The Best Running Bras

Best Running Bras 2024: Jump Menu

Running bras tried and tested

(Image credit: Camilla Artault / Future)

The Quick List ↴
Best For Most People: Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra
Best For Smaller Breasts: Runderwear Energize
Best For D+ Cup: Runderwear Power Running Bra
Best For Shape And Support: PeBe Impact Sports Bra 3.0
Best On A Budget: H&M DryMove High Support Sports Bra
Best-looking Bra: Lululemon Energy Bra High Support
Best Zip-Front Running Bra: Nike Alpha Zip-Front Bra
How To Get The Right Fit

Whatever your cup size, it’s important to find a good sports bra that fits and gives you the support you need while running. Not only will it make for more comfortable runs right now, it will also minimize the chances of sagging later on.

When choosing a sports bra for running, there are three main things to consider: It should offer adequate support, it should remain comfortable no matter how far you’ve run, and it should also look good, because sometimes little things like that can make the difference between going out for a run or not.

Different sports bras offer different levels of support. Because running is a high-impact sport, it’s best to opt for a high (or super-high) support level, especially if you have larger breasts. Our interview with a breast health expert about how to choose a well-fitting sports bra explains why it’s so important to have a bra that fits and offers adequate support. No time to head to the shops? A virtual sports bra fitting could be the answer.

Broadly speaking there are two types of sports bras: those that use compression, a tight band which flattens the breasts; and those that use encapsulation, with separate cups for each breast. Compression bras are more commonly found in general sportswear shops and can offer great support and a good fit, especially for women with smaller busts. For larger-breasted runners, compression-style bras tend to give an unflattering “uniboob” and may not offer enough support for running. 

The majority of running bras are pulled on and off over your head (easier said than done after a run when you’re all sweaty). However, some bras offer a hook-and-eye clasp, which makes taking them off easier, while others feature a zip at the front which avoids this problem altogether. A racerback or cross-over straps will help the bra stay in place better than normal shoulder straps. 

Below you’ll find a guide to checking the fit of your running bra and our pick of the best running-specific over-shoulder-boulder-holders out there.

The Quick List

You’ll find full reviews further down the page, but these are my top picks for running bras in different categories—and why I rate them so highly.

How I Test Running Bras

You can trust Coach We give honest reviews and recommendations based on in-depth knowledge and real-world experience. Find out more about how we review and recommend products.

I have been testing and reviewing running bras for Coach since 2019, evaluating their comfort, their support level and how well they survive the washing machine. This guide does include some bras that we have not tested, in the interests of including a wide variety of options for all shapes and sizes. Other Coach writers have also contributed their running bra testing experiences to this round-up.

How To Get The Right Fit

It’s important to get regular bra fittings, because your breasts can change in size and shape over the years. However, if you plan on buying a new sports bra online use this six-point guide from Ana Paula Dudillieu, senior designer at sports bra maker Shock Absorber, to check the fit of a sports bra at home yourself.

  1. Make sure your breasts are fully contained within the cups and that there’s no bagginess.
  2. Check that the straps are properly adjusted. They should feel secure with no more than 2in (5cm) of give.
  3. The chest band should feel firm but comfortable. Your chest expands when exercising so take some deep breaths and see how it feels.
  4. If the band lifts rather than sitting flat at the front, it’s an indication that the cup size is too small.
  5. If the back of the band rises towards your shoulders, the band may be too large.
  6. Do the bounce test: jump up and down and from side to side, checking that you feel comfortable, supported and secure.

The Best Running Bras

Best For Most People

Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra win black with white detailing

(Image credit: Shock Absorber)

Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra

Sturdy, comfy bra with enough support for all sizes

Specifications

Cup size: A-G
RRP: $79 / £50
Type: Combination (compression + encapsulation)

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent support and secure fit
+
Thin fabric doesn’t trap heat

Reasons to avoid

-
Awkward to get into 
-
Sizing is off

A firm favorite among runners of all shapes and sizes, but particularly with bigger-busted women, this running bra aims to manage the figure-of-eight movement made by our breasts when we run. It has wide non-slip straps, with a soft lining and band to help keep you comfortable as you run. It’s also breathable and quick-drying, ensuring you don’t get overheated. 

