Those running boards look as smooth as a wakeboard or surfboard. Those don't look safe at all.

You definitely need to do something to create some bite, but I'd recommend only rolling/painting the top portion where you step.

Use a roll-on bed liner and apply it with a VERY Porous roller with deep grooves. https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-342668-Truck-Coating-Black/dp/B07Q69S3RK/ref=asc_df_B07Q69S3RK/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=366289565518&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13794785215384424225&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012570&hvtargid=pla-788472284094&ref=&adgrpid=76503872616&th=1