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Top 10 Running Boards & Nerf Bars for the 2014–2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Whether for easier entry and exit on a lifted truck or basic rocker panel protection, running boards remain one of the most popular functional upgrades for the K2XX Silverado. Here are ten top options across Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab configurations.
1. AMP Research PowerStep Electric Running Boards
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) — Badge: Best Overall
“Automatically deploy when a door opens and retract when closed — a premium feature that’s genuinely useful on a lifted Silverado.”
AMP Research’s PowerStep uses a motorized deployment system that extends the step automatically when a door opens, then tucks away out of sight when driving, avoiding ground clearance loss during normal driving or off-road use.
The sealed motor housing is designed to withstand road spray and weather exposure, and the step surface provides solid traction even in wet conditions.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric retractable running boards |
| Material | Aluminum with rubberized step pad |
| Fitment | Double Cab and Crew Cab |
| Deployment | Automatic, door-triggered |
Pros
- No ground clearance loss when retracted
- Automatic, convenient operation
- Weather-sealed motor housing
Cons
- Highest price point in this category
- More complex system with a motor to maintain
Price Range: $1,100–$1,400
2. Westin Sure-Grip Running Boards
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) — Badge: Best Value
“A fixed running board with genuinely aggressive grip texture, at a fraction of the cost of electric alternatives.”
Westin’s Sure-Grip boards use a heavily textured step surface designed to provide reliable traction even when wet or muddy, all in a straightforward fixed (non-retracting) design that keeps costs down.
The aluminum construction resists corrosion well, and the no-drill bolt-on installation using factory mounting points keeps the installation process simple for most owners.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Fixed running boards |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Fitment | Double Cab and Crew Cab |
| Install | No-drill bolt-on |
Pros
- Strong value for the traction quality
- No-drill installation
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum
Cons
- Fixed design reduces ground clearance slightly at all times
- Less premium appearance than electric steps
Price Range: $220–$330
3. N-Fab Nerf Step Bars
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5) — Badge: Best Nerf Bar Style
“A tube-style nerf bar for owners who want a step and some rocker protection without the visual bulk of a full running board.”
N-Fab’s Nerf Step offers a slimmer tube-based design compared to full-width running boards, providing a functional step while adding meaningful rocker panel protection.
The textured step pad grips well, and the tube construction stands up to off-road abuse better than flat running board panels, making it popular among Z71 package owners.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Tube-style nerf bar |
| Material | Steel tube |
| Fitment | Double Cab and Crew Cab |
| Install | No-drill bolt-on |
Pros
- Rugged tube design with rocker protection
- Popular with off-road-oriented trims
- No-drill installation
Cons
- Heavier than lightweight aluminum boards
- Less coverage area than full running boards
Price Range: $260–$380
4. Go Rhino RB20 Running Boards
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5) — Badge: Best Balanced Option
“A middle ground between minimalist nerf bars and full-width running boards.”
Go Rhino’s RB20 offers a moderate step width that balances functional coverage with a clean look, avoiding both the minimalist appearance of nerf bars and the sometimes bulky look of full running boards.
The step surface uses a durable textured coating, and the mounting hardware bolts to factory points without drilling.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Mid-width running boards |
| Material | Steel |
| Fitment | Double Cab and Crew Cab |
| Install | No-drill bolt-on |
Pros
- Balanced proportions
- Durable textured step surface
- No-drill installation
Cons
- Adds some weight
- Mid-range pricing
Price Range: $290–$410
5. Lund Terrain HX Step Bars
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5) — Badge: Best Rugged Styling
“Off-road-styled tube steps that complement the Z71 package’s aesthetic.”
Lund’s Terrain HX line uses a more rugged tube design with an aggressive step pad, appealing to owners of the off-road-oriented Z71 package who want their running boards to visually match the truck’s capability-focused trim.
The black powder-coat finish holds up well to trail use, and the tube construction provides some additional rocker panel protection.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Tube-style step bar |
| Material | Steel tube |
| Fitment | Double Cab and Crew Cab |
| Install | No-drill bolt-on |
Pros
- Matches Z71 off-road aesthetic
- Durable powder-coat finish
- Some rocker panel protection
Cons
- Bulkier than slim running boards
- Adds notable weight
Price Range: $280–$400
6. Raptor Series OE Style Running Boards
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5) — Badge: Best OEM-Style Look
“Designed to closely mimic a factory-style running board rather than an obviously aftermarket accessory.”
