--- source_url: "https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g21603853/high-impact-sports-bras/" title: "Best High-Impact Sports Bras 2024 - Runners' Sports Bras" mirrored_at: 2026-08-10T13:03:06.501Z host: www.runnersworld.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.runnersworld.com/gear/g21603853/high-impact-sports-bras/index" --- > **Original source:** https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g21603853/high-impact-sports-bras/ We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. [Why Trust Us?](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a29111408/runners-world-shoe-reviews/) ![best high impact sports bras](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/run-high-impact-sports-bras-65fb39578a460.jpg?crop=0.502xw:1.00xh;0.173xw,0&resize=640:* "Best High-Impact Sports Bras") Lakota Gambill ### Pros - Easily adjustable hook-and-eye closure - Non-underwire support ### Cons - Fit was too snug for some testers Gel-cushioned straps ensure you won’t experience any raw or rubbed skin during long and intense activities. The Spot Comfort is also extremely breathable and moisture-wicking; mesh on the adjustable straps and front panel promotes ventilation. Lined with molded cups for non-underwire support, this high-impact sports bra features a back with hook-and-eye closure, which makes it easy to take off. One thing to consider: size up. One tester found the fit a little too snug, even on the last hook-and-eye setting. ## Key Specs Cup sizes C to DDD Band lengths 34 to 42 in. ### Pros - Surprisingly soft underwire support - Adjusts to H-back or racerback style ### Cons - Not recommended for cup sizes below D Some testers were unsure how much they would like this sports bra, thinking that an underwire design would chafe or rub. But Panache nails the support with none of the discomfort. Made with molded and seamless cups, this high-impact sports bra is contoured to move with you as you run but still locks down unwanted bouncing. Plus, the left strap even has a hook that allows for switching between an H-back and racerback style. ## Key Specs Cup sizes D to J Band lengths 28 to 40 in. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ### Pros - Encapsulated compression - Soft material - Wide shoulder straps - Flattering woven crossback - Not too constrictive ### Cons - Pullover hook-and-eye - Thick material The Energy Bra is a comfy compression bra that's not too tight around the chest. The straps are wide and won't cut into your shoulders. That said, there are two gripes from test editor Amanda Furrer. First, when you put on this bra, the woven back can get inverted. Second, the three hooks on the bra’s chest band create some adjustment limitations. “I’m a hook-in-the-front and slide-it-to-the-back girl, and that’s impossible with this bra which is a woven crossback,” she shared. ## Key Specs Cup Sizes B-D Band Lengths 26-42 in. ### Pros - Velcro band and straps for fully customizable support - Front zipper closure ### Cons - Can be constrictive - Causes chafing for some The Ultimate provides an all-over personalized fit thanks to 8 inches of Velcro on the straps—simply adjusted from the front—and underband. The bra goes on and comes off easily via the front zipper. Our 40DD-sized tester, who runs and plays tennis, liked the customization aspect of this high-impact sports bra. She felt well-supported while running road races and also when playing matches on the court. ## Key Specs Cup sizes A to I Band lengths 26 to 52.5 in. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ### Pros - Pullover with adjustable chest band and straps - High neckline for more coverage - Mesh patches for airflow ### Cons - Thick fabric - Only goes up to band length of 40 inches The Boom Bra is proof that runners don’t have to compromise comfort for support. The thoughtfulness Oiselle has put into this bra is in its details: padded straps that won’t dig into your shoulders, and molded cups to encapsulate movement. Mesh along the neckline and chest band promote airflow, alleviating boob sweat. Deputy health and fitness editor Mallory Creveling loved how the Boom Bra provides support without being overly compressive. “I have so much trouble finding a supportive bra that doesn't feel so tight that it's uncomfortable,” she said. “But this one strikes that balance.” ## Key Specs Cup Sizes C to DD Band Lengths 32-40 in. Credit: Lakota Gambill ### Pros - Molded cups for support - Tri-Flo ventilation ### Cons - Most effective for cup sizes D and larger Knix’s Catalyst provides all-inclusive coverage, boasting an incredible support range from size 32A to 42G. The bra has ladder straps that are easily adjusted and molded cups that cradle each breast to reduce bouncing. Perforated vents in between the cups allow more air to flow through the bra to help prevent the material from getting swampy with sweat. Like Shefit’s The Ultimate, mentioned above, the Catalyst has been a mainstay in our roundup of best high-impact sports bras—in fact, we even [re-tested the bra](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a33776657/knix-catalyst-review/) to ensure it should still be included. Literally and figuratively, the bra still holds up. ## Key Specs Cup sizes A to F Band lengths 28 to 42 in. