The Best High Impact Sports Bras for 2024
Secure high-level support for high impact activities.
It doesn't matter your sport, workout style, or intensity level, there’s no better feeling for an athlete than putting on gear that’s comfortable, supportive, and distraction-free.
And this is certainly the case when it comes to sports bras.
Unfortunately, for many of us, mere mention of this garment conjures an uncomfortable, overly restrictive feeling.
In other words, you may feel like sports bras are a necessary evil for competition or working out, but once you’re finished it’s a race to see how fast you can peel it off.
So, a comfortable high-performing sports bra is definitely not something to take for granted and may take a little time and effort figuring out which works best for you.
One of the most important factors in choosing a sports bra is matching the support level of your bra to the intensity level of your activity.
For example, during a high-impact activity like running, you’ll need more support than you would during a low-impact activity like yoga.
High impact sports bras provide a stronger measure of support designed to handle high impact sports and activities, such as running, HIIT, boxing, basketball, soccer, and other court and field sports.
Here, we’ve highlighted the best high impact sports bras that are extra comfortable and offer great support for high impact activities.
Criteria for Our Top High Impact Sports Bra Picks
1. Comfort. A sports bra that fits and feels like a second skin. We’re looking for soft, stretchy, and lightweight options with ergonomic-focused designs.
2. Performance.Sports bras that are functional during activity. We need them to stay in place, keep everything in place, and not require a second thought.
3. Style. Confidence is key to performing your best. So, how about a sports bra that you’re happy to put on and feel confident in while giving your all.
Of course, women come in all different shapes and sizes and for this reason it’s difficult to say with certainty which bra style is going to work best for you.
There’s always going to be some trial and error involved.
But we gathered these picks based on what met our criteria and worked well for many women across the board.
And we’re confident you’ll find a high impact sports bra on this list that fits just right and becomes your new favorite.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. Lululemon Energy Sports Bra
The Lululemon Energy Sports Bra features slick low-friction support with breathable four-way stretch Luxtreme fabric. This sports bra provides comfortable, held-in support designed for high-impact activities.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Energy Sports Bra
Lululemon’s Energy Sports Bra utilizes a foam cup design for coverage and shaping, as well as sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric. This sports bra has adjustable double crossback straps, a soft brushed underband, and a classic hook-and-eye closure.
2. Lululemon Run Times Sports Bra
The Lululemon Run Times Sports Bra features a sleek design with four-way stretch fabric that’s designed with running in mind. This sports bra offers support, separation, and coverage that’s perfect for high-impact activities.
Shop at Lululemon: Lululemon Run Times Sports Bra
Lululemon’s Run Times Sports Bra has sweat-wicking material, perforated paneling for improved airflow, and a soft brushed underband. This sports bra utilizes adjustable and crossable straps that are padded for comfort and a hook-and-eye closure.
3. Under Armour Infinity Sports Bra
The Under Armour Infinity Sports Bra features a unique one-piece padding that’s injected in a figure-8 pattern for a natural ergonomic fit that’s light, supportive, and provides superior comfort and coverage.
Shop at Under Armour: Under Armour Infinity Sports Bra
Shop at Under Armour: Under Armour Infinity Sports Bra (Heather)
Under Armour’s Infinity Sports Bra has sweat-wicking and quick-drying HeatGear fabric with an encased elastic band for a super smooth feel. This sports bra has mesh panels for added breathability, adjustable criss-cross straps, and an easy hook and eye closure.
4. Under Armour Infinity Zip Sports Bra
Under Armour Infinity Zip Sports Bra features a unique one-piece padding that’s injected in a figure-8 pattern for a natural ergonomic fit. This sports bra has a front zipper for easy on/offs that can be locked into place during activity.
Shop at Under Armour: Under Armour Infinity Zip Sports Bra
Under Armour’s Infinity Zip Sports Bra has sweat-wicking and quick-drying HeatGear fabric with an encased elastic band for a super smooth feel. This sports bra has mesh panels for added breathability and adjustable criss-cross straps for a custom fit.
5. Under Armour Crossback Zip Sports Bra
The Under Armour Crossback Zip Sports Bra provides enhanced coverage and support with a high neckline and crossback straps. This sports bra features breathable foam pads with a no-slip natural contour and an easy on/off front zip front that can be locked in place.
