I'd like to protect the shiny paintwork from being scuffed by shoes etc,

There appear to be two options

1.  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125509013680?hash=item1d38eb90b0:g:K2cAAOSwyCphH2fr

2.  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/403821740240?hash=item5e05a6c0d0:g:t2QAAOSwwQpi8GyF&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0BKFf7PDeYfWWu2CRj0j4zNPPp7IqXi0ASuoT9Dv7fMNRquQ2KfVh8bTuyvwvA0y3ayeXc96pYSWxEZFvAQY%2Bk7PuGT46jbzRV7asRU3GZz%2FTxj2WMF3TsUEhK5Wn52WrgVSEm%2B0fiKoQOhph8gvdRBwGQF6Nz6uYhh5aQ%2BhH%2BM3%2Fy2P%2FOvcreWy6GlMf3Dfgtzare5GaBsYzcdWu3A8YTOw%2FYCKIswEPwR3s%2BCYdC1L%2BUd8s9thZbnnZ09Ss99qQK15a0jR4%2B0lFN1r4YHrh7s%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR57npY-uYw

- any opinions as to which type I should go for? The chrome ones bend over the edge of the sill, which would be advantageous I think, but would the metal contact the car's paintwork? (they are fixed by double-sided sticky tape)... whereas the rubber ones have no hard/sharp parts at all.

The metal type are fitted by Ford to various models, and look the best imo.  They aren't immune to scratches though!

Personally, I'm not a fan of the rubber ones.  They look a bit cheap to me, but should serve the purpose.

There is also another option.  You can use PPF (paint protection film) which is a thick, clear adhesive film designed to withstand stone chips etc on external panels.  I think that would be more than strong enough to avoid minor shoe scratches, although may not be tough enough for something like dog claws.  As it's a clear film, you still see the pristine paintwork through it.

 

I'd definitely use the metal ones, they look far more professional.

Metal for me to.

Hmmm.

The metal plates fitted to my 2001 Puma did not stop it rusting under the protectors....

Issue I found with the factory fitted sill protectors on my ST, one had a slight burr on the edge of the aluminium which was enough to cut into the paint over time and eventually started rusting as it was hidden underneath it 🙄