Alpha Marino

Grapes — From the vine to your feet

The world of winemaking generates millions of liters of wine every year... but also tons of waste. Skins, seeds, residue: a dense organic matter called grape marc. At Zèta, we don't see it as an end, but as a beginning.

A material born from an agricultural residue

Each pair in the Alpha collection is made with this innovative material, developed in Milan from recycled grape pomace. After vinification, the pomace is dehydrated and then ground into a powder. This powder is then mixed with a water-based PU to form a soft yet durable paste.

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

A responsible material, without compromising on use

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

The lining is 100% recycled polyester .

But what matters as much as the recipe is the result: a material that's not only eco-friendly, but also durable. It's flexible, easy to maintain, and retains its shape over time.

Clear guarantees on quality

This material is certified by recognized independent organizations:

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

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

Making sense, without making noise

Working with grape marc is a practical way of making use of what you already have.

This helps reduce dependence on new materials, while offering a technical and credible alternative to materials derived from petroleum or animal leather.

Agricultural waste, minimal processing, real use.

It's as simple as that.

Your feet carry you, take care of them.

At Zèta, comfort isn't a detail; it's a starting point. Where many brands focus solely on style, we strive to combine aesthetics, ethics , and well-being at every stage of our sneakers' development.

Our styles are designed to fit naturally around your feet: flexible, lightweight, and breathable, they feel like slippers—and that's what over 90% of our customers say in their reviews. So it's not just us saying it, it's you.

The secret? We use Strobel construction, a high-end manufacturing technique that provides exceptional flexibility to the shoe. The result: natural cushioning, no feeling of stiffness, and unparalleled freedom of movement, even after hours of walking.

No more blisters and heavy legs: our sneakers accompany you everywhere, in the city as well as in the forest, from the first to the last step of the day.

Sneakers that last, without compromising on comfort.

Our materials are carefully selected to ensure they are comfortable to wear and durable. Before being launched, all our prototypes are tested at the CTCP (Footwear Technology Center in Portugal) for flexibility and abrasion tests. They are then tested in real-life conditions by our team and members of the Zèta club.

Each pair is hand-assembled by our Portuguese artisans and then undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure your comfort meets our standards – and yours.

Clothing workshop - Ovar, Portugal

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

It was in 1993 that Manuel Oliveira founded his own workshop, after spending his adolescence making 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 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

Antonio Leandro
Editor

Licinia
Seamstress

Iúri
Quality controller

Cristina
Seamstress