Gaia black

Corn — A plant material designed to last

At Zèta, we don't select a material for what it looks like, but for what it can do. The corn we use is a solid plant-based alternative, suitable for your shoes, every day.

A plant-based material, but technical

The corn used in our models does not come from the agri-food industry. It is grown from non-food crops, which avoids competing with production intended for human or animal consumption.

Once harvested, it is transformed using a clean process: the dextrose extracted from corn is fermented, without petrochemicals, then transformed into a polymer. This polymer is then mixed with a small amount of PU to create a durable material with a clean and consistent appearance. The result: a reliable, vegan, and breathable upper.

Designed for regular use

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

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

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

A solid foundation for everyday sneakers

Our Beta, Alta, Velcro, and Kids models are built around this material. It offers a good fit, withstands repeated friction, and retains its shape over time.

It's also breathable and comfortable to wear. A material that does what it's asked of it well, without trying to do more. That's often enough.

Your feet carry you — take 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 stage of our shoe development.

Our designs are crafted to adapt naturally to your foot: supple, lightweight and breathable, they give you the feeling of walking on air — and that is precisely what more than 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 heavy legs: our shoes are with you every step of the way, from the first to the last stride of the day.

Shoes that last, with no compromise on comfort.

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

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

Clothing workshop - Felgueiras, Portugal

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

Located in Felgueiras, Portugal, our family workshop brings together around forty passionate artisans who perpetuate a unique know-how.

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 attention to detail, comfort and durability — in keeping with the Saudade spirit.