Over the years, consumption patterns have evolved. Driven by our needs, the criteria have evolved alongside the offer available. Price having become one of the main criteria for the majority of people, the market naturally adapted to offer products meeting this expectation above all else. This is how many factors were set aside in favour of mass consumption and fast fashion. In this article, we will seek to understand how the price of a pair of vegan trainers is set, and why it is generally higher than that of a pair of classic trainers.
Transparency
Today we are witnessing a global awakening to the absurdity of the consumption patterns of recent years. For many, it is becoming necessary for brands to be transparent about their prices and manufacturing conditions, making this an ever-present element in the landscape of modern consumption.
A brand that communicates transparently about its prices and production conditions justifies the quality and ethics of its products, while reinforcing consumer trust. The customer knows, precisely, what they are consuming and under what conditions. This transparency enables customers to make informed decisions by understanding the true value of products and by supporting ethical manufacturing practices. It also contributes to raising public awareness of the social and environmental issues linked to production. Brands that make transparency a key element thus respond to the growing concerns of consumers regarding sustainability and responsibility.
Zèta, the price of your trainers in full transparency
Since our beginnings, our commitment to transparency around costs and manufacturing conditions has always been a fundamental priority. Detailing the production cost of each pair allows us above all to establish an honest relationship with our customers, inviting them to understand precisely what they are buying.
We are convinced that transparency informs consumer choices. Knowing where our materials come from, how our products are made, and what the environmental and social implications are throughout our production processes helps to empower our customers.
By providing clear and detailed information, we hope to meet the growing expectations around sustainability, while also building a lasting relationship of trust with you.
If you have never had the chance to see it, here is an example of the production cost breakdown for our Bêta model.
*Our gross margin has a coefficient of 2.3
By comparison, most trainer brands operate with a gross margin coefficient between 7 and 10 (yes, that is a lot).
After deducting operating expenses (salaries, marketing, premises, etc.), our net margin comes down to... €29. It is only this remaining amount that allows us to invest in the brand, and in the development of new collections and new products.
Price breakdown of trainers among our competitors
So, what exactly does this 7x to 10x markup applied by a large share of competing (or non-competing) trainer brands correspond to?
Let us take a comparative example of a pair well known to the general public — one whose brand name we will not mention, but… that everyone knows. This pair of trainers sells for around 140 euros, which is 15 less than a pair of Bêta, which we presented just above.
In 2016, the Alternatives Economiques website broke down the cost of these American sneakers. Here is the breakdown, compared to that of a pair of Zèta.
The price of vegan trainers: are the additional costs justified?
As observed previously, the cost of vegan raw materials proves to be higher than that of traditional sneakers. This disparity is explained by two main factors.
Firstly, the economies of scale phenomenon comes into play. As a company scales up production, its consumption of raw materials increases as well, granting it stronger negotiating power over these resources. Currently, the cost of materials used in crafting vegan trainers is higher due to their less advanced development. However, with the growing mainstream adoption of eco-friendly shoes, we can expect a future drop in the costs of vegan trainers.
The second crucial aspect concerns the dignity of working conditions. When you choose to purchase your trainers from a sustainable, ethical and transparent brand, you help support high-quality workshops, just like our producers who craft Zèta shoes. This cost is (much) higher than that incurred by brands outsourcing their production to countries where working conditions are often (if not systematically) unclear, precarious, and even... completely appalling. We are not going to shy away from saying it, because it is clearly the case. And this ethical stance inevitably impacts the price of our trainers.
Zèta, eco-responsible choices
At Zèta, every decision — whether concerning the choice of materials, factories, sourcing methods or other aspects — is guided by an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Our objective is clear: to reintroduce by-products into the consumption cycle, thereby creating eco-responsible products without compromise on quality.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge the primary difficulty inherent in these production methods, namely cost. Indeed, at Zèta, the manufacture of vegan trainers relies on the recovery of by-products from agricultural production — such as grape, maize, coffee, olive, and so on — transformed into a new plant-based material.
Taking the example of materials derived from wine production by-products highlights their higher cost, resulting from their rarity and the more expensive production methods required. Despite this, our primary objective remains validated: the reintroduction of by-products into the production process, offering an ethical alternative to controversial animal leather.
Quality, durability and comfort: a cost well worth it
Our high-quality materials are carefully selected to ensure not only their positive environmental impact but also their exceptional durability. The use of multiple prototypes and rigorous testing — both at a physico-mechanical level and in the field with real users — is a crucial step in ensuring the quality and robustness of our trainers.
The assembly of each pair is carried out with artisanal precision, entrusted to talented professionals who bring their expertise to bear in ensuring the solidity and durability of the final product. Every pair of Zèta shoes is the result of a meticulous process, careful attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to offering footwear that stands the test of time.
The enhanced comfort provided by our trainers stems directly from the exceptional quality of the materials used. Each component is chosen not only for its durability, but also for the well-being it brings to those who wear them. Comfort, durability, and sturdiness are inseparable aspects of our products, thereby justifying the price that reflects the exceptional quality and ethical approach defining our trainers.
Ultimately, when you invest in a pair of Zèta shoes, you are choosing far more than a simple pair of footwear: you are choosing durability, quality and a commitment to ethical and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. It is this constant dedication to quality and responsibility that contributes to defining the added value of our trainers and justifies their price positioning.
The rise of vegan trainers on the market
Current market trends show a significant increase in demand for vegan trainers. Recent data indicate that consumers are willing to spend more on ethical and sustainable products. This trend is explained by a growing consumer awareness of the impact of their choices on the environment.
We ourselves are an illustration of this growing awareness, offering ethical, sustainable products with a transparent production process. To be sure, our models are sometimes more expensive than market averages. But as explained earlier, it is not all about price. Buyers of white vegan trainers take into account the materials used, durability, as well as the manufacturing process and conditions.
Over the years, vegan and sustainable ready-to-wear brands have been growing. This trend aims to lower the prices of vegan trainers, as with other clothing. The democratisation of the various manufacturing processes will lead to a reduction in costs, while maintaining the quality and ethics of production.
The price of vegan trainers: an investment for the future
In short, the price of vegan trainers is the result of a combination of factors, ranging from transparency to environmental impact, including eco-responsibility. Consumers, increasingly sensitive to these issues, see this investment as a step towards a more conscious lifestyle. As cost comparison examples and figures demonstrate the growing competitiveness of vegan trainers, it becomes clear that adopting them is not only an ethical choice, but an investment for a more sustainable future.
At Zèta, we offer the fairest possible prices, but we do occasionally provide promotional codes. Discover our promo codes!