Shop at Under Armour: UA Crossback Zip Sports Bra
Shop at Under Armour: UA Crossback Zip Sports Bra (Front Zip)
Under Armour’s Crossback Zip Sports Bra has sweat-wicking and quick-drying HeatGear fabric with 4-way stretch for comfortable movement. This sports bra uses mesh lining and insets for extra ventilation and is tailored to high-impact activities.
6. Adidas TLRD Impact Training Sports Bra
The Adidas TLRD Impact Training Sports Bra features sleek adiflex fabric with a slick cool-to-the-touch feel. This sports bra has adjustable straps that are wide and padded to distribute weight evenly for extra comfort.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas TLRD Impact Training Sports Bra
Shop at Adidas: Adidas TLRD Impact Training Sports Bra (Luxe)
Adidas TLRD Impact Training Sports Bra is designed with front strap stabilizers, an X-back, and a scoop neck with hook-and-eye closures. This sports bra has moisture-absorbing AEROREADY technology to keep you dry and high support encapsulated padding.
7. Adidas FastImpact Luxe Sports Bra
The Adidas FastImpact Luxe Sports Bra features high support with swan hooks, adjustable shoulder straps, and elastic hem for a fully customizable fit and shape. This sports bra utilizes moisture-absorbing AEROREADY with a breathable power-mesh overlay.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas FastImpact Luxe Sports Bra
Adidas FastImpact Luxe Sports Bra is designed to handle high-impact sports and is a great option for athletes with larger band and cup sizes. This sports bra has a scoop neck, cross-back, and removable padding.
8. Nike Alpha Sports Bra
The Nike Alpha Sports Bra features Nike’s highest level of support with a secure compressive feel for minimal bounce. This sports bra has sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology and ventilation in the front and back to keep you cool during workouts.
Shop at Nike: Nike Alpha Sports Bra
Shop at Nike: Nike Alpha Sports Bra (Zip Front)
Nike’s Alpha Sports Bra uses smooth fabric with molded cups for a natural shape and engineered foam pads for comfortable support. This sports bra is adjustable in the back and the straps for a custom fit and has an easy on/off back clasp.
9. Nike Swoosh Sports Bra
The Nike Swoosh Sports Bra features extra support with wide stabilizing straps and extra smooth fabric. This sports bra utilizes adaptive lightweight fabric and sweat-wicking Dri-FIT technology to keep you dry and comfortable.
Shop at Nike: Nike Swoosh Sports Bra
Nike’s Swoosh Sports Bra has a racerback design to allow natural movements and an adjustable bottom band with an extended hook-and-loop closure. This sports bra uses flat seams for a smooth feel and structured inside support to keep everything in place.
10. 2XU Light Speed Hi Impact Sports Bra
The 2XU Light Speed Hi Impact Sports Bra features high support with durable moisture-wicking fabric and comfortable brushed underband elastic. This sports bra has breathable molded foam cups and 3-way adjustable padded shoulder straps.
Shop at 2XU: 2XU Light Speed Hi Impact Sports Bra
2XU’s Light Speed Hi Impact Sports Bra provides internal underwire and stabilizers and has a center back hook and eye closure. This sports bra is available in 17 different cup sizes for the perfect fit.
11. SHEFIT Ultimate Sports Bra
The SHEFIT Ultimate Sports Bra features a patented zip, cinch and lift design with two-way stretch fabric to reduce bounce. This sports bra utilizes contoured seamed cups with removable pads for maximum coverage.
Shop at SHEFIT: SHEFIT Ultimate Sports Bra
SHEFIT’s Ultimate Sports Bra is designed to fit all shapes and cup sizes while providing a high-impact level of support. This sports bra has wide padded shoulder straps, a wide rib band, and convertible straps that can be worn in both an X and H-back formation.
12. New Balance Power X Sports Bra
The New Balance Power X Sports Bra pairs high impact support with an incredibly soft luxe jersey fabric. This sports bra has moisture-wicking NB DRY technology, adjustable foam-padded straps, and a clean finished neckline and armholes.
Shop at New Balance: New Balance Power X Sports Bra
New Balance’s Power X Sports Bra provides a distraction-free locked in fit with a breathable cup construction and classic hook-and-eye closure. This sports bra features a stylish soft V-neckline and comes in 10 different sizes for a custom fit.
