I have an Amtico vinyl plank floor in light cherry. Once in a while someone will wear shoes that leave black marks. Generally they come right up. A couple of times (but it's been a while) someone's shoes left black marks that were extremely hard to remove. I got them off, but I had to soak the spots with Amtico floor cleaner and ever so gently rub the spots. I would not let this keep you from buying the floor. Most marks remove very easily and only a few shoes leave them. I have had vinyl before but this vinyl is the best vinyl floor I have ever had. After almost 4 years I have not a single nick or tear. It is also very easy to clean. It does scratch, but not easily. I love that I don't have to worry about water. People think it is wood or laminate. If you get it, get the micro bevel. My installer ordered it without it, and it looked too flat. I made him reorder it with the bevel. The micro bevel makes it look more like wood and doesn't catch dirt or make it harder to clean.

I have had a SQ FL for 1 1/2 years. If I remember correctly, SQ changed from a gray boot to a black boot. I believe the black boot is more mold resistant. Leveling the SQ is an important step. Next the installers need to adjust the feet for even pressure (weight bearing load). This may be accomplished by loosening the lock nut on a front foot and adjusting the foot as the FL is spinning. This is a fine tuning step and the FL should be very stable once adjusted properly. I assume that your FL is on concrete in the basement. If the shipping supports (metal block, shipping bolts and shock absorber spacers) were not removed, the FL should not have been damaged by placing it in its back. If the shipping supports were removed, the shock absorbers could be damaged from large shifting movements. SQ FLs do not employ fancy load balancing programs for spinning. Some FLs do a better job with this and thus may have fewer walking issues. The only time my SQ FL wants to walk is when a load is very unbalanced and the result is that the FL may move approximately one inch to the side. I like my SQ FL for its quick washing cycles, simple controls, good washing performance, long warranty, commercial quality components and expected reliability. I expect SQ to remain a player in the laundry market. Parts should be readily available. Other FLs may come in designer colors, have more cycles, higher final rpm spins and may be a little quieter. I wonder how many of those FLs will outlast my better built SQ Fl?

True - there's so much advice out there, it's hard to know which to heed, especially if it's coming from the paid professionals. (That's why this forum is so awesome!) Our counter overhang is only 12", so I am imagining that it won't cover black sneaker marks, depending on where they are. I have a toddler and a baby on the way, so I am guessing that their feet will reach higher up, once they are out of highchairs!

Wow! Just came across this thread. We have Marazzi Chateau Reserve hickory grove and same happened with our grout. I chose a grout that would blend in with tile and also chose this tile bc I wanted a very thin grout line. I have tried everything- tile brush , steam mop. Our contractor didn’t care. I will Reread this thread and try some of the options mentioned. Our tile looks great but the grout drives me crazy. It just looks dirty since it’s a lighter color. Makes me angry when I see it bc I would have never picked such a light color. Luckily - it’s only in our master bath. It’s a shame some contractors are so unscrupulous. I know there are honest ones out there, too bad we didn’t hire one .