The 12 Absolute Best High-Impact Sports Bras for Running, HIIT and More

A good sports bra is the most important piece of workout gear you can own. At least in my opinion, it can be even more important than wearing the right workout sneakers. Because while my feet have certainly survived long days standing, walking and even running in shoes that would be deemed far from ideal, my boobs and back will always let me know when they haven’t received enough support. Which is why I am constantly hunting for the best high-impact sports bras, and why I’m more than happy to share my findings with anyone and everyone who will listen.

As an RRCA-certified running coach, avid runner and recent Barry’s devotee, I’ve tested numerous sports bras throughout the years, putting them through the ringer with HIIT sessions, sprint workouts and even a couple marathons. I’ve also spent hours talking with the designers who engineer these bras, learning exactly what goes into supporting our breasts through rigorous fitness routines, and how that changes depending on your bra size.

Because while those with big boobs can pretty immediately identify when a bra is supportive and when it’s not, those with smaller chests also need support, especially when engaging in high-impact sports. I’m talking running, HIIT, tennis, basketball and even dancing. These activities all put more stress on your body, and without the right support, your chest and back are at risk for injury.

So, whether you’re looking to replace your old standbys (trust me, it’s time) or are hoping to jump (literally) into a new high-impact workout routine, here are 12 editor and fitness expert vetted high-impact sports bras to add to your collection.

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To curate my list of the best of the best (because I, personally, can only vouch for so many), I talked to other PureWow editors who regularly run, play soccer, break a sweat at Orangetheory and otherwise engage in high-impact activities. I also spoke to instructors at some of the best high-impact fitness boutiques across the country, including Rumble Boxing and CORE Cycle, Fitness, Lagree. I even got the opinion of an Olympic high jumper. So safe to say, these sports bras have been thoroughly tested.

• Read the label. This one feels pretty obvious, but it should be stated that if a bra isn’t marketed as a high-impact bra, it likely won’t work for your needs. That’s not to say a medium-impact bra can’t do the trick, but it’ll be more of a gamble than a bra specifically designed for high-impact activities.
• Do a jump test. Some brands have great exchange or return policies that allow you to wear a sports bra through multiple workouts before deciding whether or not it’s the right one for you. But for those who don’t (or even those who do), I recommend trying on the bra, standing in front of a mirror and doing either high-knees or jumping jacks to get a clear view of how the bra holds up to vigorous movement. Running is unlikely to cause as much bounce as jumping jacks, but if your bra can barely contain your gals for a short burst of high-knees, it likely won’t do you much good on a run either.
• Look for numerical bra sizing over S/M/L. This isn’t to say that all high-impact bras that come in S/M/L sizing are inferior, but brands that use band and cup sizes give you more specificity when it comes to fit. This is especially helpful for anyone with either a small band and large cup size or large band and small cup size.
• Opt for wide straps over thin ones. Yes, even if the bra has 40 adorable crisscrossing straps at the back, it still won’t be as supportive as solid 1-inch wide designs. Racerback silhouettes also tend to offer more support than a traditional H-formation.
• Consider breathability and fabric. A thick spandex bra will likely do a good job of holding your bosom in place, but it will also pool sweat easily and start to feel heavy and uncomfortable pretty quickly. High-impact workouts tend to leave us sweatier than low-impact ones, so look for materials that are quick-drying, breathable and that wick sweat to keep you comfortable in the long run.