Black Gaia

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 isn't a detail, it's a starting point. Where many brands prioritize style alone, we make it our mission to combine aesthetics, ethics , and well-being at every stage of our shoe development.

Our shoes are designed to adapt naturally to your foot: flexible, lightweight, and breathable, they make you feel like you're walking in slippers – and that's what over 90% of our customers tell us in their reviews. So it's not just us saying it, it's you.

No more blisters and heavy legs: our shoes accompany you everywhere, from the first to the last step of the day.

Shoes that last, without compromising on comfort.

Our materials are carefully selected for their comfort and durability. Before being launched, all our prototypes undergo flexibility and abrasion testing at the CTCP (Technological Center for Footwear in Portugal). They are then tested in real-world conditions by our team and members of the Zèta club.

Each pair is hand-assembled by our Portuguese artisans, then subjected to rigorous quality control to ensure that your comfort meets our requirements – 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.