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ### Pros - Two side pockets, one back pocket for your phone - Ample chest coverage ### Cons - Back pocket can be difficult to reach This three-pocket bra has a place for your essentials—phone (mid-back) and fuel and keys (either side). It’s an ideal pick for long-distance training when you need to store gels or cash—just in case you pass a coffee shop and need a, ahem, quick espresso boost. To reduce chafing, the Drive 3 uses low-friction bonded seams around each of its pockets. One small critique: it’s a little bit of a struggle to put on and take off. It also has removable padded cups, which can fold over and crease. ## Key Specs Cup sizes AB, CD, and DE Band lengths 30 to 40 in. ### Pros - Adjustable overband - Compressive support ### Cons - Plastic sliders can make a distracting sound while running Breasts move in a figure-eight pattern while running, so it makes sense to design a bra that reduces both downward _and_ upward motion. Mari Thomas, who is a size 34E and runner herself, founded Maaree to create sports bras with Overband Technology (a curved panel above the breasts). One cool perk about this high-impact sports bra’s Overband is that it can be tightened—just like shoulder straps—from the side of each boob. And, it’s strategically placed so the plastic sliders won’t cause any underarm friction. ## Key Specs Cup sizes C to H Band lengths 28 to 38 in. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ### Pros - Smooth, quick-drying material - Interior chest pocket; Racerback ### Cons - Less support for larger cup sizes The Allston Bra is a simple pullover with a secret pocket. The sizable interior chest compartment can store credit cards, IDs, and gels. It’s an ideal bra for long runs when you need more pockets to carry your essentials. Test editor Amanda Furrer has worn the bra while traveling. “I wear the Allston when I visit an unfamiliar place and go out for a slow run to explore the area,” she said. “The pocket is big enough to store my smartphone in case I need to look at Google Maps. I’d wear the Allston for short runs, and a bra with a back phone pocket for long ones. Though having a front pocket makes it easier to reach, my phone would slightly bounce during faster efforts.” ## Key Specs Cup Size AA to C+ Band Length N/A ## There’s No One-Size-Fits-All, But There Is a Solution for Everyone. Test Editor Amanda Furrer Shares These Tips Before You Buy Your Next Sports Bra. ![line break listicle](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/run-line-break-listicle-65ce1a1daf9fa.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top "line break listicle") **How do I find my bra size?** Have a tape measure handy. Wrap the tape measure snugly around your body under your breasts. Take that measurement and add 4 inches if it’s an even number or 5 if it’s an odd number. That’s your band size. Next, wrap the tape measure around your body over the fullest part of your breasts, over your nipples. Subtract your band size from this measurement. The difference is your cup size. Cup sizing goes up 1 inch with each letter. For example, AA is 0, A is 1 inch, and B is 2 inches. So, if you measure 27 under your breasts, that would be 27 + 5 = 32, which is your band. If you measure 35 over your breasts, 35 - 32 = 3, which is a C cup. Your bra size would be 32C. **When should I get a new sports bra?** A good rule of thumb is 6 to 12 months. Much like shoes, bras begin to wear and tear after usage and washings. It may not appear like its lost its support, but elastic and fabric degrade overtime. That pain in your back may be from your desk job, but your sports bra could also be the culprit. **How do I know if the shoulder straps are too tight or too loose?** You should be able to fit two fingers under the chest band and strap. ![Headshot of Amanda Furrer](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/834ca306-afa9-4d8c-acdb-b604ad955588_1651178293.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:* "Headshot of Amanda Furrer") Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron. ![Headshot of Morgan Petruny](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/58a8e22b-0c8f-4864-8c8e-bb14b1fc165f_1525450505.jpg?fill=1:1&resize=120:* "Headshot of Morgan Petruny") Morgan is a gear editor who has been with _Runner’s World_ since 2017. She started as an intern ghostwriting _The Warmup_, a bygone version of the daily _RW_ newsletter. Now, she tests and reviews anything you might find on runners’ feet-from crew socks and compression boots to carbon-plated super shoes. A lifelong runner and shoe geek, Morgan has been chasing the perfect pair of kicks since she joined her grade school cross-country team. Since then, she ran as a Division I walk-on for the cross-country and track & field teams at the University of Delaware, where she studied English and Biology. She has one full marathon under her belt, and has raced more halfs and 5Ks than she can count.