The racerback shape with a double back closure system allows you to get in and out relatively easily, while ensuring you feel secure and fully supported. I find it can take a bit of contortion to get the adjustable bit on the straps lying flat but once that’s sorted it’s comfortable, supportive and breathable. Sizing can be a bit odd, so be prepared to try a few sizes before finding the right fit.—Camilla Artault

Best For Smaller Breasts

Runderwear Original Running Bra , front view of bra in black, rear review of model doing clasp on a blue colourway

(Image credit: Runderwear)

Runderwear Energize Running Bra (Original v5)

Best non-padded bra for smaller-breasted runners

Specifications

Cup size: A-D
RRP: $60 / £47
Type: Compression

Reasons to buy

+
Supportive, but not bulky
+
Very breathable
+
Soft, anti-chafe fabrics 

Reasons to avoid

-
Lack of padding won’t suit everyone  

A bra that feels soft and comfortable, doesn’t restrict your breathing, but keeps the girls supported—Runderwear’s Energize (formerly the Original Bra) is a revelation. This is my top pick for smaller-breasted runners who don’t like bulky, padded bras. It’s unlike any other sports bra, with extremely soft, moisture-wicking and breathable fabric that comes into its own in the summer months. 

Molded cups give shape but have no excess padding, the underband is wide and soft to avoid chafing, and the slim, non-slip adjustable straps are comfy over the shoulders. I find it relatively easy to get on and off thanks to the hook-and-eye closure, and once it’s on, the racerback design means there’s no chance of the straps slipping.—CA

Best For D+ Cup

If you’re shopping for a running bra for bigger boobs, it’s worth noting that encapsulation is best because “it helps limit each breast’s movement individually”, according to Dr Nichola Renwick, a senior research associate at the University of Portsmouth’s Breast Health Research Group. She also recommends bras with padded cups and a higher neckline for larger breasts. “We’ve seen that for about every one centimeter that the neckline is raised, you will get around a 1% reduction in breast bounce.” 

Runderwear Easy On Bra

(Image credit: Runderwear)

Runderwear Power Running Bra (Easy-On)

Breathable anti-chafe bra to fit D+ with molded cups and a secure fit

Specifications

Cup size: D-H
RRP: $70 / £49
Type: Encapsulation

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight breathable fabrics
+
Moulded cups offer good support
+
Wide, soft underband and padded straps

Reasons to avoid

-
Not very easy to get on

There are so few truly supportive sports bras available in larger sizes that it can be hard to find a comfortable fit, but this one from Runderwear is designed just for those with larger busts. The Power Running Bra (previously called the Easy-On) runs true to standard bra size and is available in an amazing 70 sizes. Soft, moisture-wicking fabrics, wire-free molded cups with a thin layer of built-in padding, padded straps and an encased band all combine to ensure there’s no rubbing or digging in. 

The high neckline encases breasts completely so there’s less bouncing, and the back opens fully and fastens with a double set of hook-and-eye closures to keep the fit secure. This one is not the easiest to get into—you may need to do the clasps up in front of you and swivel the bra around when fastened.

Best For Shape And Support

Pebe Impact Sports Bra 3.0

(Image credit: PeBe)

PeBe Impact Sports Bra 3.0

Minimizes bounce without sacrificing your silhouette

Specifications

Cup size: D-GG
RRP: $82 / £65
Type : Encapsulation

Reasons to buy

+
Minimizes bounce
+
Gives a great silhouette
+
Doesn’t squish your boobs
+
Front adjusting straps

Reasons to avoid

-
Fabric not the softest
-
Not easy to put on
-
Expensive

Gather round ladies, because functional sportswear and good looks have finally collided. If you feel like all sports bras either flatten your boobs or have uncomfortable underwiring, this innovative new bra for bigger busts could be the answer. The PeBe Impact Sports Bra 3.0, designed for D to GG cup sizes, takes sportswear technology up a notch without squishing you into submission, thanks to clever engineering combined with well-placed fabric scaffolding—so you can wave goodbye to the dreaded monoboob.

