This is a really great bra.

Growing up, I mostly only wore sports bras. (I think constantly wearing compression bras almost 24/7 (I wore them to bed) while developing, probably didn't help my case much. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_razz.gif" alt=":p" />)

However, this is the FIRST sports bra to ever fit me.
Makes me face palm at myself when I think of 3 years ago, asking my mom if I could get a tank top with a built in sports bra for running. She did pick one up, and it sagged everywhere and we had to take it back.
I didn't bother trying another one until a year or so later, ... in Medium. That one was tight, but not good enough for sprinting. Not even running, just jogging.

I tried this bra on and jumped around a bit, and nothing moved. I've never had a sports bra like this. Super happy with the 32D.
The band is super taut and supportive. This is used, but it seriously feels like a new bra. It feels better than any of the sports bras I bought previously, when they were brand new.

I'd recommend sizing up in the band, and down in the cups, for more compression. Especially soft tissue.
I'm in between soft and mildly firm, and I think I MAY fit the 32DD, but I really don't believe my boobs would be kept in place as well as they are in the 32D. It's exactly what I need and want from a sports bra.

If you have extremely firm tissue, maybe try one in your usual size (but sister size up in cups and band), and one in the smaller size+bigger band ( bigger band, 1 cup down from sister size).
I'm not super firm, just mildy in some spots, so I don't know for certain, unfortunately.

I also like the general design of this. It's very simple. I like the black.
I'll usually settle with colors and designs in sports bras, but in reality, I don't really like grays, whites, or super loud, neony colors.
I've only ever had neons and white, cheap sports bras, like cotton/spandex, pull over bralettes, and they dirty quickly and never work.

I like the entire look and structure of this. It's exactly what I've always wanted.

The racerback feature is also really nice. I prefer racerbacks in most bras, but again, usually settle.

The shape is also good. Usually, sports bras give me weird, box boobs. I think because of the structure and design of this bra, it retains a rounded shape, while still compressing. Oh, and without wires, of course. I've never gotten a rounded shape without wires.

Not that much of that matters when you're running anyway, but sometimes I like to go out places before I go for a workout, and having box boobs just makes me feel awkward.

As for straps, I haven't readjusted them, but there are 8 slots for the hook, which are for lengthening/shortening. I mostly never have issues with straps, but this seems to adjust pretty high/low.

The cups/bra itself comes up pretty high on my chest, so I have no issues with my tall roots or anything making this a strange fit. It's pretty perfect.

Fabric is a double layered(I think), silky material, and a mesh, with a taut, elastic band.

I think I'll be sticking with Shock Absorbers for a long time. https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" />
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Updated on Jul 07, 2015 Flag this

My old, ratty Shock Absorber bra, saver of boobs. If I hop up and down, my boobs do bounce a bit, but this bra *is* at least 5 years old – but it still works, on the second pair of hooks! The straps are wide and don't dig in, the bra is comfy and has kept its color surprisingly well. All in all, <3.

Updated on May 02, 2016 Flag this

I have wide root shallow boobs. The bra gave me a ridiculously pointy shape (rocket-boobs!!), but the support is superb. I've worn it while running and there is NO BOUNCE AT ALL, despite the pointy/projected shape.

Apart from that:
- thick and cushioned straps
- no racerback option
- very high chest coverage (I couldn't find a tank top to go with it, and decided to wear a tight T-shirt.)

Sizing:
Make sure you size up in the band! Shock Absorber bras run extremely tight and will turn into instruments of torture if worn in a too small band size.
The cups are generous - I can handle wearing it one cup size smaller than I usually do.

white colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Jun 18, 2014 Flag this

Despite Shock Absorber running small, this felt too loose to me- even on the tightest setting. I felt like this bra was trying to support my shoulder blades more than my boobs. But fit aside, the crisscrossing elastic bands that are inside the front of the bra are an odd choice? I figured they'd be mostly decorative, or that the rest of the fabric would be similar in elasticity, thus preventing the crisscrossing bands from cutting into you and having everything sorta.. slightly bulge out around it.. wrong. Who thought this was a good idea, honestly? Who said "you know those stress balls with the mesh? Let's do that with boobs!" To be fair it's not super noticeable from a normal distance, and maybe if the fit was better this would be different.. no idea, but this felt like I stretched crisscrossing elastic bands over my boobs. No thanks?

