Gaia black

Maize — A plant-based material designed to last

At Zèta, we do not select a material for what it appears to be, but for what it allows us to do. The maize we use is a solid plant-based alternative, well-suited for your shoes, for everyday wear.

A plant-based, yet technical material

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

Once harvested, it is processed using a clean method: dextrose extracted from maize is fermented, without petrochemicals, then transformed into a polymer. This polymer is then blended with a small quantity of PU to create a resistant material with a clean, consistent appearance. The result: a reliable, vegan and breathable upper.

Designed for regular use

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

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

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 structure, withstands repeated friction, and holds its shape over time.

It is also breathable and pleasant to wear. A material that does exactly what is asked of it, without trying to do more. That is often enough.

Your feet carry you everywhere — take care of them.

At Zèta, comfort is not a detail — it is a starting point. Where many brands focus solely on style, we take the bold step of combining aesthetics, ethics and well-being at every stage of our shoe development.

Our models are designed to adapt naturally to your foot: supple, lightweight and breathable, they give you the feeling of walking on air — and this is indeed 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 step of the day.

Shoes that last, with no compromise on comfort.

Our materials are carefully selected to be pleasant to wear and durable over time. 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 the members of the Zèta club.

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

Garment workshop - Felgueiras, Portugal

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

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

Since its founding, 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 crafted by hand, with meticulous attention to detail, comfort and durability — in the spirit of Saudade.