Walking Shoes for cobblestones in cities

I don't know anything about men's shoes, but I do know rubber soles are key on wet cobblestones. I remember walking down a super steep hill one morning in Lisbon. There was a light rain, just enough to make everything slick. Fortunately, I had rubber soles on my shoes, but I was still walking carefully. A lady came rushing past me right down that hill wearing stylish boots. She clearly knew she wouldn't slip. She must have been local and she must have had rubber soles.

Anyway, I'm sure someone will come along soon and offer more specific info, but rubber soles, really. :)

try here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes

I wear hiking boots year round and found them to be perfect for the cobblestones in Portugal. The thicker soles protect my feet.
When looking for shoes, avoid the ones with the slick rubber soles. They will be slippery when it rains and won't grip at all

My husband has difficulty in his beloved white-soled Skechers on wet stone. However, our Reikers grip well. I wear Brooks trail runners which grip well, too.
Cobbies are rare, but most city center pavements are some sort of stone. They can all be slippery when damp.

Shoe soles are important, but also important are ankle strength, flexibility, and balance. Walk on as much uneven ground as possible, off smooth paths. Balance and leg stretching exercises, posture and tummy keep you from falling, too.

When looking for shoes, avoid the ones with the slick rubber soles

Maybe there's more than one kind of rubber sole? I wear regular Van's sneakers, worn by skateboarders specifically because of the grippy sole. I also have a pair of hiking sneakers with grippy 100% rubber soles. They are definitely not slick. Maybe artificial rubber is slick rather than grippy?

I think Ms Jo meant not a smooth sole. Rubber or otherwise. You want to look for a sole with a decent tread on it. Think car tires. You don't want bald ones; you want a good road gripping tread.

For city stays, DH prefers a leather shoe. For years he's worn Rockports that have a fairly substantial tread. For other types of trips he wears a hiking shoe for stability and grip.

I think Ms Jo meant not a smooth sole

Ah, that makes sense, thanks. :)