Do you have the little like plastic piece on the boot? What you can do is install the boot on the console, then push the boot is pushed down Normally you can put a nut and washer on the threaded spot for the knob. Then thread on the shift knob. That way when you install it the boot will not fall down anymore.
Edit: This will help. Was done on a civic si though.
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2953/74na8.jpg
I went to Lowes and picked up 4 washers that would fit on the new shifter. 2 of them were slightly wider. I put the nut on the bottom (that came with the shifter) one large washer, 2 of the smaller ones, and then another large washer. I then test fit the shifter knob on to make sure the number went the right way.
put the shift boot on, inside out and put the new zip ties around the washers where the 2 smaller ones are. This way the tie will tighten down on these, and the two larger ones on either side will prevent the boot from slipping off.
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/2987/shifterknobhi5.gif
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/8870/75ak9.jpg
Bam
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/216/76et7.jpg