Updated on May 23, 2020 Flag this

The band is tight on me, which I suppose is good for a compression bra, but given that this is supposed to be running, I do wish I could breathe a little more freely. I don't use it to run; instead, I would prefer to wear it around the house. The straps do dig into the sides of my chest when I put my arms down though it's fine when my arms are to a bit off the side. I guess I'll wear it with an extender for comfort.

Updated on Sep 19, 2018 Flag this

Currently it is too tight for me.

Good quality. Does support well, even if you jump. I did wear it with an extender before I had better-fitting sports bras, and it supports beautifully.

Very old-fashioned look. Gives a bullet shape I do not prefer. However, I must say it is an uplifted, "happy" bullet shape.

This is a very well made bra.

I am keeping it because, to be honest, it gives me joy to have such a beautifully well made bra... even more impressive as it is made without wires.

Updated on May 26, 2018 Flag this

This bra band is so firm I have to have help hooking it on from my partner. The support is amazing and can run and jump and nothing moves. After a while the armpit area starts to hurt because the band is so tight, but worth it for the support.

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Updated on Apr 27, 2017 Flag this

This bra is pretty and when I was way thinner it did fit me. Nowadays I can put it on, but it cuts into my breast tissue and feels tight.

I think I would have to go up on band and cup, maybe 34D?

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Updated on Feb 20, 2017 Flag this

This bra is pretty and when I was way thinner it did fit me. Nowadays I can put it on, but it cuts into my breast tissue and feels tight.

Seems very good quality.

I think I would have to go up on band and cup, maybe 34D?

White and silver colorway

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Updated on Feb 20, 2017 Flag this

I have moderately projected breasts, and this bra actually gives me a very nice - albeit minimized - rounded shape! The band is quite rigid though, and does dig in a bit, and the straps don't adjust quite short enough for my low-set bust. It seems to do the job though - I wear it for karate, and it keeps everything in place with no bounce. I'd definitely recommend sizing up in the band and down in the cup - I normally wear a 30E, but the 32D is generous enough in the cup and the band is very snug.

White colorway

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Updated on May 01, 2016 Flag this

Band started out almost too tight to close, making me glad I ordered a size up. However, after about 4 workouts (and no washes. Don't judge, haha), it's almost ready for the second hook. Perfect for shark week workouts, but I'll probably order a size down in both band and cup for the rest of the month. (I.E.: 32D (almost too big) = 30DD, so I think I'll try a 30D)

Edit: A month later and I'm on the third hook. Time to size down.

Black and pink colorway

Updated on Mar 02, 2016 Flag this

This actual works on my wide, shallow, conical breasts.
I fill the cup and feel supported. The band is very firm, maybe because it's the black color.
Very high cut.
Gave me a nice round shape which is surprising since most reviewers seem to have the pointy shape experience.

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Sep 20, 2015 Flag this

It is white. I got this used and the band measurement from hook to last eye is 22.8". Before I put it on it measured 22.2".
This band feels like a 28 band to me. I know sports bras are supposed to be tight. It is nice that the band is tight. I like the three hooks instead of 2.
I do not like how stiff the fabric is in between the cups. I am close set with center fullness and the where the cups separate is very stiff and uncomfortable. I had marks on my inner breast tissue after only wearing this for 5 minutes.

Updated on Apr 05, 2015 Flag this

I love the (adjustable) racerback hooks on this bra. It keeps the usuals bra-straps away from my arms and gives me total freedom while climbing and running. It gives absolute support, it really honours its name. I have never worn a better sports bra. After two years I still wear it on the outer most hook, showing the non-stretching quality.
I did buy this one size to big (at the time), because my usual size was way too small; this shows that this brand uses real sizes, a 60 is 60 cm.
Because of its perfect snug fit, it gets kinda uncomfortable after wearing it for a full day, but luckily that doesn't happen often.

Updated on May 26, 2014 Flag this

I'm still a bit shell shocked that it fits me in this size - my old Shock Absorber size before migration was 32B.
Once I've managed to close the upper fastener, the bra is quite comfortable and feels a lot like the Shock Absorber Max (4490). I haven't gone running in it yet, but it seems to give extremely good support - it's a level 4 sports bra. Being a compression type sports bra, it does of course "flatten" me quite a bit.

Updated on Mar 27, 2013 Flag this

Can be a pain to get in and out of until you break it in (practice before you take it off in front of a significant other or a full locker room), but very comfortable once it's on. Nice separation -- no uniboob. I don't do a lot of high-impact work, so I can't speak to that, but this is a great bra for all-day hiking and playing. Has lasted very well; I wash it in the machine in a bag and air dry.

Updated on Aug 25, 2012 Flag this