I think they look good if you need the extra step. The chrome ties in with the other chrome accents on the vehicle. They may also help keep scratches off the lighted entry plate near the door sill. I've noticed my passengers like to use that as a step and I cringe every time I see it happen.
I've had running boards on two vehicles and have found that the winters in the northeast absolutely destroy them. They catch and collect the road salt and rust away very quickly. I took them off our old Ford Escape because they were so rusted.