When we moved into this house going on 11 years ago, we put Pergo in the kitchen/dining room and a cheaper grade laminate in all the bedrooms. We have 3 dogs and I was tired of stains on carpet. I have a thick pad under my area rug in the living room plus I always have rugs in each room. My floors still look gorgeous, I damp mop them with Murphy’s oil soap in water. I also have foot issues and was told years ago by my podiatrist to wear Birkenstock shoes. There are wonderful brands of shoes to help yours.