Shock Absorber D+ Max Support Sports Bra review: supportive budget bra that punches above its price

Fantastic value, highly supportive and lightweight, the Shock Absorber D+ Max Support Sports Bra sports bra is great for all high-impact sports

Shock Absorber D+ Max Support Sports Bra
(Image: © Shock Absorber)

Advnture Verdict

A super, great-value, highly supportive bra for all levels of impact and a light, moisture-wicking fabric that gets comfier after wearing and washing.

Pros

  • +

    Lightweight

  • +

    Highly supportive

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    Seamless shoulder straps

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    Easy to get off, and to adjust

  • +

    Great value

Cons

  • -

    Fabric could be softer

  • -

    Not quite as easy to put on

  • -

    Not padded

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Shock Absorber D+ Max Support Sports Bra: first impressions

The Shock Absorber D+ Max Support Sports Bra is the best value high-impact sports bra in town. At only $48 /£38 and still providing excellent support (comparable to all the others on test in our best running sports bra buying guide), this bra is fantastic for those on a budget or just starting out in a high-impact sport like running (trail running shoes are expensive these days!). 

The wide, three-hook chest band is comfy, the shoulder straps are seam free so that you can wear a running pack without worrying about rub, and your boobs are cupped individually inside with a stretchy moisture-wicking fabric. 

Unlike a lot of other bras in this category, this one doesn’t have an optional racer back-clip, yet it manages to provide the same level of bounce-free support as those that do. This design does make it a little more difficult to get on, though, as the shoulder straps sit closer to the neck and they’re not at all stretchy. 

Also, this bra isn’t padded, so there’s the chance for cold nipples to poke a “Hello world!” through the slim fabric, which is just something to be aware of if that’s not your bag. 

The fabric, seams and edging could be softer, but at such a great price we’re not complaining. If only this was available in even bigger sizes than G…

Specifications

• RRP: $48 (US) / £38 (UK)
• Size range: 30-40, D-G
• Weight (34DD): 82g / 2.9oz
• Colors: Black / Gray / White
• Fastening: Rear, three-hook chest strap
• Compatibility: Simple, great value, light sports bra for all high-impact activities

Shock Absorber D+ Max Support Sports Bra: on the trails

Shock Absorber D+ Max Support Sports Bra

The invisible woman, from the back, wearing a Shock Absorber D+ Max Support Sports Bra (Image credit: Shock Absorber)

This bra is available at such a great price, it’s hard to fault it. I found it very supportive for trail running without having to reach behind and switch the bra to racerback mode, which was great. 

In this bra I could leap over the trails to my heart’s content without bounce, and I didn’t feel encumbered by the chest band either. Most of the bras I’ve tested in this category were 34D, but using the very easy Shock Absorber sizing guide online I decided upon a 34DD for this brand and it was the right decision for a well-fitting bra for sure. That little bit of extra room in the cup was perfect to get a good fit with this brand. 

The fabric does soften somewhat on washing and wearing, so I’m not majorly worried about that aspect, but there are other bras that I’ve tested that are comfier for wearing all day than this one. 

It is a little harder to PUT on than some others too, as there is no give whatsoever in the shoulder straps – I get three-hook bras on by doing them up at the front, swivelling them round then hoiking my arms through the shoulder straps; if you are a total bra queen who can manage three-hooks of clippage from the back, I salute you, and you won’t have this slight issue at all. 

Claire Maxted

The co-founder and former editor of Trail Running magazine, Claire now runs the YouTube channel Wild Ginger Running, creating films about trail- and ultra-running advice, inspiration, races and gear reviews. An award-winning journalist, writing for outdoor and adventure sports magazines and websites, Claire's first book, The Ultimate Trail Running Handbook (5k to 50k), is out now. Her second, The Ultimate Ultra Running Handbook (50k to 100 miles), is out Autumn 2024. Claire also speaks and presents at events and races.