So, this is my second Shock Absorber Run Bra. I own a 32DD already that I'm wearing for running, and its band is still pretty tight after several uses and washes, and I wanted a less tight one for yoga and gymnastics. So here it is.
First of all, I did a side-by-side comparison and couldn't find any differences between this bra the older one, which is a Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra (B5044) (mind it has a B, not an S). Cut, fabrics, finish, sizing and band - everything is virtually the same.
Second, surprise: The 34 band feels comfy on my 27"/29" ribcage (measured firmly/loosely). It's ... firm but not restricting, and it's not shifting around when I'm moving. Perfect.
The cups are quite generous and fit my boobs well, although I'm currently on the larger side of 30E. I'd say the cups *do* run 1/2 cup large in this one, but you can cheat somewhat by setting the straps tighter. If you get wrinkly cups while the straps are on their tightest setting then the cups are too large.
The support I'm getting from it is superb.
Comparing to other sports bras, I found the Ultimate Run less restricting than the Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports (4490). The fabric of the Run sports bra is more lightweight, thinner and less stretchy at the same time, with pre-shaped soft "moulds" for your boobs. So it acts more like an encapsulation sports bra, while the Active Multi is definitely a compression sports bra that works by squishing boobs closer to the body using stretchy fabrics.
Also, the Ultimate Run is waaaay lighter than the Panache Sports Bra (5021) and doesn't feel like an armor when you wear it. Plus it's machine-washable.
Let's talk about boob shape in different sports bras.
While the shape I get in the Panache Sports is pretty close to a regular random moulded bra (due to the moulded and heavily padded cups), the Active Multi Sports looks rather minimizing and has some of the dreaded "mono-boob" effect going on.
The Ultimate Run finds a good balance between both: It's considerably more lightweight and doesn't add padding to your shape, like the Panache does. But it doesn't flatten your boobs all out, like the Active Multi. Overall, I'm pretty impressed by the shape it creates without any wires.
I guess I found my new favourite sports bra.
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Updated on Jan 16, 2017 Flag this