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.