A lot of people also told me to get R3's but I think that the Boxers are just fine for a starter skate. I used them for a year and a half of regular practice as a Fresh Meat and now occasionally as an official. The boot is very cushy so there's not much breaking in at all - I got hot spots now and then but never any blisters. I also didn't bother to reinforce the toe and they have stood up really well to normal wear and tear from skating indoors. The stitching did come undone on the top part of the strap and some of the stuffing is coming out of the tongue but those are cosmetic issues that don't affect use of the skate very much. You'll need new wheels, new bearings and new toe stops if you're not used to plugs but this is a good economical option for a rookie.

These were perfect for me when I first started skating. They are comfortable right out of the box, no need to break them in, and are super lightweight with the nylon plate AND plastic trucks (compared to the R3s which have nylon plates and a slightly heavier metal trucks). I'd recommend upgrading the wheels and bearings, however. If you're debating between the R3s and the Boxer, get these.