Yes, definitely good boots help and I also start with the side stand down.
Make sure my front wheel is straight then lower the center stand and I gently rock the bike side to side to find the spot where both centerstand "feet" are in contact with the ground. Then I grab the passenger rail, stand on the centerstand and lift in one motion.
This has worked for me 99% of the time. The only time it didn't come right up was when the front wheel was not straight.