The 9 Best High-Impact Sports Bras for Running

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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 to ensure it should still be included. Literally and figuratively, the bra still holds up.

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.

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.

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.”