If you’re used to sport bras that tuck everything in and suppress your greatest assets, feeling like your breasts are being celebrated and out on display does take some getting used to. But it is miraculous how this bra manages to reduce bounce and still keep your chest up and out there, and I am here for it. It is a little hard to get on at first, but once you’ve nailed it, this bra fulfills its promise to minimize bounce without sacrificing your silhouette. Busty runners around the globe are going to love it.—Rhalou Allerhand

Best On A Budget

H&M DryMove High Support Sports Bra worn by model showing front and back view

(Image credit: H&M)

H&M DryMove High Support Sports Bra

Great-value, supportive bra with a high-quality feel

Specifications

Sizing: XXS-XXL
RRP: $34.99 / £27.99
Type: Combination

Reasons to buy

+
High-end look and feel
+
High level of support
+
Great value
+
Gives a better shape than compression bras

Reasons to avoid

-
Plastic bits on straps can dig in
-
Neckline could be higher

I was pleasantly surprised by this bra from H&M Move. The fabric feels high quality, and the bonded seams and raw-edged design give it a similar feel to high-end bras from top sportswear brands. It has lightly padded cups that are slightly molded, giving just a little more shape than a compression bra and avoiding the uniboob look.

The band is firm and not too stretchy—unlike those on most high-street offerings—I approve. The bra offers an impressive level of support, however the neckline could have been higher for an even more locked-in and supported feel. I found the wide straps comfy and although they looked like they might slip, they didn’t budge during test runs.

My main criticism is that the hard plastic connectors linking the straps to the back of the bra dug into my shoulders slightly, though this might not happen for you—I had the straps on the shortest setting, so the connectors came higher up my shoulders than they might for others. Other than that, it’s a great bra at an affordable price, as long as the fit works for you—no bra sizes here, just standard clothing sizes (XXS-XXL).—CA

Best-Looking Bra

ululemon Energy Bra High Support in purple worn by model

(Image credit: Lululemon)

Lululemon Energy Bra, High Support

Soft, comfortable, high-support bra with built-in coverage

Specifications

Cup size: B-DDD
RRP: $58 / £48
Type : Combination

Reasons to buy

+
Soft against the skin 
+
Can buy your normal bra size
+
Traditional hook and eye clasp
+
Built-in coverage
+
Adjustable straps

Reasons to avoid

-
Straps can get tangled in the washing machine

If you want coverage from your sports bra, without those annoying removable cups that get squished into weird shapes in the washing machine, look no further. The Lululemon High Support Energy Bra is one of the best I’ve tried from the Canadian brand. It has built-in foam cups for coverage, a traditional hook-and-eye clasp that makes it easy to get the bra on and off even after a sweaty run, and it comes in a wide variety of cup sizes to suit most runners. 

The bra is beautifully soft against the skin, even in warm weather, and it does a good job of wicking sweat away from the body. The straps are adjustable, allowing you to get a personalized, locked-in fit, and the bra is machine-washable so you can chuck it in with the rest of your sweaty kit. The only downside I found is that the straps can get tangled if you do throw it in the washing machine.—Jane McGuire

Best For Minimal Bounce

Maaree Solidarity High Impact Sports Bra, front view of the bra in pink and rear view of the bra straps in black

(Image credit: Maaree)

Maaree Solidarity High Impact Sports Bra

Supportive bra with “overband” to counter bouncing

Specifications

Cup size: C-G
RRP: £68 (UK only)
Type: Combination

Reasons to buy

+
Adjustable overband
+
Option to convert to racerback for more support

Reasons to avoid

-
Stiffened fabric and extra straps can feel restrictive
-
Expensive

What goes up must come down, as they say, so one-woman company Maaree has developed sports bras that combat upward as well as downward breast movement. The addition of an “overband” helps to minimize the dreaded bounce, and the band is adjustable so you can fine-tune the fit. Mesh side panels help to keep you cool, while the extra-wide underband and fastening at the back ensure the band is secure and comfortable. The adjustable straps are wide and comfy, though in order to get the support required for running you’ll need to hook them together in a racerback shape—and this isn’t the easiest maneuver. 

The bra feels fairly rigid because the outsides of the cups have stiffened fabric panels to help the bra hold its structure, which should also delay any loss of shape from repeated visits to the washing machine. If you’re unsure about the fit, you can have a free virtual bra fitting with one of Maaree’s bra fitters over Zoom.—CA

Most Comfortable Running Bras

On Running Performance Bra bra worn by model

(Image credit: On Running)

On Running Performance Bra

Pull-on bra with excellent fabrics but in limited sizes

Specifications

Sizing: XS-XL
RRP: $75 / £65
Type: Combination

Reasons to buy

+
Comfy moulded cups
+
Soft, comfortable technical fabrics
+
Multi-directional support

Reasons to avoid

-
Hard to put on
-
No way of adjusting straps or underband

Swiss sportswear brand On has made its first foray into the sports bra world and among its initial line-up is the high-impact Performance Bra. It’s all minimal, clean lines and high-end technical fabrics with soft, molded cups that provide a comfortable, encased feel and offer support in all directions, helped by the high neckline. The wide elastic straps and extra-wide underband sit comfortably against the skin, and the mesh panel at the back offers excellent ventilation. So far so good. 

