Choosing Running Shoes with Scoliosis: Recommendations and Tips

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One question I get asked a lot is: can you recommend a running shoe for scoliosis?

My response is always “yes, but…”

I’m always happy to share what’s worked best for me—especially as someone with scoliosis and a spinal fusion—but because every spine is different, and every body is different, the running shoes that support me might not support you in the same way. If you’re searching for running shoes that will support your unique curves, I hope my experience as a scoliosis runner and sharing the shoes I love can provide a helpful starting point.

What to Know Before Choosing Running Shoes for Scoliosis

Before diving into brands and cush levels, here are a few things have made the biggest difference in my own running journey:

1. Work with a Physical Therapist—they can help you:

• understand your structural alignment
• check for leg-length discrepancies
• assess gait patterns
• recommend neutral vs. stability support shoes

Especially if you have a spinal fusion, this guidance is gold. PT is where I learned that my legs were crossing my midline when I’d run. And that, due to my leg-length discrepancy, my right hip was pulling more of the weight for *checks watch* decades (!!!) before it decided it’d had enough a few years ago. Which is why I actually went to PT in the first place. Many folks assume scoliosis only affects your back, but it can also be a (literal) pain in the butt.

2. Visit Your Local Running Store

Trying on shoes in-person is everything. Different brands, cushioning levels, heel-to-toe drops, and midsole designs can greatly affect how your back feels on the run. And you won’t know what you like or what feels good until you try. Many running stores have treadmills or short tracks that you can run some test strides on too!

Running Shoes I Recommend for Scoliosis

So personally, I’m a Brooks girly. Which if you’ve followed me for a while is not surprising. I’ve been running in Brooks since I trained for my first half marathon 10 years ago. My first pair of Brooks was the Cascadia, which is a trail shoe. 

Did I pick a trail shoe because it was purple?
Yes, yes I did.

Was I running trails?
Absolutely not.

10/10 would not recommend picking a shoe solely for its color. The pun’s afoot! (…somebody stop me)

Why I Stopped Wearing the Brooks Ghost

The Ghost used to be my go-to shoe. I ran in them for years…now I’m ghosting them (again with the puns!). Honestly, the Ghost 17 that was released earlier this year was just not comfortable for me—the design of the shoe changed and it didn’t feel as cushioned as previous versions. I wanted to like them so badly—they have a sleek look and the color ways are right up my alley, but I’ve learned from experience that pretty colors do not always make for great running shoes (see above) and sadly returned them.

Brooks Glycerin 22: My Everyday Running Shoe

Now, I do almost all my runs in the Glycerins. I rotate between the 21 stealthfit (I unexpectedly loved these!) and the newer 22 version. Why I love them:

• lightweight
• neutral support
• 10mm heel-to-toe drop
• super plush cushioning without feeling clunky

When I first tried the Glycerin back in 2016, I called them the “Cadillac of running shoes.” Ten years later? I still stand by that.

Brooks Glycerin Max: My Recovery Shoe

I reach for the Glycerin Max on:

• recovery days
• back-to-back run days
• days when my legs are tired
• longer run/walks

The Max gives a softer, more responsive ride. They’re definitely quite plush in size—ah, so this is what walking on marshmallows feels like—but oh so comfy. Brooks recently released the latest version, and if you like maximum cushion, it’s worth trying.

How to Choose a Running Shoe If You Have Scoliosis

Even though everyone’s spine and gait are unique, these factors often matter when considering what running shoes to try:

Cushioning Level

If your back or hips are sensitive, more cushion may help absorb impact.

Heel-to-Toe Drop

There’s no “magic” number for scoliosis, but I’ve found that a lower number doesn’t make my feet happy. My sweet spot is 10-12mm.

Neutral vs. Stability

A gait analysis or PT evaluation can help here.

Comfort

The best running shoes for scoliosis are the ones that:

• make you want to lace up again tomorrow
• don’t trigger discomfort
• help you feel supported

Final Thoughts: The Best Running Shoes for Scoliosis Are the Ones That Work for Your Body

I feel lucky that in over a decade of running, which includes three marathons and 10+ half marathons, my scoliosis and spinal fusion haven’t held me back. Maybe it’s the shoes. Maybe it’s the training. Maybe it’s the fact that I can casually drop puns into any conversation (and they’ll knock your socks off). 

See what I did there?

At the end of the day, finding the best running shoes for scoliosis isn’t about brands or colors or trends—it’s about discovering what lets you log miles comfortably and confidently so that you can stay scoliosis strong in your running journey!