By Rehan Iqbal
Insoles are perhaps the most important part of your shoes. The insole is what provides support and cushioning for your feet. Wearing shoes without a quality insole can lead to a myriad of health problems in your feet.
Different shoes offer different kinds of insoles. A lot of shoe brands use memory foam insoles in their designs, including Skechers. However, Skechers also offers its own exclusive insole: the Goga Mat insole. Keep reading to learn what the Goga Mat insole is, and how it compares to memory foam insoles.
What is the Goga Mat Insole?
The Skechers Goga Mat insole is designed specifically to provide support and comfort for your feet. It’s an insole that is meant for activewear shoes. The Goga Mat is also a type of memory foam, but it differs from conventional memory foam in a few ways.
In the next section, let’s explore the key features of Goga Mat insoles that sets them apart from memory foam insoles.
What are the Differences Between Goga Mat and Memory Foam Insoles?
Goga Mat insoles are firmer than memory foam ones, and bounce back more easily. Memory foam can gradually “forget” its shape after prolonged use (which is ironic, considering its name), but Goga Mat insoles were designed to be more springy. They give less than memory foam, which is why it’s easier for them to bounce back into shape.
Advantages to the Goga Mat Insoles
If you do a lot of physical activity, like running, Goga Mat insoles are a good option for you. Their intended use is to provide support for people who do a lot of physical activity, while also providing comfort even after a long day.
If you’re not an athlete, but you work a job that has you on your feet all day, it might be worth looking into this insole as well. Because the Goga Mat insole is much firmer than memory foam, it may be less comfortable. However, some people prefer this firmness when they have to wear their shoes all day.
Advantages to Memory Foam Insoles
If your main desire in a shoe is comfort, memory foam might be the better option. Memory foam insoles are designed primarily for comfort during daily activities. If you walk a lot, but don’t do a lot of running, then memory foam is likely what you need. Memory foam is intended to prevent or reduce foot fatigue from long-term use.
If you are on your feet all day, but want something more comfortable than the Goga Mat insole, memory foam is a good option. Skechers has a variety of slip-resistant work shoes with memory foam insoles.
Advantages of Gel Insoles
Another option is gel insoles. Gel insoles are less slippery than other kinds of insoles. Like the Goga Mat insole, they are a bit springy and good for athletic activity. Gel insoles can be a bit thicker than other insoles, which can be useful to ensure a snug fit for your feet.
Depending on the type you get, gel insoles can be a bit heavy because of the materials used to make them. However, they are a comfortable option for reducing foot fatigue. Keep in mind that gel insoles do not provide proper arch support and are designed mainly for no-slip comfort.
Advantages of Skechers Arch Fit Insole
Skechers offers the Arch Fit contoured footbed insoles. These insoles offer arch support that is podiatrist-certified. They address a variety of foot problems including flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and more. Memory foam likely won’t offer enough support for people with problem feet, but these arch support insoles will. The Arch Fit insoles shape themselves to your feet to provide the best support, which is why they’re a good option.
Which Insole Should I Use?
If you’re still not sure which option is right for you, consider the type of foot you have. Whether or not you already have a common foot problem can and should be an important factor in the type of shoe you buy.
There isn’t much research on Goga Mat insoles vs memory foam ones, outside of anecdotes and reviews from people who have tried both.
If you don’t have chronic foot problems, memory foam is likely the best option because of the extra comfort it provides. Memory foam is the most neutral choice, and is meant for ‘average’ feet. If your feet get tired easily after a lot of standing and walking, or if you often have foot pain after standing all day, memory foam is a good option to provide your feet with some comfort.
If you want comfort but prefer a firmer sole, the Goga Mat is a good option. Neither Goga Mat insoles nor memory foam insoles are meant to provide arch support. If you have a foot problem, which can be anything from flat feet to pronation to bunions, you should consider this when you’re buying new shoes or insoles. If you have a foot problem, neither Goga Mat nor memory foam insoles are an option I can recommend.
If you do have foot issues, then the arch fit insole or the gel insole would be a better choice. The arch fit insole would be more suited for people with flat feet where it would support the fallen arches. For people with pronation issues or Plantar Fasciitis, you’d be better off with a podiatrist-certified insole, like the Arch Fit insole that supports the plantar fascia while walking thereby reducing the discomfort.
Gel insoles would be ideal for shock absorption when you need to tackle hard concrete floors. If you are experiencing heel pain, the gel cushioning in the heel counter would be a good option to alleviate the pain when you are out and about doing your daily activities.
The insoles you choose should be right for your lifestyle and for your feet. Whatever you choose, don’t discount the importance of taking care of your feet!
