Don't walk barefoot on hard floors, tile or wood. It's bad for your feet as well (says my podiatrist).

Yes - we replaced tile with wood in our kitchen. Our tile wasn't properly installed so many tiles had cracked. The existing tile was not under the cabinets so it was easy to pull them up and replace.

OP, you might also look at one of those gel mat things. I've thought about buying one for the sink and one for the stove.

Probably, but you will need a professional to determine whether it's possible.

The ceramic tiles are killing my knees, despite the rugs I've put down.