How to Replace Skechers Goga Max Insoles

When to replace your Goga Max insoles

Goga Max insoles are designed to provide responsive cushioning with every step, but that cushioning does not last forever. Over time, the foam compresses and loses its spring. The most obvious sign is a change in how the shoe feels: if the step-in comfort you remember is gone and the insole feels flat or hard under the heel, it is probably time for a swap.

Look for visible wear as well. A compressed heel pad, a permanent indentation shaped like your foot, or a thin spot where the foam has worn through are all clear indicators. If the insole slides around inside the shoe or makes a crinkling sound when you walk, the foam may have broken down enough to affect the fit.

If you wear your Skechers daily, check the insoles every few months. People who walk a lot or stand for long shifts will compress the foam faster than occasional wearers. When in doubt, compare the left and right insoles: if one is visibly flatter or more compressed than the other, replace both to keep your cushioning even.

• The heel area feels hard or flat
• You can see a permanent compression mark in the foam
• The insole shifts or crinkles inside the shoe
• One insole looks visibly more worn than the other

Check that your insoles are removable

The Goga Max insole sits on top of the shoe's footbed and is designed to be removable. Skechers describes Goga Max as a high-rebound, responsive cushioning material used in select styles. Unlike some sneakers where the insole is glued directly to the midsole, most Goga Max insoles are held in place by friction and can be lifted out.

To verify, open the shoe and pull up the edge of the insole near the heel. If it lifts freely, it is removable. If it resists, check whether it is stitched or glued down; in that case, forcing it could damage the shoe. If you are unsure, compare your shoe to the product description on the Skechers site or ask a podiatrist before you try to remove it.

For more on how insoles are attached across different sneaker brands, see our guide on removable insoles.

How to remove the old insole

Removing a Goga Max insole is straightforward. Start by taking out the laces if they run through the tongue and make the opening tight; you want full access to the footbed. Loosen the laces enough that the shoe opens wide.

Reach inside and grip the insole at the heel. Gently pull upward and toward the toe. The insole should peel away from the footbed without much force. If it resists, use your fingers to work along the edge and break the friction seal. Do not yank hard, especially near the toe, where the insole sometimes tucks under the upper.

Once the insole is out, set it aside. This is also a good time to check the footbed for debris, loose fibers, or worn areas. A quick wipe with a dry cloth removes dust that could make a new insole slip.

Choose a replacement insole

You have two main options: a fresh Goga Max insole that matches the original, or a different insole that better suits your feet. If you want to restore the original feel, look for a replacement Goga Max insole in your size. If you want more arch support, firmer cushioning, or a different shape, consider an aftermarket insole designed to fit sneakers.

Before you buy, measure the length of the old insole and compare it to the replacement. Most sneaker insoles are sized by the same scale as the shoe, but some brands run long or short. The new insole should cover the footbed without overhanging the toe or riding up the heel counter.

If you use custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist, the approach is different. You do not need a replacement insole at all: remove the Goga Max insole and place your orthotic directly on the shoe's footbed. Check that the orthotic sits flat and does not move when you walk. See our guide on sneaker insoles and orthotic-ready shoes for more details.

How to install the new insole

Installing a new insole takes less than a minute if you do it correctly. Place the new insole inside the shoe with the heel end at the back and the toe end at the front. Do not push it in from the toe first; that can cause the insole to bunch up near the arch.

Press the heel down first, then smooth the rest of the insole toward the toe with your hand. Make sure the edges sit flush against the sides of the footbed. If the insole curls up at the edges, lift it out and reinsert it, pressing firmly along the center.

Once the insole is flat, put on the shoe and walk around. The insole should stay in place with no sliding, bunching, or crinkling. If it shifts, check that you have the correct size and that the footbed is clean and dry.

For more tips, see our article on how to clean sneaker insoles, which also covers how to keep your new Goga Max insoles fresh.

Goga Max vs. Arch Fit insoles

Skechers offers two main insole technologies: Goga Max and Arch Fit. Goga Max focuses on high-rebound cushioning, meaning it compresses and springs back quickly with each step. Arch Fit insoles are designed with a contoured shape that cradles the arch, developed with podiatrists.

If you are replacing a Goga Max insole because you want more support rather than just fresh cushioning, consider trying an Arch Fit model instead. The Arch Fit insole has a higher arch contour and a more structured heel cup. It may not feel as soft at first, but it provides more guidance for the foot.

The replacement process is the same for both: remove the old insole and drop in the new one. Just make sure the arch of the new insole lines up with your foot arch, not shifted forward or back.

For a deeper comparison, read our article on Skechers Arch Fit vs. Goga Max.

Care and maintenance after replacement

A new Goga Max insole will last longer if you take care of it. Remove the insoles from your shoes when they get wet and let them air dry at room temperature. Do not put them in the dryer or near a heat source, as heat can break down the foam.

If you wear the same pair every day, consider buying two pairs of insoles and rotating them. This gives the foam time to decompress between wears and can extend the life of both pairs.

Watch for signs that the new insole needs replacing: a flattened heel, a persistent indentation, or a loss of spring. These appear more slowly if you rotate your shoes, but they will still happen eventually. When they do, repeat the process: pull out, replace, and enjoy the fresh step.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I replace Goga Max insoles with custom orthotics?

Yes. Goga Max insoles are removable, so you can take them out and place your custom orthotics directly on the shoe's footbed. Just make sure the orthotic sits flat inside the shoe and does not slide around when you walk.

How often should I replace Goga Max insoles?

There is no set schedule, but if you wear the shoes daily, check the insoles every few months. Replace them when the foam feels flat, shows visible compression, or no longer provides the cushioning you feel when new.

How do I know if my Goga Max insole is worn out?

Look for a flattened heel area, a permanent indentation shaped like your foot, or a thin spot in the foam. If the insole makes noise when you walk or feels hard underfoot, it is likely worn out.

Do I need to replace both insoles at the same time?

It is best to replace both insoles at the same time, even if only one looks worn. This keeps the cushioning even on both sides and avoids an imbalance that could affect your stride.