Best heavy traffic carpet is commercial grade, like seen in malls/offices/etc.

It is not very comfortable for a living room where folks relax, however as that type carpet is usually installed on concrete. Outdoor carpet is next, but worse.

There is no single brand/type of carpet best for a general question like yours. The choices are tempered by use and the types of traffic. Boots and work footwear? Stocking feet? Amount of dirt tracked in? Number and types of pets? Frequency of cleaning,, both vacuuming and shampooing?

We are asking this question as well -- I hate picking out carpet! 10 years ago we selected a commercial grade low loop carpet to withstand two boys and two dogs. The carpet did not perform well in any way, shape, or form. Now that the kiddos are 75% launched and the dog is 15.5 years old, we are looking at replacing the tragic flooring.

So far, we are leaning towards a dense Nylon textured carpet with multiple colors and a short pile. We are staying away from wool for several reasons; Nylon seems to be the next best fiber for high traffic areas. Hoping someone with more knowledge/experience chimes in!

Our 3 year old nylon Stainmaster carpet has not held up well. I find that it holds on to stains for dear life. Just had it professionally cleaned and the stains are still there. Stains come out of my polyester PET carpet in my living room much easier. That is what I am getting next time.