Hi Dennis. Bought a pair of good hiking boots with high ankle support. Inconvenient, but when I start to be off balance it helps me get right. Hope it helps for you. Saved me from many falls I can tell.

@dennishagan. @cmb1, and others...Falling has been in my vocabulary of life for over 20 years....it began in my 50s so I soon realized my balance was a real issue. I had a shop then and sold walking sticks from England and the US. SO, I began using a walking stick and found a lot of help stabilizing my walking. As years passed, I found I needed to re-evaluate all my shoes, my shoe fettish had to be addressed. All, every pair of my georgeous shoes, heels/flats/sneakers/everything in between was given to a woman's shelter and Salvation Army. I actually cried at losing that part of my attire personality. But, it gave me sooo much closet space!

Now, I have found the best shield for my feet and body. Living in Florida, with limited types of walking spaces, I wear slip-on Sketchers...one is snake skin, one is black with crystals all over the shoe, have black, black in sandles that slip on and have no toe divider....hurts my toes. So, with arthritis, Parkinsons issues, balance-these fit my feet well, have excellent inner soles and support and the soles are safe and comfy...I can't tie shoestring, don't have strength to pull velcro to fit, so must have simple slipper type slip on. And, with the front cut low enough to accommodate my edema issue.

So, there are many issues you must address when dealing with falling. I use the walls and counters for balance. But, not furniture that may wiggle or move.

I now, at 75, have a hot pink walker in my car to use when out of house. No longer use cane when out, unless just going from car to door.

You didn't mention your age or cause of falling. There are so many variances you really have to consider it all. Lots of folks like the climbing poles???

Wishing you well as you learn this new you. Blessings on you journey....Elizabeth

Hey Dennis many people dont realize how important it is to be able to walk correctly. We usually take it for granted and never give our balance or our walking form any thought.

Change how you walk and you will change your life. This video will help you understand key concepts of proper walking form

Search on youtube How to Walk (In Response to Bob and Brad) @bob & Brad In-Depth by the channel "grown and healthy."

I cant post the link because I am a new member

Another tip is to practice walking barefoot. This will increase your balance and coordination.

Hello @dennishagen and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I see you've had several members come in and share with you including @cmb1 @ess77 @jkrock16 and @pacer3702.

I wanted to let you know that because we had an existing discussion on this same topic, you will notice I have moved your post here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/falling-for-no-apparent-reason/?pg=8

Do you feel dizzy before falling or any other symptoms you can identify?

In the past 4 years I have only twice had a similar fall backwards. Each time I knew I was going down so was able to catch hold of furniture and keep my head up. As it happened indoors nothing hurt and I got up and carried on as usual. My fear is falling like this out of doors!
Investigating, I understand this is called a Drop Attack and one reason could be a sudden drop in blood pressure. However a neurologist would explain fully.
RitaC

There are some neat folding canes that you can carry with you when you believe there could be the chance you might fall. I fell because there were no handrails in front of a hospital and if I had this cane, I don’t think I would have fallen backwards and hit my head. Thankfully no damage done - just a little blood. I am now carrying this cane with me wherever I go.