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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black colorway

Updated on Jan 16, 2017 Flag this

Alright, this is not my bra size but I am reviewing it for a giveaway listing.

Believe it or not, I actually think I could still make this bra work. It's very forgiving. With the band on the tightest hooks, it's reasonably snug (for a low impact exercise). This means the band runs tight (since I have a 27.5" snug comfortable underbust). And while I have a slight amount of baggy material up top, because of the second set of hooks in the middle, I can still jump around with a minimum of bounce.

I have tried on a 30E in this same style (since I normally wear a 28F) and found the whole thing uncomfortably tight when taking a deep inhale (but that might be because the cups were so small). I could see myself wearing a 32E in this style, possibly.

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Updated on Jul 30, 2013 Flag this

I have never thought that the bra would be so great for me! It has no bounce at all which is what I have never felt in sports bras of other brands.
But I'd recommend you to have a +4 measurement when you buy it, just like what I did.
Even with a +4 measurement, the band still runs tight (but in an acceptable level).

Updated on Dec 28, 2016 Flag this

I can't give a very good review of this bra just because it was sent to me by mistake. I ordered a 32D and 32DD, but got a 32DD and 34D instead. The one thing that struck me was that the band is not as firm as in B5044 (the Run Bra). It was quite comfortable and actually felt true to size. (As in, it fit me like most 34D's do.) So I would not suggest ordering up a band size in this bra.

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Updated on Aug 25, 2013 Flag this

This is a heavy duty bra. Not pretty looking, but very solid. You can adjust the shoulders as well as the back. Shoulder straps are thick. Comfy and will hold you into place.

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Aug 02, 2013 Flag this