There are dozens of low ground covers and creeping perennials resilient enough to withstand being walked on -- in fact, some thrive underfoot. Notice how much (or little) the pathway you're thinking of planting is used. Then select varieties with similar growth rates, water needs, and sun conditions.

Light Foot Traffic

Erodium reichardii 'Alba'
Slow grower; part shade to full sun; white flowers in spring and summer.

Light Foot Traffic

Armeria 'Victor Reiter'
Slow grower; part shade to full sun; light-pink blossoms in late spring.

Light Foot Traffic

Arabis ferdinandicoburgi 'Old Gold'
Moderate grower; part sun; white blooms.

Light Foot Traffic

Acorus gramineus 'Minimus Aureus'
Slow grower; shade; sweet citrus scent.

Medium Foot Traffic

Leptinellax 'Platt's Black'
Moderate grower; shade; yellow flowers in spring.

Medium Foot Traffic

Dymondia margaretae
Slow grower; full to part sun; yellow blooms in summer.

Medium Foot Traffic

Trifolium repens 'Atropurpureum'
Fast grower; part shade to part sun; white flowers in summer.

Medium Foot Traffic

Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue'
Moderate grower; sun; blue blooms in spring.

Heavy Foot Traffic

Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'
Slow grower; full to part sun; pink flowers in summer; fragrant.

Heavy Foot Traffic

Sagina subulata 'Aurea'
Fast grower; part shade to part sun; star-shape white blooms in spring.

Heavy Foot Traffic

Pratia angulata
Fast grower; full to part sun; small white blossoms bloom in mid-spring.

Heavy Foot Traffic

Mazus radicans
Moderate grower; full to part sun; purple-and-white flowers in summer.