Alpha Marino

Grape — From the vine to your feet

The world of the vine produces millions of litres of wine every year… but also tonnes of by-products. Skins, seeds, residues: a dense organic material known as grape marc. At Zèta, we do not see it as an end, but as a beginning.

A material born from an agricultural by-product

Every pair in the Alpha collection is built upon this innovative material, developed in Milan from upcycled grape marc. After winemaking, the marc is dehydrated and then ground into a powder. This powder is then blended with a water-based PU to form a supple yet resistant paste.

Spread across a recycled polyester fabric, this paste becomes the upper of our trainers. A matte, stable surface with a slightly textured feel. The whole is cut and assembled by hand by our craftspeople.

A responsible material, without compromising on performance

The final composition incorporates 55% grape and 45% water-based PU.

The lining is made from 100% recycled polyester.

But what matters as much as the recipe is the result: a material that does not merely aim to be eco-responsible, but that withstands real use. It is supple, easy to care for, and retains its shape over time.

Clear quality guarantees

This material is certified by recognised independent bodies:

PETA, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, GCA (Global Change Award), as well as ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 45001 (safety) standards.

These certifications support our commitment: to produce differently, but seriously.

Making a difference, without making a fuss

Working from grape marc is a concrete way of making the most of what we already have.

This reduces dependence on virgin materials, while offering a technical and credible alternative to petroleum-based or animal-derived materials.

An agricultural by-product, minimal transformation, a real application.

It really is that simple.

Your feet carry you, take care of them.

At Zèta, comfort isn't a detail; it's a starting point. Where many brands focus solely on style, we strive to combine aesthetics, ethics , and well-being at every stage of our sneakers' development.

Our styles are designed to fit naturally around your feet: flexible, lightweight, and breathable, they feel like slippers—and that's what over 90% of our customers say in their reviews. So it's not just us saying it, it's you.

The secret? We use Strobel construction, a high-end manufacturing technique that provides exceptional flexibility to the shoe. The result: natural cushioning, no feeling of stiffness, and unparalleled freedom of movement, even after hours of walking.

No more blisters and heavy legs: our sneakers accompany you everywhere, in the city as well as in the forest, from the first to the last step of the day.

Sneakers that last, without compromising on comfort.

Our materials are carefully selected to ensure they are comfortable to wear and durable. Before being launched, all our prototypes are tested at the CTCP (Footwear Technology Center in Portugal) for flexibility and abrasion tests. They are then tested in real-life conditions by our team and members of the Zèta club.

Each pair is hand-assembled by our Portuguese artisans and then undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure your comfort meets our standards – and yours.

Clothing workshop - Ovar, Portugal

We are proud to collaborate with partners who share our values ​​and are as committed as we are, both environmentally and socially.

It was in 1993 that Manuel Oliveira founded his own workshop, after spending his adolescence making shoes. A few years ago, his son Tierri joined the family business and its 25 artisans.

This team of true enthusiasts perpetuates artisanal assembly and pays particular attention to details and finishes. They were the first to believe in the beginnings of the project in 2019, and today they are at the heart of the brand.

The team

Antonio Leandro
Editor

Licinia
Seamstress

Iúri
Quality controller

Cristina
Seamstress