Our Leathers

The essence of our sneakers

At ZESPÀ, leather is at the heart of every creation.

Selected for its quality, feel, and ability to develop a unique patina over time, it gives our sneakers their distinct character.

We exclusively use European bovine leathers, meticulously chosen and crafted in our partner workshops in Portugal, where artisanal savoir-faire and precision execution come together.
This attention to materials is part of a holistic product vision.
Discover the history and commitments that shape our collections on our our DNA page.

Nappa Leather

Soft nappa or smooth full-grain leather is one of the most exquisite leathers used in footwear.

  • Smooth and uniform surface
  • Soft and silky touch
  • Excellent wear resistance
  • Natural aging and elegant patina

It is the preferred leather for our iconic models, for a clean, modern, and timeless look, perfectly suited for everyday wear as well as more formal outfits. Find these different leathers in our collection of men's sneakers.

Suede Leather

Suede leather is distinguished by its soft feel and slightly textured appearance. It brings a warmer and more authentic dimension to the sneaker, while maintaining a high level of finish.

Suede leather (or velour leather) is distinguished by its soft and slightly textured appearance.

  • Matte texture. Velvety feel.
  • Slight relief. Softer visual.
  • Lightweight feel.
  • Deep color. Stable hold.
  • Natural presence.

At Zespà, we use high-quality suede that maintains its appearance over time with proper care.

Suede leather

Suede leather stands out for its soft feel and slightly textured appearance. It brings a warmer and more authentic dimension to the sneaker, while maintaining a high level of finish.

Suede leather (or velour leather) is distinguished by its soft and slightly textured appearance.

  • Matte texture. Velvety feel.
  • Slight relief. Softer look.
  • Lightweight feel.
  • Deep color. Stable hold.
  • Natural presence.

At Zespà, we use high-quality suede that retains its appearance over time with proper care.

Nubuck leather

Often confused with suede, nubuck is actually full-grain leather that has been lightly sanded.

  • Matte, silky appearance
  • Fine, velvety feel
  • Discreet, premium look
  • Excellent durability

Nubuck offers a perfect balance of elegance and casualness, for those looking for a sneaker with a strong yet subtle style.

European leather, sublimated in Portugal

All our leathers come from renowned European tanneries that comply with strict quality and traceability standards. The processing and assembly are then carried out in Portugal, in small-scale workshops that are experts in leatherwork. Because we believe that a premium product deserves clear and accessible information, we transparently share the origin of our materials, our manufacturing locations, and our commitments. To learn more, consult our Transparency page.

This choice guarantees:

  • Consistent quality
  • Responsible artisanal production
  • Controlled environmental impact