Just goes to show that no matter how wierd or funky the ski, there is some set of conditions and/or some skier for which/whom it is ideal.

Used to have a pair of Lookouts, first metal edged ski I got. Short is how you want them. Not great turning, but good traction, good shwacking ski and snowshoe replacement.

NIB NNN-BC magnums. $50 shipped.

Scarpa t3 thermos, 30.0, excellent condition. Little used, liners molded once, Superfeet green insoles included. $150 shipped. or if you are in SF bay area you could pick up and save the shipping cost (about $25)​.

I cant help you with the shoe choices. But once your doctor has assured you that your healing process has progressed to the point where you can begin to regain strength, a simple way to start is find a sloping driveway or similar smotth but sloping surface, and walk in circles on it. As you go aroun...

Maybe some of these over your ski boots:
https://www.neosovershoescanada.com/?ga ... gLLY_D_BwE

I would try the warranty approach first befoe attempting a reglue yourself. If you try to fix it yourself and fail that might impact any warranty claim.

Leather boots with a traditional welted sole rather than a molded sole always have variations. And those Chouinard bindings had longer sides than some, so the critical fit area is larger. I worked in a few outdoor shops back in the 80's, and we sometimes had to grind new boots a bit to get them into...

Nice light boots, but with a tendency for the sole to delaminate from the uppers. I was working in a shop back when they came out and we had a rash of failures. I used to have a pair; they came apart I would only go for them if truly dirt cheap.

I have not skied either boot but have tried bothof them on, and I think yes. I felt a noticeable difference in stiffness, in every direction, from Vista to Free in carpet testing.