The 9 Best High-Impact Sports Bras for Running
Just as essential as the right pair of running shoes, a sports bra helps runners perform their best without distraction or discomfort. But finding the right one is no easy task. When it comes to sports bras there’s no “one size fits all.” Preferences vary as well; maybe you prefer molded cups over underwire or feel more secure with adjustable straps rather than a racerback pullover.
Here’s a breakdown of what to consider when choosing the best sports bra for you, and why you need a high-impact bra over a simple bralette when it comes to running.
Our Top High-Impact Sports Bras
What to Consider in a High-Impact Sports Bra
Underwire Cups
Just like your everyday, nonathletic bra, some sports bras feature wired cups for support. You’ll typically find them in very high-impact bras designed for cup sizes DD and larger for superior bounce-banishing. The only drawback is that some runners find underwire styles don’t move with the body as well as wireless versions.
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Molded Cups
Runners seeking an underwire alternative should turn to sports bras with a molded-cup design. While they don’t always match up to wires for support, molded cups do offer more flexibility and often come with removable modesty pads. Molded-cup bras are also great for helping prevent the dreaded “uni-boob” appearance by providing a separated section for each breast.
Compression
The easiest thing a bra can do for support is offer you a little squeeze. Some runners opt for tight, locked-in, and bounce-free, while others balk at feeling too compressed. Generally, more compression will mean more support, so the bra will rely less on other features like underwire or molded cups—but you’ll have to decide for yourself at what point “jiggle-free” starts to feel more like “constricting.”
Encapsulation—a defined cup structure—is another feature in bra tech that keeps bouncing in check. Many designs will feature hook-and-eye back clasps (similar to your everyday bra) that let you set the bottom bust band to the right tightness. The same goes for your adjustable shoulder straps.
Why You Can Trust Us
Runner’s World has been in existence for more than 50 years with a legacy of in-depth reporting, authoritative reviewing, and intensive testing. Our mission is to provide you with everything you need to live your best runner’s life by delivering comprehensive buying guides, product roundups, and reliable advice from knowledgable experts complemented by the vast experience of our test team, which handles thousands of products each year.
Amanda Furrer has been a test editor for Runner’s World for six years. When she was hired, she noticed staff bra testing was limited to A and B cups. Amanda established a bra program pooling testers whose sizes range from AA to G cups. Throughout her time at the publication, she’s witnessed the evolution of sports bras in terms of technology and style. However, she feels there’s still room for improvement in this gear category.
How We Tested High-Impact Sports Bras
We get it—all the extra doodads on high-impact bras look overwhelming, complicated, or just downright uncomfortable. But they’re not if you adjust them properly. Easier said than done, of course.
To guide you in your search for the best support, we did the legwork—literally. All of these bras have been tested by the RW staff and a small group of local runners. We evaluate several bras each month and continually update our list to provide you with the best recommendations for runners of all shapes, sizes, and experience levels.
