8 Best High Impact Sports Bras for Running, HIIT and More That Fitness Editors Genuinely Rate
Because high-impact exercises require proper support
Amelia Yeomans
The start of the year always sees an uptick in the amount of people exercising. So, if you've recently taken up running or sticking more determinedly to your HIIT class schedule, you could probably do with adding one of the best high-impact sports bras to your athleisure collection.
We all know investing in one of the best sports bras is key to a good workout - not only does it make you feel good, but it's important for your health, safety, and performance. Case in point: research has shown that your boobs can move as much as eight centimetres in every direction when you run. That has an impact - it can loosen your skin over time and cause breast pain, an issue that affects 72% of women when running.
One 2023 study published in the Frontiers in Sports and Active Living journal even found that wearing the right sports bra can actually improve running speed by up to 7%. Clearly, choosing the right sports bra is an essential part of working out. Even if you're not a runner, any form of HIIT or high-intensity sport like football requires a high-impact sports bra, too.
Unlike your standard sports bra, a high impact sports bra is specifically designed for more intense movement. Think enhanced support and compression that will help to prevent any unnecessary movement that could cause discomfort. But they're not just for runs - a session on your walking pad or Pilates board can transformed with the right sports bra on hand.
I'm Chloe Gray, a fitness writer and regular gym-goer, and together with the Marie Claire UK team, I've rounded up the only high-intensity sports bras we reckon are actually worth the money. Whether you're after the best bras for big boobs or looking for high-impact comfort, we've got bras offering the right support for everyone.
Best high impact sports bras: Quick shopping links
- Best seamless: £88 at lululemon
- Best everyday: £39.99 at Nike
- Best super high impact: £46.75 at adidas (save 45%)
- Best for running: £40 at ON (save 30%)
- Most comfortable: £50 at Brooks
Testing process
Senior Health Editor and eight times marathoner Ally Head, triathlete and fitness writer Alice Barraclough, News Editor Jadie Troy-Pryde, Junior Shopping Editor Amelia Yeomans, and myself, personal trainer and fitness writer Chloe Gray, have tested all of the bras in this round up. Between us, we sweat test kit and workout for a living, so know a thing or two about which bras are worth your investment and which aren't.
Specifically, we looked for factors including:
- Support: Is the bra supportive enough and does it hold your breasts in place?
- Straps: Are the straps adjustable and comfortable?
- Material: Is the material breathable, high-performance and sweat-wicking? Does the fabric chafe?
- Fit: Are there a wide range of fits, sizes and options available for all breast sizes and shapes?
What to look for in a high impact sports bra?
- Sizing: We all know the importance of wearing the right bra size, and that's even more crucial if you're exercising in it. Unfortunately, technical pieces of kit are yet to catch up on inclusivity, but we've been sure to include options for every size.
- Coverage: Do you prefer a high neck bra or a low cut bra? It all comes down to preference, so choose whatever feels best for you.
- Fastening: Sports bras come as pull overs or with fastenings at the back or front. Depending on your proportions and breast size, you might prefer one over the other.
- Sustainability: It always pays to check the credentials before you buy. Again, technical items aren't always the most sustainable, but there are some options that manage to support you and the planet.
8 of the best high impact sports bras
1. Super high impact sports bra
What we thought when testing: "I don't go out on a run without this adidas bra on. It's one of the only items I've worn where I don't feel my boobs bouncing thanks to the higher neck design and the material is so soft it doesn't dig in or rub. The details look good but are actually all about function: a clasp fastening and adjustable cross straps mean everything is snug and perfectly tailored to your body." - Chloe Gray, Fitness Writer
2. High impact sports bra for long-distance running
What we thought when testing: "This is great if you're a runner who trains over long distances as the straps contain responsive elastic to move with your body and ensure the bra supports you in the right ways. Rest assured, the bra has been tested by pro athletes too, going through six prototypes over two years before landing on the perfect product. It's also made from 65% recycled polyamide." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
3. Most comfortable high impact sports bra
What we thought when testing: "Designed with research partners at the University of Portsmouth Institute for Breast Health, Brooks caters for a large range of sizes, from a 30A up to a 40E - and the brand has really delivered on this bra. It's a great investment thanks to its super support and next-level comfort. I really had no complaints when trying it. It's comfortable yet high support, with adjustable straps, too. Plus, I really like the range of colours available." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
4. Best high impact sports bra for all sizes
What we thought when testing: "I'm often sceptical of bras that offer zero bounce, but this one really held me in. I'd buy it if you're a runner or HIIT lover - the adjustable straps mean it can fit you like a glove for any workout." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
The Power bra that Ally tried is now sold out, but you can try one of the brand's very similar styles, such as the Power Zest Running bra (made from certified 75% recycled fabric) which we've linked out to, or the Energize Bra. The brilliant thing about this brand is that it caters for over 70 sizes throughout its collections, so you're sure to find something that fits.
5. Easy-on/off high impact sports bra
What we thought when testing: "Designed for running and high-impact exercise, I love that this bra supports, not squashes. It's available in sizes 30A-38F and comes with thick, seamless straps and a quick-release clasp. (No getting stuck in your bra after a sweaty workout, here)." - Alice Barraclough, Fitness Writer
6. Best everyday high impact sports bra
What we thought when testing: "I have relied on this Nike bra for years and have it in several different colours. It's very form fitting so can take a little bit of wrestling on and off if you have a larger chest, but it keeps everything supported and held in for any workout. There's no bulky padding to contend with and the racerback design is extremely comfortable. Plus, it wicks sweat very well - a must for me. For maximum support, I size down for extra compression." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor.
7. High impact sorts bra with supportive technology
What we thought when testing: "I'm a big fan of Maaree bras - the brand has impressive sustainability credentials and offers really high impact support, too. Need-to-knows: their overband and underband technology stops both upward and downward bounce, meaning you feel fully held in. I also rate that you can sign up for an appointment with Maaree's founder to find your perfect fit, as well as the fact sizes run up to 38H." - Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
8. Best seamless high impact sports bra
What we thought when testing: "This bra is completely seamless, which means it perfectly contours to your bust and back, and omits a stacked hook and eye clasp (a regular feature in DD+ bras) in favour of seemingly super-strength racerback straps. I've been testing it for runs, weight sessions and reformer pilates classes, and it’s incredibly lightweight considering the level of support it offers. Plus, it delivers on compression without compromising on comfort." - Jadie Troy-Pryde, News Editor
What type of bra is best for high impact activities?
There are a few key things to look out for when investing in a sports bra to guarantee sufficient support.
Most important are the straps and fastenings - the best high-impact bras will offer adjustable straps, to ensure it fits your body correctly, as well as a racerback detail with clasps for easy removal.
You'll also want to make sure the material is sweat-wicking, breathable, and anti-chafing, to make sure you stay comfortable throughout your workout.
Do avoid low-impact yoga designs, designed for - yep, you guessed it - low-impact activities, like yoga and Pilates. They won't hold you in and could cause tissue damage to your breast muscles.
