Alta Burgundy

Grape — From the vine to your feet

The world of wine generates millions of litres of wine every year… but also tonnes of by-products. Skins, seeds, residues: a dense organic material known as grape marc. At Zèta, we do not see this as an end, but as a beginning.

A material born from agricultural co-products

Every pair in the Alpha collection relies on this innovative material, developed in Milan from upcycled grape marc. Following vinification, the grape marc is dehydrated and ground into a fine powder. This powder is then combined with a water-based PU to create a supple yet resilient paste.

Spread over a recycled polyester fabric, this paste forms the upper of our trainers. A smooth, stable finish with a delicately textured feel. Everything is then cut and assembled by hand by our artisans.

A sustainable material, without compromising on performance

The final composition includes 55% grape and 45% water-based PU.

The lining is made from 100% recycled polyester.

Yet what matters as much as the recipe is the result: a material that is not merely eco-responsible, but built to last. It is supple, easy to care for, and retains its shape over time.

Clear guarantees on quality

This material is certified by recognised independent bodies:

PETA, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, GCA (Global Change Award), as well as ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety) standards.

These certifications back up our commitment: producing differently, with uncompromising standards.

Making an impact, quietly

Working with grape marc is a practical way to make the most of what already exists.

This reduces reliance on virgin resources, while offering a technical and credible alternative to petroleum-based or animal-derived materials.

An agricultural co-product, minimal processing, genuine everyday use.

It is as simple as that.

Your feet carry you, take good care of them.

At Zèta, comfort is not an afterthought, it is our starting point. Where many brands focus solely on style, we choose to combine aesthetics, ethics and well-being at every stage of development of our trainers.

Our models are designed to adapt naturally to your foot: supple, lightweight, and breathable, they make you feel like you are walking in slippers – and that is exactly what over 90% of our customers tell us in their reviews. So it is not just us saying it, it is you.

The secret? We use the Strobel construction, a premium manufacturing technique that gives the shoe exceptional flexibility. The result: natural cushioning, no feeling of stiffness, and incomparable freedom of movement, even after hours of walking.

No more blisters and heavy legs: our trainers go with you everywhere, in the city as in the woods, from the first to the last step of the day.

Trainers made to last, without compromising on comfort.

Our materials are carefully selected to ensure they are pleasant to wear and durable over time. Before being launched, all our prototypes are inspected by the CTCP (Footwear Technological Centre of Portugal) for flexibility and abrasion testing. Then, they are tested in real-world conditions by our team and Zèta club members.

Each pair is assembled by hand by our Portuguese artisans, then subjected to rigorous quality control to ensure that your comfort meets our high standards – and yours.

Manufacturing workshop - Ovar, Portugal

We are proud to collaborate with partners who share our values and are just as committed as we are, both environmentally and socially.

In 1993, Manuel Oliveira founded his own workshop after spending his youth crafting shoes. A few years ago, his son Tierri joined the family business and its 25 artisans.

This team of genuine enthusiasts perpetuates artisanal assembly, paying special attention to details and finishes. They were the first to believe in the beginnings of the project in 2019, and today they are at the heart of the brand.

The team

António Leandro
Fitter

Licinia
Seamstress

Iúri
Quality controller

Cristina
Seamstress