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Lakota Gambill

Back pocket can be difficult to reach

These bras delivered the best support for runners with a cup size C and larger.

By and Morgan Petruny
Why Trust Us

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.

    Running in the Cold: Best Socks Best SweatpantsBest Arm Compression Sleeves Interior chest pocket; Racerback

    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.

    High neckline for more coverage 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.

    For even more on the sports bras below, wear-tester feedback, plus other product recommendations, read our ultimate list of The Best Sports Bras for Runners.

    1
    Best Bargain Buy

    to 40 in

    On Sale
    The Spot Comfort Sports Bra
    Pros
    • Smooth, quick-drying material
    • 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 sizesOutfit Yourself With TheseD
    Band lengths34 CA Notice at Collection.
    2
    C to DD

    Panache Racerback Underwire Sports Bra

    Racerback Underwire Sports Bra
    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 sizesD to J
    Band lengths28 to 40 in.
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    3
    Foam Cup Crossback

    Causes chafing for some

    Energy Bra
    Pros
    • Encapsulated compression
    • Soft material
    • Smooth, quick-drying material
    • Best Arm Compression Sleeves
    • Back pocket can be difficult to reach
    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 SizesB-D
    Band Lengths26-42 in.
    4
    Personalized Fit

    Shefit The Ultimate Sports Bra

    On Sale
    The Ultimate Sports Bra
    Pros
    • Velcro band and straps for fully customizable support
    • A Part of Hearst Digital Media
    Cons
    • Can be constrictive
    • Nutrition - Weight Loss

    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 sizesA to I
    Band lengths26 Back pocket can be difficult to reach.
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    5
    Comfiest Adjustable Bra

    Running in the Cold

    Boom Bra
    Pros
    • Pullover with adjustable chest band and straps
    • Best Bargain Buy
    • Mesh patches for airflow
    Cons
    • Thick fabric
    • Fit was too snug for some testers

    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 SizesOutfit Yourself With These
    Band Lengths32-40 in.
    6
    Most Breathable

    Knix Catalyst Sports Bra

    Catalyst Sports Bra
    We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back
    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 The Ultra Run Bra: No Padded Cups? No Problem The Runderbra Is Supportive and Cloud-Soft.

    Key Specs

    Cup sizesA to F
    Band lengths28 CA Notice at Collection.
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    7
    Stasher Dasher

    Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra

    Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra
    Pros
    • Why Trust Us
    • Interior chest pocket; Racerback
    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 sizesAB, CD, and DE
    Band lengths30 to 40 in.
    8
    Tested: Tracksmiths Allston Pocket Bra

    Maaree Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra

    Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra
    Pros
    • Adjustable overband
    • Compressive support
    Cons
    • A Part of Hearst Digital Media

    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 sizesC to H
    Band lengths28 to 38 in.
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    9
    Best Pullover

    Tracksmith Allston Bra

    Allston Bra
    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 Sizeto 40 in+
    Band LengthN/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.

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    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.

    to 42 in?

    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.

    Best Front-Zip Sports Bras?

    You should be able to fit two fingers under the chest band and strap.

    Headshot of Amanda Furrer
    Amanda Furrer
    Test Editor

    Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles. 

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