Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Support Bra review

Designed to offer ‘extreme’ support, the Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Support Bra is designed with a double layer, contoured, hybrid cup construction to offer both compression and encapsulation of the chest.

With conventional sizing in line with traditional bras, Shock Absorber offers a wide range of chest band and cup options, for a comfortable, supportive and breathable sports bra well suited to road cycling and mountain biking.

Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Support Bra specifications and details

Designed to be a versatile sports bra that can withstand the demands of high-impact sports from volleyball to horse riding, the Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Support Bra is a non-wired, non-padded bra that comes in an impressive range of size options.

Unlike many sports bras, it is offered in chest band and cup sizes, just like everyday bras.

The Active Multi Support features a lined, multi-panel front and straps, combined with fine mesh side and back panels.

The straps are arranged in a regular 'H' configuration, and are both shaped and slightly padded over the tops of the shoulders.

The bra is secured with two double hook and eye strips, each offering three different positions.

The fleece-backed elasticated chest band is fairly narrow at 2.25cm.

Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Support Bra performance

Supplied by Derby-based sports bra specialist retailer Boobydoo, I had a virtual bra fitting with one of its in-house experts to determine the best Shock Absorber model and size for my measurements and preferences.

I typically wear a size 36B bra, though I was recommended a size 38B here as the chest band for this model is known to come up small.

Indeed, when the bra arrived and I first tried it on, the size 38 band was perfect, though the size B cups did show some wrinkling; a tell-tale sign that the cups are too large.

Alas, though the bra is offered in an extensive number of sizes, there isn’t a 38A option.

In this case, Boobydoo recommended an alternative model, such as the Shock Absorber Padded Run Bra.

The coverage is pretty good thanks to the double layer construction, however due to the number of seams across the cups it can give quite a ridged profile when worn under a single, tighter layer such as a cycling jersey.

The sweat-wicking properties of the Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports bra were excellent; among the best of the bras on test, leaving no wet sweat feeling or clamminess.

Likewise the bra was really comfy. It certainly appears more ‘industrial’ than most other sports bras I’ve tried, but it was no less easy to wear.

Having said that, I did find getting the bra on and off a little puzzling.

I thought that the double hook and eye closure at the rear would make getting it on and off easier, but if you do these up in front of you and twist the bra around (as I would a conventional bra) then the shape of the straps means that it’s a real struggle to get into it.

You’re better off trying to do the hook and eye closures up behind you, or even before you put the bra on and pulling it on over your head like a crop top.

When it comes to taking the bra off, however, I found it easier to undo the bra on your back, which means you can avoid the feeling of nearly dislocating a shoulder taking it off (Nike Swoosh Medium Support Bra, I’m looking at you).

In terms of support, the bra got me down the Dartmoor classic ‘Boneshaker’ trail no problem at all, which is perhaps the best test of any sports bra used for cycling.

The Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Support Bra is about as close as you can get to a conventional bra, with the added support and sweat-wicking properties that are so key for a sports bra of this type.

While the bra is offered in a really wide range of size options and in conventional bra sizing, which will no doubt make choosing the right size easier for many, in this instance I couldn’t quite find the right size for me.

The price feels like it represents good value for the level of performance involved, though, and is still far cheaper than some less desirable bras on the market.

My only real gripe is the number of seams, especially over the cups, which can give you a ridged profile, made more noticeable under tight-fitting Lycra.