Stamped adhesive resists snow, ice, and water

• Made in the USA and trusted by the pros

• 5-pack of 1" x 24yd rolls

Use: Stick and socks

Overview: The Renfrew 1.5 inch cloth hockey tape can be used on your sticks butt-end, blade, and shinpads. However, most players typically use this hockey tape on their stick blades. 

Key Features:

• 1.5-inch thickness means you can use less tape to cover the entirety of your blade.
• Cloth tape is also a great way to add durability to your stick blade, particularly the toe of the blade. 
• Creates a barrier between your stick blade and the ice giving you enhanced control of the puck during stickhandling and shooting.

Use: Butt-end of stick

Overview: Renfrew Colored Grip Hockey Tape is a great option to add to the butt-end of your stick. Not only does it have more of a “cushioned” feel, but it protects the palms of your gloves better than regular cloth tape.  

Key Features:

• Sticks to itself -- no adhesive
• Comfortable
• Mesh-like construction is easier on glove palms

Why are Howies Clear Shin Pad Tapes the best?
Because they’re built to outperform every old-school workaround. Unlike laces or basic tape, Howies shin pad tape combines elite-level durability with just the right amount of stretch, locking your pads in place without cutting off circulation. Made from high-grade polyethylene and trusted by pros, it stays put shift after shift—comfortably adapting to your movement so you can focus on the game, not your gear.

Top Features:

• Strong hold that keeps shin pads secure

• Stretchy fit that flexes with muscle movement

• Made in the USA with premium materials

• Comes in a value 5-pack (1" x 30yd each)

Why players love this grip:
It’s built for those who want more feel and control. The raised “twirl” pattern gives your top hand added grip for quick stick handling and shooting, while the defined knob helps you lock in your hand placement. Whether you’re toe-dragging or throwing sauce, this grip keeps your stick exactly where you want it.

Key Features:

• • Raised twirl pattern enhances puck feel and control

  • Defined 11mm top knob for firm hand placement

  • 7" length gives players enough coverage without bulk

Use: Butt-end of stick

Overview: The Tacki-Mac Command Grips became widely popular when a few NHL players were spotted using them, and for good reason. They are meant to mimic the feel of real cloth tape, without having to worry about wearing down your glove palms. 

Key Features:

• Snug install process ensures that the grip stays tightly in place during gameplay
• Won’t “dry out” like traditional cloth tape
• Consistent feel without wearing down, or discoloring, glove palms

Use: Stick and socks

Overview: The Renfrew Themed Cloth Hockey Tape offers players a unique look thanks to the wide variety of different design choices. Additionally, this tape can be used anywhere on the stick as well as the shin pads. 

Key Features:

• Unique look
• Can be used on the butt-end of stick, stick blade, and on hockey socks to hold shin guards in place

Use: Butt-end of stick, stick blade, socks

Overview: Like the regular Renfrew cloth tape, the Renfrew Colored cloth tape has a multitude of different uses. However, this variant comes in a wide range of colors! 

Key Features:

• Can be used on stick blade for added control of the puck
• Wide range of colors gives players the ability to add some customization to their setup