13. Reebok Running Essentials Sports Bra
The Reebok Running Essentials Sports Bra features sweat-wicking Speedwick fabric and mesh inserts for added ventilation to keep you cool and dry. This sports bra is designed to offer high-support for running and high-impact activity.
Shop at Reebok: Reebok Running Essentials Sports Bra
Reebok’s Running Essentials Sports Bra utilizes a racerback design with wide bands to keep comfortably in place, a snug and supportive fit, and reflective detailing for visibility in low light conditions.
14. Alo Yoga Power Move Sports Bra
The Alo Yoga Power Move Sports Bra features a flattering performance fabric that’s moisture-wicking, snug-fitting, and offers full coverage and support perfect for high-intensity activities.
Shop at Alo Yoga: Alo Yoga Power Move Sports Bra
Alo Yoga’s Power Move Sports Bra has thick adjustable straps with swan hooks that can be worn straight or crisscross in the back, as well as a secure hook and eye closure.
15. Athleta Advance Sports Bra
The Athleta Advance Sports Bra features sleek and compressive fabric that molds to your body while providing extra support. This sports bra is sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and has an open mesh back for improved ventilation.
Shop at Athleta: Athleta Advance Sports Bra
Shop at Athleta: Athleta Advance Sports Bra (Front Zip)
Athleta’s Advance Sports Bra has a high cut neckline for optimal coverage and adjustable straps for the perfect fit. This sports bra is designed for high-impact workouts with molded cups that support and eliminate bounce.
When Should I Wear a High Impact Sports Bra?
Finding the right bra is no easy task. Everybody comes in all different shapes and sizes, not to mention hold varying preferences and tastes.
And for a garment that you count on to provide crucial comfort and support, finding the right bra can require quite a bit of searching and often some trial and error.
Of course, the same holds true for sports bras. Between all their different designs, features, and varying levels of support, there’s an almost overwhelming number of options out there.
So, it’s no surprise that as your activities or sports vary, so too might your choice of sports bra.
In other words, the sports bra that you wear for yoga likely differs from the sports bra that you wear running.
Sports bras typically fall into three main categories: low-impact, medium-impact, and high impact.
Different activities require different levels of support, so each category of sports bra is designed to address the varying needs of athletes across the wide spectrum of athletics.
So, what is a high impact sports bra and when should you wear one?
The impact level of your sports bra is simply a designation of how much support it provides.
A high impact sports bra, as you might imagine, provides a stronger measure of support that’s designed to handle high impact sports and activities.
High impact activities have a lot of running, quick movements, jumping, etc. Think of HIIT, boxing, basketball, soccer, and other court and field sports.
In other words, these activities result in a lot of bouncing, and therefore require more structure.
High impact sports bras incorporate much more structure, coverage, and support into their designs.
For example, these bras typically have a highly compressive design with defined cup structure that individually supports each breast.
A high impact sports bra will also often incorporate underwire, padded cups, wider shoulder straps, supportive underbands, and more neckline coverage.
These design features are focused on eliminating distraction, providing targeted support where it’s needed, and ensuring that everything stays comfortably in place during high-intensity activity.
Is a High Impact Sports Bra Right for Me?
Matching the intensity level of your activity to the support level of your sports bra is helpful but really only half of the equation when it comes to finding the right choice.
Factoring in your cup size, along with a bra’s support level, will help you determine which sports bra is right for you and your activity.
In general, when it comes to wearing high impact sports bras during physical activity, these bras are typically designed with larger cup sizes in mind.
High impact sports bras often have defined cup structure for each individual breast, providing a level of additional support that may not be as crucial for smaller cup sizes, even during high intensity activity.
Regardless, high impact sports bras can benefit and be worn by athletes of any cup size, especially those looking for strong support, coverage, and structure.
In other words, there are no unbreakable rules here when it comes to choosing the right sports bra for a certain activity, just common guidelines.
The number one rule to always follow when it comes to choosing a sports bra is going with what works best for you and your body. Period.
And because different activities may call for different sports bras, check out our top picks for the best low impact sports bras and medium impact sports bras.
Also, check out the best seamless thongs and seamless briefs to wear under leggings and compression shorts.
