I originally started buying these for my kids' skates, because they'd work their stock laces loose and they'd come untied during 2-hour in-house sessions. Since I bought new skates, though, I'm ordering a pair for myself to help hold the skates tighter, especially as I break them in. The tips on these are really durable, unlike the laces that come with skates. They'll save you the frustration of having to try to thread frayed ends through the eyelets. They are worth every bit of $3.99, that's for sure.