Vegan trainers

Trainers have become the essential shoe, the pair we wear 300 days a year. But when you look behind the scenes at animal leather and polluting chemical processes, it is clear there is an issue. It was from this realisation that Zèta was born. We wanted to create a vegan trainer that has nothing to envy conventional models for, whether in terms of style, durability, or comfort.

A revolution that grows in the fields, not on factory farms

The core idea is simple, yet it changes everything: replacing leather with extraordinary plant-based materials. People often speak of "faux leather" to describe pure and simple plastic, but here, the approach is entirely different. Our vegan trainer draws its strength from upcycled agricultural by-products.

Whether with grape marc, corn or even coffee residues, we obtain a material that looks like leather, ages like leather, but is infinitely more respectful of living beings. Choosing a Zèta vegan trainer therefore means supporting a circular economy where no unnecessary new materials are produced, but rather what already exists is transformed.

Ultra-comfortable vegan trainers

We are often asked: "Are they really comfortable?" We all remember a stiff pair of shoes that ruined our feet for a week. With our vegan trainers, it is quite the opposite.
The plant-based fibres we use are naturally supple. They require no break-in period: from your very first outing, the trainer moves naturally with you. Inside, we have engineered recycled insoles that provide genuine cushioning, because an ethical shoe must above all be a shoe you love wearing from morning to evening, whether you are running for your bus or relaxing on a terrace.

From Bordeaux to Portugal: craftsmanship with a human face

A vegan trainer would not truly make sense if it were manufactured on the other side of the world under questionable conditions. That is why we chose proximity. Everything is designed in Bordeaux, in our offices, and then handcrafted in Portugal in a family-run workshop.

This human dimension is what allows us to achieve impeccable craftsmanship. We know the artisans who craft your shoes, and we know the origin of every organic cotton lace and every piece of recycled rubber. It is this total traceability that makes Zèta a genuinely committed brand, rather than just another fashion label.

Your most frequently asked questions about our vegan trainers

Are vegan trainers durable? 

This is undoubtedly the question we get the most! The answer is a resounding yes. Our plant-based materials are designed to be waterproof and durable. We have tested our vegan trainers in all conditions (even under the grey skies of Bordeaux!). They fear neither dampness nor city pavements. To keep them looking impeccable, a quick spray of water repellent from time to time is all it takes to protect them from stains. 

Which vegan trainer to choose?

The magic of white or beige trainers lies in their versatility. A Zèta vegan trainer pairs just as effortlessly with raw denim as it does with suit trousers to soften an overly formal look. For women, it works every single time with a maxi skirt or a summer dress. It is the kind of essential that makes getting dressed in the morning effortless.

How to care for your vegan trainers? 

Forget shoe polish and animal fats. To pamper your vegan trainers, warm water, a little gentle soap, and a clean cloth work wonders. If the sole is slightly scuffed, an old toothbrush can help. The key is to avoid the washing machine, which is enemy number one to the structural integrity of any quality shoe.

If you prefer city shoes, we have launched our Saudade collection. Crafted entirely from olive-based plant material, this 100% vegan line reimagines wardrobe classics: loafers, tassel loafers, ballet flats and derbies. Each style is handcrafted in Portugal with the same eco-responsible standards as our trainers