I use mine when I go out, but sometimes I find it easier to walk without it... it is taller, so it helps stabilize my leg, but I've still fallen wearing it. Get a cool color or pattern, I have a solar system design on mine (I almost went for the Tweety Bird, but didn't like the big design on it).
I had to call and get it approved through the insurance first, and used a company called Nopco... they say "National" in its name, but not sure if they are or not! The ones here seem to all be located in hospitals. I had an $80+ copay, it cost nearly $1K for the foolish thing!