However, there’s no fastening to this bra, so you’ve got to squirm your way in as best you can. There’s also no way to adjust the fit: Both the underband and the shoulder straps are one set length, and since the bra comes in basic clothing sizes (XS-XL) the chances of finding a good fit are slim. It didn’t quite fit for me, so the required level of support wasn’t there. But for a select few it might well fit like a second skin.—CA

Best Zip-Front Running Bra

Nike Alpha Zip-Front Bra in black

(Image credit: Nike)

Nike Alpha Zip-Front Bra

Comfortable, adjustable zip-front bra

Specifications

Cup size: A-G
RRP: $72 / £64.99
Type: Compression

Reasons to buy

+
Easy on and off
+
Front-adjustable straps
+
Comfortable
+
Excellent support

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Gives a slight uniboob effect

There’s a lot to like about the Alpha Zip-Front bra. It’s easy to get on and off, thanks to the zip front, which can be secured with a hook and eye to make doing it up even easier. The straps can be adjusted from the front—always a win when you don’t have to take the bra off to fine tune the straps. There are four hook-and-eye settings to choose from at the back of the band. The result is that it’s easy to get a great fit and therefore the right level of support. This bra passed the bounce test for me with flying colors, and was comfortable to run in.

The sweat-wicking material is smooth and pleasant against the skin, and while the shaped cups have more padding than I had expected, I didn’t find them bulky or hot. Despite the shaped, padded cups the bra relies on compression to give you the support you need, so it does have a slight tendency towards a uniboob.—CA


Marks & Spencer Extra High-Impact Zip-Front Sports Bra in floral print worn by model, side and rear views

(Image credit: Marks & Spencer)

Marks & Spencer Extra High-Impact Zip-Front Sports Bra

Great-value front opening option with good support

Specifications

Cup size: F-H
RRP: $44 / £26
Type: Compression

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Good support
+
Front zip makes it easy to get on and off

Reasons to avoid

-
Straps aren’t adjustable
-
Runs small

If you find back clasps too awkward to reach, this bra from M&S is a great-value front-opening option. The full-coverage cups are not padded, making it more breathable, and the tailored sections create a shaped silhouette. Wide straps and a racerback design ensure it stays put, although the straps are not adjustable, which means it won’t be a great fit for some. It runs small so you may want to consider trying a size or two up.

Best Running Bras For Nursing Mums

Trying to breastfeed while wearing a normal sports bra is almost impossible, but thankfully there are sports bras designed for nursing mums. Active breastfeeding mums also tend to find they need a larger size and more support from their sports bra, which can make it worth investing in a new bit of kit.

Natal Active Artemis Nursing Sports Bra in blue worn by model, front and rear views

(Image credit: Natal Active)

Natal Active Artemis Nursing Sports Bra

Excellent sports bra that adapts with you through pregnancy and breastfeeding

Specifications

Cup size: B-G
RRP: £45 (UK only)
Type: Compression

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable and supportive
+
Comes with bra extender
+
Option to cross straps for more support

It’s a challenge to find a sports bra that fits when you’re pregnant because your body keeps changing shape, so a bra that can also change is a brilliant idea. This nursing bra can be adjusted to fit you throughout pregnancy and into the postnatal phase. It comes with a matching bra extender so it will fit even when your ribcage expands during pregnancy.

I tested it while six months pregnant, using it for running and for sweaty cardio and Pilates sessions while testing the Bump Plan. I found the soft, wide straps comfortable, and liked that they can be worn straight or crossed over. I found this bra supportive enough for running and comfortable to wear all day, with enough padding to cocoon even the most tender breasts. The nursing cups will make life a lot easier when breastfeeding on the go—buggyfit classes here I come.—CA

More Tried-And-Tested Women’s Running Gear

Camilla Artault
Content editor

Camilla Artault is a writer and keen runner. She has covered women’s running gear – testing leggings, jackets, running bras, tops and shorts – for Coach since 2018, as well as interviewing experts and writing about a range of health and lifestyle topics.

With contributions from