Most of the steps shown above are fine for a taller person or one without any mobility issues. For a shorter person or one with knee issues they are still a long way up there. Some steps are just 1-2 inches lower than no step. That may work for you.
We went with Rock Slide Engineering retractable step. Even if we didn't use the rock slide feature, the retractable step works so well for a person who does not want to reach for a tall step. And in snow and mud they still retract. They are terribly expensive but running around town and jumping in and out is so easy compared our factory sliders and the fixed step we replaced those with. A week with our fixed step showed us that we wanted something lower.
I ordered the IAG running boards on Saturday and they arrived on Thursday, Feb. 8. I installed the running boards last night in my garage. There is an installation video that walks you through the installation process which is actually quite simple.
My wife is now able to enter/exit the Bronco without difficulty which makes her happy and in turn that makes me happy.
I am there with @ksdonwith the Rock Slide step / sliders.... I wanted the protection BUT... my wife is 4'-10"..... they are more expensive. BUT... they drop 12 " when you open the door and then retract when you close it. They are not the easiest to install but they are not the most difficult either.
They offer great side protection from the rocks and they can carry the weight of the vehicle over rocks. they even protect against rock thrown up by the goodyears and protect aginst door dings at the mall... You can get a light kit to help at night (I made my own because they were out when I ordered).
Not the best pic angle... does not really show how far they drop down. They drop a true 12 inch.