ADD, SDHQ, and others make sliders that are heavy duty bars that keep boulders from coming into the cab through the floor, but I happen to really like these steps. They are rugged, non skid, and stick out enough to protect from morons doors like nene said above.
I wouldn’t just take them off without installing another setup. Multiple times They have made contact with the earth while crawling. If your not worried about off-road protection then like said above the Door Ding protection is still an absolute must due to the width of our trucks.
I just put on the AMP xtreme power steps. love the look and easier access for kids etc. Little pricey but solid product best I can tell. Sure I'll be haunted by posted above if I get a door ding though...
If you are going to remove them, replace them with the Amp Research power steps. Love mine! http://www.amp-research.com/products/truckaccessories/powerstep/
I didn't measure before/after but step deploys to more comfortable/natural location and height IMO. There's a 2 second delay after you shut door before they tuck back into place neatly. little LED lights tucked away on rocker panel too (had to drill pinch weld but no biggie). I'm in NJ so not a lot of rocks to crawl so might have thought twice if I was using the truck that way. Here are some pics.
I also have the AMP Power Steps. I had every intention of buying the Power Steps when I placed the order for my Raptor. I knew the distance from the ground to the factory running board was 17 inches. That made it difficult for my wife to enter/exit. For me, getting in wasn't bad, but stepping down was really painful due to arthritis. IMO, the Power Steps should deploy at a height of 13 inches from the ground, not the present 11 inches. That would make the next step into the cab a little easier. At the present deployment, you have 15+ inches from the deployed step to inside of cab. Not much of a difference from stepping up to the original factory boards. However, my wife and I do appreciate the AMP's. I realized the factory boards did a lot to protect the sides of the truck from chips. To protect the lower panels, I added Gator Back Custom mud flaps and a black vinyl wrap from wheel to wheel.
Also FYI for anyone considering - I didn't purchase/install the AMP override switch but wish I had and plan to go back and do so. It should be part of package IMO as you can't put the steps up/down without opening door without it and there are times where you wouldn't want steps coming down when you open door, or want to have them down without door open (i.e. washing).
In regards to the override switch, I'm not sure if they are available for the F-150 Raptor. Yes Gdog, I risk door dings but I'm able to get in and out without arthritis pain keeping me home bound. I'll keep my AMP's and keep on rolling.