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Top 10 Running Boards & Side Steps for the 2021–2026 Ford F-150
Updated: February 2025 | Reviewed by the Truck Mod Reviews Team
The 2021–2026 Ford F-150 sits higher than ever — especially on lifted or leveled builds — and getting in and out cleanly isn’t always graceful without a running board or side step. But these aren’t just a convenience accessory. The right set changes the entire side profile of your truck, adds rocker panel protection, and makes life a lot easier for passengers, kids, and dogs who ride with you daily.
The challenge is picking the right style for your build. Nerf bars, power steps, traditional running boards, and Westin-style bars all serve different purposes and suit different trucks. We broke down the top picks by category so you can find the right fit for how you actually use your F-150.
Quick Picks — Jump to Your Favorite
- AMP Research PowerStep — Best Overall
- Westin Pro Traxx Oval Nerf Bars — Runner-Up
- N-Fab Nerf Steps — Best for Lifted Trucks
- Rough Country Power Running Boards — Best Budget Power Step
- OEM Ford Power Deployable Running Boards — Best OEM Option
- Tyger Auto TG-RS2F40328 Running Boards — Best Value
- Bestop TrekStep — Best Bed Step Add-On
- RealTruck Bully Bar Running Boards — Best Heavy-Duty
- Lund International Summit Ridge Running Boards — Best Aesthetics
- Go Rhino 6000 Series SideSteps — Best Compact Step
#1: AMP Research PowerStep — Best Overall
Rating: ★★★★★ | Editor’s Choice
“The PowerStep is the gold standard in power running boards — it deploys automatically when you open the door and tucks away cleanly when you close it. Nothing else comes close for everyday usability.”
AMP Research’s PowerStep is the automatic running board that everyone else is trying to copy. Wired directly into your F-150’s door sensor, the aluminum board deploys smoothly when any door opens and retracts flush against the rocker panel when doors close. When retracted, it sits nearly invisible under the truck — keeping that tall, clean stance intact while still giving you full step access when you need it.
The 2021–2026 F-150 fitment is plug-and-play with no cutting or drilling required. The extruded aluminum step surface has an aggressive non-slip texture that holds in mud, rain, and snow. AMP backs these with a 3-year warranty, and they have a strong track record for long-term reliability.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Extruded Aluminum |
| Operation | Automatic (door-triggered) |
| Fitment | Plug-and-play, no drilling |
| Cab Styles | SuperCab, SuperCrew |
| Finish | Black Powdercoat |
| Warranty | 3 Year |
Pros: Fully automatic deployment — Clean retracted profile — No drilling required — Strong non-slip surface — Plug-and-play wiring
Cons: Premium price point — Requires occasional cleaning of the motor housing — Not available for Regular Cab
Price: ~$900–$1,100 per set
Check Price on Amazon → | AMPResearch.com →
#2: Westin Pro Traxx Oval Nerf Bars — Runner-Up
Rating: ★★★★★ | Runner-Up
“Westin’s Pro Traxx bars are the sweet spot between price and quality — stainless steel construction, a solid step pad, and a look that suits any F-150 trim level.”
Westin is one of the most trusted names in truck steps, and the Pro Traxx Oval Nerf Bars are their best all-around offering for the 2021–2026 F-150. The 5-inch oval tube profile is larger than a traditional nerf bar but lower-profile than a full running board, striking a balance that works well on stock-height and mildly lifted trucks.
The polished stainless steel finish is corrosion resistant and easy to keep clean. Step pads are large enough to actually use comfortably — a problem with cheaper nerf bars that have tiny, poorly-placed pads. Installation is bolt-on with no drilling using the included F-150-specific mounting brackets.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Tube Size | 5-inch oval |
| Fitment | Bolt-on, no drilling |
| Step Pads | Large non-slip pads |
| Finish | Polished Stainless or Black |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Stainless steel durability — No-drill bolt-on install — Large comfortable step pads — Multiple finish options — Lifetime warranty
Cons: Fixed position — doesn’t retract — Polished finish shows water spots — Not ideal for heavily lifted trucks
Price: ~$180–$280 per set
#3: N-Fab Nerf Steps — Best for Lifted Trucks
Rating: ★★★★★ | Best for Lifted Trucks
“If your F-150 is sitting on a 4-inch lift or taller, standard running boards end up in the wrong place. N-Fab’s cab-length nerf steps are built for trucks that actually need a step.”
