I'm considering buying a shock absorber sports bra for running. Can you recommend them? Also what 'level' do I get?

[Rabbit28]

I would defintely recommend them as they have great support, I would opt for level 4. Hope this helps.

[Hidden]

Yes, that's made my mind up to get one. Thankyou.

[Babana Graduate]

There is no way I could run without my shock absorber. I've got the level 4 one and it's great.

[magicfee23 Graduate]

I have sevearal in different makes and my Shock absorber is definitely the best. I have level 4 too, having a "generous" chest to tie down.

My friend has just got a new shock absorber though that is apparently designed specifically for running and she has raved about it. Might be worth looking out for?

[SaCl Graduate]

I just bought one yesterday! I ran for the first time in it - it seemed good. They have a sort of support for each breast built into the cup - seems to work. I would try one on before buying - I went down a size as it fitted better. I think they are cheaper online. Mine (a level 4) has a strange back fastening that is a nightmare to get closed - so worth checking that you can actually get it on and off before buying! I'm hoping it'll do the trick - I'm a D. I was hoping to get the actual 'Run' bra, but they didn't have it in my size. So far so good, though. I'd love to hear from other people whether there is much of a difference between the level 4 and the 'run' bra, if anyone owns it?

[princessjellybean]

Thought this recent thread might be of interest to you

couchto5k.healthunlocked.co...

[shelleymcb Graduate]

Im not very big busted but still need support. although the shock absorber bras are brilliant I have trouble getting them on & off & find them a pain as you cant adjust the straps (I normally have the straps adjusted to almost the longest they can be) & they dig into my neck/shoulders. I opted for a "moving comfort" juno bra which is perfect for me. no bounce & easy to adjust so that it doesnt dig in anywhere.

[debssey Graduate]

I've got one and couldn't run without it, fantastic. I'm a G cup and it keeps me bounce free. It's a bit of a struggle to get on but works it's magic every time.

[Minuette Graduate]

I have the Shock Absorber Run bra and it's fantastic, although like Shelley has also said I do have trouble getting it on, there is definitely a knack, which I found once, but haven't been able to replicate, but once it's on, everything stays put!

[Mirella Graduate]

Another G cupper here! I have the Berlei runner bra as recomended by Zest mag and its useless. I find the shock absorber 4 with 2 lots of straps good but difficult to do up. Current fav is M&S £22 ultra high impact but they seem to sell out in moments! Its a bit weird to get on - do up back, cross over shoulder straps that clip in at the front, the shoulder straps are really wide and padded, its underwired (but not like a normal bra), so no uniboob and no more black eyes

marksandspencer.com/Extra-I...

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I love that ultra high impact bra from M&S too. Most sports bras send my arms into spasm but I really do like a crossover back so this is perfect. I also have an M&S one that zips up at the front but that doesn't come in such a good range of sizes.

[ClearlyAM Graduate]

I was a huge fan of my Shock Absorber - UNTIL I changed to a Panache Sports bra - with underwired padded molded cups - it's amazing - I LOVE It - google Panache Sports bra - I'm and F cup so need significant support...

[groovychick54 Graduate]

I've got the Panache 30gg!! It's brilliant. Purchased from the Bravissimo store. I actually went in for the Shock Absorber and the fitter recommended the Panache. Money well spent for me.

[Anonymous36 Graduate]

lol @ uniboob Mirella. I can soooo understand where this comes from!

[katy41]

I have a Figleaves (online store) active bra and as an F cup finds it keeps everything fixed in place very well, is very comfortable and it is not a bad price either!

[hopelessCause]

I just bought the Shock Absorber Max which is not officially called Level 4 but it is the max level of support, (which is 4, go figure)...and it's BRILL! I wouldn't do any bouncing exercise without it. I got m for a song at play dot com for £24.99. Run, don't walk to buy one!

Only grumble is, it holds yer boobs so well that the rest of your body wobbles...especially the old belleh!

[hopelessCause]

@SaCl - there is no difference in terms of support. The only difference I can see is the back fastening - the Max has 2 and the Run only has one. Both are the highest level of support.

[SaCl Graduate in reply to hopelessCause]

Thanks!

[hopelessCause]

To actually answer your question - get level 4 or max support. I'm fairly certain that level 3 won't suffice for running.