DH came up with this, and it works! At the hardware store, buy some heat-shrink insulation for electrical wires. This looks like long, thin straws and comes in various colors and diameters. Cut a piece the size of an aglet, fit it onto the end of the lace, and it over a flame, heating it so that it shrinks tightly onto the lace. Too much heat and you will melt it, so go slowly.
How cool is that? I didn't know such a product existed! You could use it to make laces out of ribbons, etc. - I don't know that I'd use them in skates, but wouldn't it be cute for sneakers? I'm thinking especially of when girls decide to wear them with prom dresses.
Awesome tip! Thank you!
Great tip! (No pun intended, *chuckles*)