It would be good to know how big an area you are talking about. If large enough you could create a path surrounded by shade plants. I don't really know of any plants besides grass that would stand up to a lot of walking, but then I learn new things everyday so someone on the forum may have the answer.

Tania

Pachysandra or ajuga with stepping stones.

Bugleweed is a nice ground cover with small purple flowers and burgandy/green foilage. I have it planted on the side of my house in the shade to stop erosion. I'm not aware of any ground cover you can walk on like grass. Most of them cannot handle the traffic.

Many of the lamiums, such as lamium maculatum 'White Nancy' or 'Pink Pewter'. Or Asarum caudatum or europaeum (both so-called 'wild ginger' types). Lot of others, but none I know of that can take both shade and foot traffic.

Gary

I have pacasandra and ajuga, which you really don't want to walk on. I have creeping Jenny and a vinca vine with blue flowers which I do walk on. All grow well in shade for me.