The boots are fun to get on. You have to pull/fight them to get them over the end of the shock. I haven't found an "easy" way to do it yet but it "seems" to be easier if I leave the boot in the sun for a while before I start.
You want them installed so the "holes" in the boot are facing down once the shocks are installed.
The zip ties are there to try to keep it connected to the shock.
Some people run boots, some don't, it depends on what you drive in etc. Its nearly as debatable as running dino or synthetic oil..
~Mark