N-Fab’s nerf steps run the full length of the cab — from behind the front wheel to ahead of the rear wheel — giving you a step anywhere along the side of the truck, not just at the door openings. This matters more than most people realize on lifted F-150s, where a single centered step pad becomes awkward to use.
The textured black powdercoat finish is aggressive and suited for off-road use. The step pad inserts are removable and replaceable, which extends the life of the bars significantly. N-Fab also offers these in a cab-length hoop step style that adds extra style to lifted builds.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel |
| Style | Cab-length continuous step |
| Fitment | Truck-specific brackets |
| Finish | Textured Black Powdercoat |
| Step Pads | Removable / replaceable |
| Best For | Lifted trucks 3″+ lift |
Pros: Full cab-length step surface — Removable step pads — Aggressive off-road styling — Works well on lifted builds — Solid steel construction
Cons: Heavier than aluminum alternatives — Textured black not for everyone — Not ideal on stock-height trucks aesthetically
Price: ~$250–$380 per set
#4: Rough Country Power Running Boards — Best Budget Power Step
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Best Budget Power Step
“Rough Country brings the automatic power step concept down to a price point that won’t make you wince — a solid option if you want the AMP Research experience without the AMP Research price tag.”
Rough Country’s power running boards offer the same automatic deploy-on-door-open functionality as the AMP Research PowerStep at roughly half the cost. They’re not quite as refined in operation — the deployment is slightly slower and the motor is louder — but for daily use, they get the job done.
The step surface is wide and well-textured, and the aluminum construction keeps weight reasonable. Wiring is plug-and-play for the 2021–2026 F-150. If your budget caps out before AMP Research territory, these are the next logical step.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Operation | Automatic (door-triggered) |
| Fitment | Plug-and-play |
| Finish | Black Powdercoat |
| Step Width | 4.5 inches |
| Warranty | 2 Year |
Pros: Automatic deployment at lower price — Plug-and-play install — Wide step surface — Decent build quality for the price
Cons: Slower deployment than AMP Research — Motor is audible during operation — Shorter warranty than premium options
Price: ~$500–$700 per set
#5: OEM Ford Power Deployable Running Boards — Best OEM Option
Rating: ★★★★☆ | OEM Pick
“If you want power running boards that look and feel like they came from the factory — because they did — Ford’s OEM option is the no-compromise choice.”
Ford’s factory power deployable running boards are available as a dealer-installed accessory or can be retrofitted to most 2021–2026 F-150 SuperCrew and SuperCab models. They integrate seamlessly with the truck’s existing door sensors and electronics, deploy quietly and quickly, and match the factory exterior trim perfectly.
The OEM boards carry Ford’s full parts and labor warranty when dealer-installed, which gives peace of mind that aftermarket options can’t fully replicate. Aesthetically, they’re indistinguishable from factory equipment — because they are factory equipment.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Source | Ford OEM / Dealer |
| Operation | Automatic (factory integrated) |
| Fitment | Factory-matched |
| Warranty | Ford OEM warranty |
| Aesthetics | Factory finish match |
| Install | Dealer installation recommended |
Pros: Perfect factory integration — OEM warranty coverage — Quiet and fast operation — Seamless aesthetic match
Cons: Most expensive option — Dealer installation adds cost — Limited customization options
Price: ~$1,200–$1,800 installed
#6: Tyger Auto TG-RS2F40328 Running Boards — Best Value
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Best Value
“Tyger Auto delivers a surprisingly well-finished running board at a price point that makes it the easiest recommendation for F-150 owners who want a traditional board without breaking the bank.”
