Can you post a picture of them? You'll get more responses if you do.

Put a runner on the steps and landing.

Carpet really is the best way to protect stairs like that, there really aren't any other suitable materials for stairs unless you are looking to replace the treads with a different material, or if you like rubber mats. If they have been poly'd correctly they should hold up just fine for several years. Have them refinished when they start to look too worn.