Being a longtime skeptic, I buy cables based on real-world specs: whether they have straight or right-angle ends, length, and so forth. I have NEVER heard a difference between cables in any situation, and I think paying more than $15 for a 12' guitar cord is nuts.
I debated this subject several years ago with a true believer. I challenged him to prove any of his assertions. In response he posted a link to a "white paper" that was, oddly enough, on view at the web site of one of the more egregious snake oil sellers. The guy apparently thought I'd be crushed -- but when I asked him to provide information NOT from a vendor, he disappeared off the forum.
There are great discussions around the internet, and electrical engineers have pretty much demolished every claim made for boutique cables. Skin effect is important? Not at audio frequencies. More bass presence? Hahahaha. Better stereo imaging? Oh, stop it, you're killing me! And don't get me started on cables with batteries (it's true).
The fact is, a single-conductor cable surrounded by dialectric and shielding is about as simple a circuit as you can make. The only way a cable won't transfer ALL of its signal at nearly the speed of light is to do something really stupid.
So buy cables with well-made, robust connections and joints, don't abuse them, and you'll be fine. I have cables that date back to...no, you won't believe I'm that old.