Tyger Auto has quietly built a reputation for quality truck accessories at fair prices, and their F-150-specific running boards are a prime example. The 6-inch wide aluminum board gives a large, comfortable step surface, and the non-slip step pads are positioned correctly at each door opening.
Installation is straightforward with vehicle-specific mounting brackets and clear instructions. The matte black finish holds up well to daily road grime, and the aluminum construction resists rust. For the price, these are hard to beat.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Step Width | 6 inches |
| Fitment | Vehicle-specific |
| Finish | Matte Black |
| Step Pads | Non-slip, door-aligned |
| Warranty | 3 Year |
Pros: Very competitive price — Wide 6-inch step — Vehicle-specific fit — 3-year warranty — Easy installation
Cons: Not as refined as premium options — Matte finish can show scratches — Heavier than nerf bar alternatives
Price: ~$150–$220 per set
#7: Bestop TrekStep — Best Bed Step Add-On
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Best Bed Step
“The TrekStep solves a problem every F-150 owner knows — getting into the bed without climbing the tire. It’s not a running board, but it’s the perfect companion to one.”
The Bestop TrekStep isn’t a traditional side running board, but it earns its spot on this list as the best bed-access step solution for the 2021–2026 F-150. It mounts to the receiver hitch and folds flat when not in use, giving you a solid step up into the truck bed without scuffing your bumper or climbing the tire.
It’s especially valuable for truck owners who frequently load and unload cargo, equipment, or gear from the bed. The folding aluminum step handles up to 400 lbs, is easy to deploy one-handed, and doesn’t interfere with trailer hitching.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mount | Receiver hitch (2-inch) |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs |
| Operation | Fold-flat when not in use |
| Fitment | Universal (hitch-mounted) |
| Best For | Bed access |
Pros: Solves bed access problem — Folds flat when not needed — 400 lb capacity — Doesn’t interfere with trailer hitch — Easy one-hand deployment
Cons: Not a side step — hitch-mounted only — Takes up hitch receiver — Best used alongside side steps
Price: ~$100–$160
#8: RealTruck Bully Bar Running Boards — Best Heavy-Duty
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Best Heavy-Duty
“For ranch trucks, farm trucks, and work trucks that see real abuse, Bully Bar’s steel running boards take punishment that aluminum boards simply can’t handle.”
Bully Bar’s steel running boards are built for trucks that do real work. The heavy-gauge steel construction is significantly more durable than aluminum alternatives and holds up to the kind of side impacts, debris strikes, and load abuse that work truck environments deliver regularly.
The aggressive tread-plate step surface grips well even in muddy or wet conditions, and the powdercoat finish is thick enough to resist chipping better than most competitors. These aren’t the lightest or prettiest boards on the list, but they’re the toughest.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Heavy-Gauge Steel |
| Step Surface | Tread-plate |
| Finish | Black Powdercoat |
| Fitment | Truck-specific brackets |
| Best For | Work and ranch trucks |
| Weight | Heavier than aluminum |
Pros: Extremely durable steel construction — Aggressive tread-plate grip — Thick powdercoat finish — Handles heavy side abuse
Cons: Heavier than aluminum — More industrial look — Can rust at mounting points over time without maintenance
Price: ~$200–$300 per set
#9: Lund International Summit Ridge Running Boards — Best Aesthetics
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Best Looking
“If you’re running a Lariat, King Ranch, or Platinum and want a running board that looks like it belongs there, Lund’s Summit Ridge boards are the most refined-looking option on this list.”
Lund’s Summit Ridge running boards are designed with a sleeker, more integrated profile than traditional boards. The contoured aluminum body sits closer to the rocker panel and has a lower, wider step pad arrangement that looks factory-fitted rather than bolted on.
