Our vegan shoes
At Zèta, we use no animal-derived materials in the uppers, linings or glue. Yet our environmentally responsible shoes are just as durable, comfortable and well finished as a conventional pair. We make them from repurposed agricultural by-products, transformed into plant-based materials.
A complete range for every style
For smarter occasions, our smart shoes include Derbies, loafers and ballet flats. For everyday wear, there are our vegan trainers. Our styles look just as good with jeans as they do with a smarter outfit.
Vegan shoes for women and men
For women, our women’s vegan shoes range from Gaia ballet flats and Braga loafers to Bêta, our bestselling trainer. For men, our men’s vegan shoes include Soajo Derbies, Douro loafers and Ace’98 trainers.
Most of our styles are unisex. Filter by shoe size to see which are available in yours.
Innovative plant-based materials
We take agricultural by-products and turn them into the material for our shoes.
Grapes. After winemaking, the skins and seeds remain as grape pomace. The pomace is dehydrated and ground into a powder, then mixed with a water-based binder. The resulting paste is spread onto recycled polyester fabric to create the uppers of our Alpha trainers. For the Alpha Millésime, the pomace comes from a single estate, Château Le Payral in Bergerac.
Olives. Olive oil production also generates by-products. We give them new life as a smooth, supple material used in our loafers and derby shoes, among other styles.
Coffee and maize. Depending on the style, we also use coffee or maize by-products, each with its own texture and feel.
The rest of the shoe follows the same approach. The linings and laces are made from recycled plastic, while the soles combine recycled cork and rubber. The result is a supple, durable, easy-care material that ages well. That is what makes our shoes more than just vegan: they are also environmentally responsible.
Vegan shoes that feel comfortable from day one
Comfort starts with the material. Our plant-based materials are supple from the first wear and mould to your feet without needing to be broken in, unlike stiffer materials that often take several days to soften. Inside, the recycled cork insole naturally cushions every step and gradually moulds to the shape of your foot. It is removable, so you can replace it with your orthotic insoles if needed. Underneath, the thick outsole, made from recycled and natural rubber, grips cobblestones and wet surfaces alike.
We refine the width, instep and heel of each style to suit different foot shapes, while the soft lining helps reduce rubbing. Before launch, our team and members of the Zèta Club wear our shoes every day, and we fine-tune every detail based on their feedback.
Your questions about vegan shoes
What are vegan shoes?
These are shoes made without any animal-derived components. People often talk about leather-free shoes, but vegan goes further: the lining and glue must be animal-free too. At Zèta, that applies to every model we make.
Do you make vegan shoes for women and men?
Yes. Most of our styles are unisex. Our ballet flats are designed more with women in mind, and our derby shoes more with men in mind. Use the shoe size filter to see which styles are available in your size.
What is a Zèta vegan shoe made of?
It depends on the style. The upper is made from repurposed grape, olive, coffee or maize by-products. The lining and laces are made from recycled plastic, and the glue contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Are they as durable as conventional shoes?
Yes. Our materials withstand water, wear and friction. Your trainers or smart shoes will last just as long as a conventional pair.
How long do vegan shoes last?
With proper care, they last as long as conventional shoes. The difference lies in the quality of the materials and craftsmanship. Treat your shoes with a waterproofing spray before wearing them and clean them regularly to help them last longer.
What do customers say about your vegan shoes?
Our shoes are rated 4.6/5 based on over 2,000 verified reviews. Comfort comes up most often: more than 90% of our customers confirm it. You can read all the reviews on our product pages.
Which vegan shoe brands are there in France?
There are more and more of them. Zèta is one: our shoes are designed in Bordeaux and assembled by hand in Portugal using grape pomace or olive by-products.
Where are your vegan shoes made?
Our shoes are designed in Bordeaux, then assembled by hand in a family-run workshop in Portugal, where shoemaking expertise is passed down from generation to generation. Each pair passes through the hands of several craftspeople, from cutting to finishing. Working in Portugal also allows us to keep our supply chain short and stay close to our suppliers. At the end of each production run, we carry out rigorous quality checks before dispatching the pairs.
How to care for vegan shoes?
Before wearing them for the first time, treat them with a waterproofing spray to better protect them from stains and rain.
For smooth materials, a soft cloth and a little water are enough. For a stubborn stain, use our cleaning kit or a gentle, non-abrasive product. Brush vegan suede and canvas while dry. If stained, dab with a barely damp cloth, then leave to air-dry away from radiators.
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