Upgrade and Theme suggestion for shoes website

Hi,

I am being provided with an opencart 3.0.3.8 website for shoes. Default theme is somewhat modified, and there are some custom extensions and development.

I want to move this to a fresh installation of Opencart because there are way many edits in core files in their code, so the idea is to get a fresh installation and move every change in ocmod basis. That being said, please suggest:

1. Which opencart version should I consider for fresh installation? Will OC 3.0.3.8 be sufficient or any other version? And why?

2. Client wants new look and feed, I as a developer want a theme that does not mess up with core functionality very much and whose code is properly written and optimized so that there are no speed issues with website. Client is inclined with journal theme, for me, journal is a big NO due to obvious reasons. So, please suggest me some nice themes which have good look and feel, are feature rich, their written code is good but they do not modify the OC core system very much.

I know these questions, especially second one might not be very straightforward to answer, but I really need support of experienced people here. I would really appreciate your help.

3.0.4.1 keep away from V4 for live websites.

any css only theme search for Antropy or istore to get you started.