Raptor Series’ OE Style boards aim for a factory-integrated appearance, using a body-color-matched or black finish that blends more seamlessly with the Silverado’s factory design language than more aggressive off-road-styled alternatives.
The aluminum construction keeps weight reasonable, and the no-drill installation uses factory mounting points for a clean result.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | OEM-style running boards |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Fitment | Double Cab and Crew Cab |
| Install | No-drill bolt-on |
Pros
- Factory-integrated appearance
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- No-drill installation
Cons
- Less aggressive off-road styling
- Mid-range pricing
Price Range: $270–$390
7. Smittybilt Sure Step Running Boards
⭐⭐⭐½ (3.9/5) — Badge: Best Budget Pick
“Functional step and protection at a price point below most competitors.”
Smittybilt’s Sure Step offers core running board functionality — a usable step and some rocker protection — at an accessible price point, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
Build quality and finish trail premium brands, but for owners wanting basic functional improvement without a major investment, it delivers reasonable value.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Fixed running boards |
| Material | Steel |
| Fitment | Double Cab and Crew Cab |
| Install | No-drill bolt-on |
Pros
- Most affordable option in this list
- Functional step and protection
- No-drill installation
Cons
- Basic finish quality
- Heavier than aluminum alternatives
Price Range: $180–$270
8. ARIES AdvantEDGE Side Bars
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5) — Badge: Best Slim Profile
“A minimalist side bar design for owners who want protection without adding much visual bulk.”
ARIES’ AdvantEDGE bars use a slim, low-profile tube design that adds rocker panel protection and a modest stepping surface without the bulkier appearance of full running boards.
This is a good option for owners who primarily want protection rather than a significant stepping aid, since it keeps the truck’s clean factory lines largely intact.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Slim side bar |
| Material | Steel tube |
| Fitment | Double Cab and Crew Cab |
| Install | No-drill bolt-on |
Pros
- Minimal visual bulk
- Adds rocker protection
- No-drill installation
Cons
- Less useful as an actual step for shorter drivers, especially on lifted trucks
- Fewer color/finish options
Price Range: $250–$360
9. Iron Cross Automotive HD Step Bars
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5) — Badge: Best Heavy-Duty Build
“Overbuilt construction for owners who put their truck to genuine work use.”
Iron Cross’s HD step bars use a thicker-gauge steel tube than typical running boards, prioritizing raw durability over minimizing weight or cost.
For owners who use their Silverado for genuine work applications and want running boards that can take abuse from job sites and trailers, this heavier-duty construction offers real peace of mind.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Heavy-duty tube step bar |
| Material | Thick-gauge steel tube |
| Fitment | Double Cab and Crew Cab |
| Install | No-drill bolt-on |
Pros
- Extremely durable construction
- Good rocker panel protection
- No-drill installation
Cons
- Heaviest option in this list
- Premium pricing
Price Range: $380–$520
10. Broadfeet Aluminum Running Boards
⭐⭐⭐½ (3.9/5) — Badge: Best Ultra-Budget Option
“The most accessible entry point into running board ownership.”
Broadfeet offers a value-focused aluminum running board at one of the lowest price points in this category, providing basic stepping and protection function without premium finish or features.
It’s a reasonable choice for owners who want the functional benefit at minimal cost.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Fixed running boards |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Fitment | Double Cab and Crew Cab |
| Install | No-drill bolt-on |
Pros
- Lowest price point in this list
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- No-drill installation
Cons
- Basic finish and step texture
- Less established brand reputation
Price Range: $190–$270
Buying Guide: How to Choose Running Boards for Your Silverado 1500
1. Fixed vs. Electric Retractable Electric boards (AMP Research PowerStep) preserve ground clearance when not in use and deploy automatically. Fixed boards are simpler, more affordable, and lower maintenance for daily on-road use.
2. Cab Configuration Fitment Confirm your running boards are matched to your specific cab configuration (Regular Cab, Double Cab, or Crew Cab), as door count and length vary significantly.
3. Lift Kit Considerations If you’ve installed a leveling kit or lift, running boards become more valuable for entry/exit ease — factor in whether your chosen board’s mounting hardware accounts for the additional ride height.
4. Ground Clearance Trade-offs Fixed boards reduce effective ground clearance at all times, a relevant consideration for Z71 owners who use their off-road capability regularly.
5. Weather and Traction Textured step surfaces (Westin Sure-Grip) provide better wet-weather traction than smooth finishes — an important safety detail for a step used daily.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability are accurate as of publication but may change. TruckBench earns a commission on qualifying purchases via the Amazon links above. Confirm cab configuration fitment before purchasing.
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