Gaia black

Corn — A plant-based material designed to last

At Zèta, we do not choose a material for how it looks, but for what it delivers. The corn we use is a solid, plant-based alternative suited for your everyday footwear.

A plant-based yet technical material

The corn used in our models does not come from the agri-food industry. It comes from non-food crops, avoiding competition with crops grown for human or animal consumption.

Once harvested, it is processed using a clean method: the dextrose extracted from the corn is fermented without petrochemicals, then transformed into a polymer. This polymer is then blended with a small amount of PU to create a durable material with a clean, smooth finish. Result: a reliable, vegan and breathable upper.

Designed for regular wear

The corn-based material contains 73% Bio-based PU and 27% recycled polyester. Its plant-based content reaches 50%, a threshold rarely crossed in the sneaker world.

Developed in Milan, the material is certified by several independent organisations:

PETA, Animal Free, USDA (organic certification), FSC®, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 45001.

A solid foundation for everyday trainers

Our Bêta, Alta, Velcro and Kids models are built around this material. It offers good support, withstands repeated friction, and keeps its shape over time.

It is also breathable and comfortable to wear. A material that does exactly what is asked of it, without overdoing it. It is often all you need.

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 commit to combining aesthetics, ethics and well-being at every single stage of developing our footwear.

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

Say goodbye to blisters and tired legs: our shoes go everywhere with you, from your first to your last step of the day.

Shoes made to last, without compromising on comfort.

Our materials are carefully selected to be pleasant to wear and long-lasting. Before being launched, all our prototypes are reviewed by the CTCP (Footwear Technological Centre of Portugal) for flexibility and abrasion testing. Then, they are tested in real-life conditions by our team and members of the Zèta club.

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 - Felgueiras, Portugal

We are proud to collaborate with partners who share our values and high standards, both environmentally and socially.

Located in Felgueiras, Portugal, our family-run workshop brings together around forty passionate artisans who preserve a unique craftsmanship.

Since its creation, this workshop has made it a point of honour to preserve the tradition of Portuguese shoemaking while integrating modern and responsible practices.
Each pair is handcrafted with great attention to detail, comfort, and durability — true to the spirit of Saudade.