Removable toe box protector for sneakers

A toe box protector for sneakers which can be removably inserted into a toe box of a sneaker to prevent the upper surface of the toe box from creasing, the toe box protector comprising a central portion defining a front part of the toe box protector and, adjacent thereto, first and second opposite wing portions which extend rearwardly of the central portion from respective opposite sides of the central portion and define a rear part of the toe box protector, wherein the central portion and the first and second opposite wing portions define an upper edge of the toe box protector, which upper edge is shaped and configured to be disposed adjacent to the instep, and along opposite sides of the instep, of a user's foot, and a lower edge of the toe box protector, which lower edge is shaped and configured to be disposed around at least a portion of the toes, the inside edge of the user's foot, and the outside edge of the user's foot, wherein the central portion and the first and second opposite wing portions comprise a sandwich structure comprising an outer layer comprising flexible cellular foam, an inner layer comprising flexible cellular foam and an intermediate core layer comprising a reinforcement layer of solid polymeric material, wherein the intermediate core layer has a lower edge which is spaced inwardly from the lower edge of the toe box protector, wherein the lower edge of the toe box protector comprises a two layer structure in the form of a peripheral flexible unreinforced lower band in which the outer layer is bonded directly to the inner layer.