Alpha Marino

Grape — From the vine to your feet

The world of viticulture produces 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 don't see it as an end, but as a beginning.

A material born from an agricultural by-product

Every pair from the Alpha collection is built on this innovative material, developed in Milan from upcycled grape marc. After the winemaking process, the marc is dehydrated and then ground into a powder. This powder is then blended with a water-based PU to form a supple yet resistant paste.

Spread over a recycled polyester fabric, this paste becomes the upper of our trainers. A matte, stable surface with a slightly textured feel. Everything is cut and assembled by hand by our craftspeople.

A responsible material, with no compromise on performance

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

The lining is made from 100% recycled polyester.

But what matters as much as the recipe is the result: a material that is not simply eco-responsible, but one that stands up to real use. It is supple, easy to care for, and holds its shape over time.

Clear quality guarantees

This material is certified by recognised independent bodies:

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

These certifications support our commitment: to produce differently, but seriously.

Making a difference, quietly

Working with grape marc is a concrete way of making use of what we already have.

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

An agricultural by-product, minimal processing, real-world use.

It really is that simple.

Your feet carry you — take care of them.

At Zèta, comfort is not a detail — it is a starting point. Where many brands focus solely on style, we take the challenge of combining aesthetics, ethics and well-being at every stage of our trainers' development.

Our styles are designed to adapt naturally to your foot: supple, lightweight and breathable, they give you the feeling of walking in slippers — and that is indeed what more than 90% of our customers tell us in their reviews. So it is not just us saying it — it is you.

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

No more blisters or heavy legs: our trainers go everywhere with you, in the city or in the forest, from the very first to the very last step of your day.

Trainers built to last, with no compromise on comfort.

Our materials are carefully selected to be pleasant to wear and long-lasting. Before launch, all our prototypes pass through the hands of the CTCP (Centre Technologique de la Chaussure au Portugal) for flexibility and abrasion testing. They are then tested in real conditions by our team and the members of the Zèta club.

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

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.

It was in 1993 that Manuel Oliveira founded his own workshop, having spent his teenage years crafting shoes. A few years ago, his son Tierri joined the family business and its 25 artisans.

This team of true enthusiasts perpetuates artisanal assembly and pays particular attention to detail and finish. They were the first to believe in the early stages of the project in 2019, and today they are at the heart of the brand.

The team

António Leandro
Assembler

Licinia
Seamstress

Iúri
Quality controller

Cristina
Seamstress