As for boots, I have a set of '06 Burton Shaun White’s that I got last year that fit awesome and seem to work well.
I could never run before my surgery, well any faster than a slow jog due to the damage that was there in the cartlidge and torn meniscus; thus basketball doesn’t really work; but joggin or running might now, all depends if I can take impacts. Right now, not yet, it’s getting better though.
Yea, everyone really said strengthen it as much as possible, and I stretch about once daily; it’s part of the PT routine I’m on.