The old saying goes "Never judge a book by its cover". This august wisdom applies to a lot more things in life than just books, including today's topic, sneakers. It's easy to be charmed by clever designs, bright colours, and blingy glitz, but it's really what's going on underneath all of that which matters. You want a pair of sneakers that will support you while you are exercising or just out for a stroll, that are comfortable, but will also protect your feet from injury.

Fortunately, there are plenty of brands that can do all of that and still look smashing, Asic Sneakers being one great example of a shoe that has stood the test of time. Let's now examine some of the factors beyond "wow" that you should look for when considering your next sneaker purchase:

• Price - In general, a quality brand of sneakers falls into a price range between $70 and $200. Less expensive sneakers may be all right for casual wear, but if you are planning on engaging in strenuous athletic pursuits it will be in your best interests to invest in a pair that can really provide support under those conditions, and help you stay safe as well as foster your best performance. Just be careful not to spend a lot of money on a product that has extraneous fancy features when something more affordable may actually be a better fit.
• Fit - If you have an unusual shoe size, for example, wider than most, finding the right fit can be very frustrating, but you need to persevere because it's very important to your health. It's vital to note that the term "fit" is not exactly the same thing as "size", and in many cases, you should try on a pair of sneakers that are a size larger than your dress shoe size, they may actually fit better, especially when engaged in athletic activities. Different brands vary somewhat in size as well, if the first brand you put on doesn't feel right, try another. Use the 'rule of thumb', your longest toe should be half a thumb length away from the shoe's front. It's best to shop at a venue that has knowledgeable salespeople who can help you get into the right pair of sneakers!
• Materials - Sneakers are generally divided into three sections, the upper, the midsole, and the outsole. The upper should be made of a breathable material like mesh or knit fabric that prevents the build-up of sweat and odours. The midsoles should be thickly constructed from gel or soft foam and have ample cushioning, but not be bulky or too heavy. The outsoles should be made of durable rubber designed to give you good traction on many different surfaces.
• Support - The shape of your foot will denote what type of support is best for you. If you have a high arch or flat feet you need to take it into account when choosing your sneakers in order to keep your feet comfortable and healthy. If you have any doubt about this, you should visit your podiatrist for a medical recommendation.

Enjoy your new sneakers!