Available in polished stainless and black powder coat, the Summit Ridge suits higher-trim F-150s where aesthetics matter as much as function. The step pads are oversized and well-positioned, and the boards are rated for up to 500 lbs per board.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Profile | Low-contoured / integrated look |
| Finish | Polished or Black Powdercoat |
| Step Rating | 500 lbs per board |
| Fitment | Vehicle-specific |
| Best For | Higher trim levels |
Pros: Most refined aesthetic on the list — 500 lb step rating — Low integrated profile — Available in polished or black — Vehicle-specific fit
Cons: Higher price for aesthetics — Polished finish requires more maintenance — Not ideal for lifted trucks
Price: ~$220–$320 per set
#10: Go Rhino 6000 Series SideSteps — Best Compact Step
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Best Compact Step
“Go Rhino’s 6000 Series gives you a solid step option in a compact, no-fuss package — perfect for F-150 owners who want entry assistance without the visual bulk of a full running board.”
The Go Rhino 6000 Series sits between a nerf bar and a full running board in terms of footprint. The round tube construction is clean and simple, and the step pad placement at each door opening is well thought out. These are easy to install, easy to clean, and easy to live with day to day.
They’re available in stainless and black finishes and fit the full range of 2021–2026 F-150 cab configurations. For owners who want step assistance without a lot of visual weight added to the truck, the 6000 Series is a clean, practical choice.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel |
| Style | Round tube with step pads |
| Finish | Stainless or Black |
| Fitment | Cab-specific brackets |
| Step Pads | Door-aligned |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Pros: Clean compact profile — Easy installation — Lifetime warranty — Stainless or black options — Good price-to-quality ratio
Cons: Smaller step surface than full boards — Round tube less grippy in wet conditions — Not for heavily lifted trucks
Price: ~$160–$240 per set
F-150 Running Board & Side Step Buying Guide
Before you buy, here’s what you need to think through for your specific truck and how you use it.
Know Your Cab Configuration
The 2021–2026 F-150 comes in Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew configurations. Running board length and mounting bracket locations differ between them — always confirm the listing is for your specific cab style. Most quality brands offer cab-specific versions; don’t assume a SuperCrew board fits a SuperCab.
Automatic Power Steps vs. Fixed Boards
Power steps (like AMP Research and Rough Country) deploy when you open the door and retract when you close it. They keep your truck’s lifted stance visible when parked and provide step access when needed. Fixed running boards are always deployed, simpler mechanically, and significantly less expensive. If budget allows and you value the clean look, power steps are worth it. If you just want reliable step access, a fixed board does the job without the complexity.
Lifted vs. Stock Height
On a stock-height F-150, almost any board or step will work well. On a lifted truck — especially 3 inches or more — the relationship between the board height and the door sill changes significantly. Look for boards with adjustable mounting brackets or brands that specifically mention lifted truck compatibility. N-Fab and some Rough Country options are built with this in mind.
Material: Aluminum vs. Steel
Aluminum boards are lighter, rust-proof, and sufficient for most F-150 owners. Steel boards are heavier and more susceptible to rust at mounting points but offer superior impact resistance for work truck environments. If your truck sees serious abuse — ranch work, construction sites, off-road — steel is worth the weight penalty.
Step Width and Pad Placement
A 6-inch wide step surface is noticeably more comfortable than a 3-inch nerf bar, especially for passengers, older riders, or anyone getting out of the back seat with hands full. Pad placement matters too — budget boards often put pads in the wrong position relative to the door openings. Check product photos carefully before buying.
Rocker Panel Protection
One underrated benefit of running boards is that they protect the rocker panels from road debris, gravel chips, and parking lot dings. If you plan to keep your F-150 long-term, this protection adds real value beyond the step convenience.
Check Weight Ratings
Running board weight ratings matter more than most buyers realize — especially for work trucks where heavy gear, coolers, or large passengers are stepping up regularly. Quality boards are rated at 300–500 lbs per board. Cheap universal options often have no published rating, which is a red flag.
Prices are approximate and subject to change. Always verify fitment for your specific year, cab style, and trim before purchasing. Truck Mod Reviews earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.
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