Transparency

We founded ZESPÀ in 2009.

Time flies, Zespà has evolved, and today reaffirms itself as an open concept that combines sustainability and quality in its products.

For over a decade, we have developed this project, initially with French manufacturing and then gradually with Portuguese production, always striving to highlight local production, luxury craftsmanship, and high-quality sneakers. Our experience as a shoe manufacturer is not an end in itself; we are committed to continuous improvement and satisfying our customers with desirable products.

It is crucial for us to pursue these goals while respecting the environment and taking care of those who work with us.

We are driven by the desire to improve ourselves, every day.

Manufacturing

Today, all our products are made in Portugal.

Our workshops comply with European REACH safety and environmental standards, and we ensure they provide good working conditions for their employees. Most are family businesses that have been perpetuating their expertise for generations. We spend many weeks on-site working with these workshops to build relationships based on trust. The Porto region has developed exceptional craftsmanship.

Our vision of luxury craftsmanship combines technical mastery, tradition, passion, and the use of both noble and sustainable materials. Of the hundred or so operations required to make a shoe, most are carried out by hand, and we are committed to maintaining a daily production pace that meets our high quality standards, which means slowing down the production rate.

Our ambition is to democratize this luxury craftsmanship with an accessible high-end sneaker.

Materials and components

The quality of a product starts with its components.

Our leathers are of exceptional quality and have a reduced carbon footprint, as they come from European tanneries (Italy, Portugal, France). They meet both high-quality and environmental standards. We select premium, full-grain hides—the most beautiful, supple, and durable.

We are constantly striving to improve the environmental impact of manufacturing and packaging our products. From the cardboard insole to the upper reinforcements and the rubber sole, many components are made from recycled materials. We minimize the use of chemicals and are actively eliminating plastic from our packaging, which prioritizes recycled and recyclable materials. We have built a network of suppliers who are among the most reputable on the continent.

Our aim is to build a shoe that softens, develops a patina, and improves with age. (That's because we believe in the long term, so each pair is sold with a second pair of laces.)

Materials and components

The quality of a product starts with its components.

Our leathers are of exceptional quality and have a reduced carbon footprint, as they come from European tanneries (Italy, Portugal, France). They meet both high-quality and environmental standards. We select premium, full-grain hides—the most beautiful, supple, and durable.

We are constantly striving to improve the environmental impact of manufacturing and packaging our products. From the cardboard insole to the upper reinforcements and the rubber sole, many components are made from recycled materials. We minimize the use of chemicals and are actively eliminating plastic from our packaging, which prioritizes recycled and recyclable materials. We have built a network of suppliers who are among the most reputable on the continent.

Our aim is to build a shoe that softens, develops a patina, and improves with age. (That's because we believe in the long term, so each pair is sold with a second pair of laces.)

Product

We spend our days walking. Comfort is therefore naturally at the heart of our approach.

Our anatomical insole provides support and stability for the foot. Our linings are made of soft, breathable calfskin. Designed by an expert last maker, our lasts strive for a perfect fit. These lasts are unique to us, which is why we only release one or two new models per season.

We want our products to last and have a long life, because this added soul makes them even more beautiful. With this choice, we are going against the grain of overconsumption. We therefore opt for traditional, handcrafted techniques and finishes designed to increase durability. Designing a durable and comfortable shoe is pointless if no one wants to wear it. Design is therefore just as important.

Our collections promote an elegant and timeless design, like all great classics.

Logistics

We advocate a short supply chain: everything is done in Europe, between Portugal, France and Italy.

Our offices are only 1200 kilometers from our workshops. This proximity allows us to offer products with a reduced carbon footprint, which, rather than being shipped by boat or plane, take their time traveling by truck. Our logistics platform uses electric vehicles to dispatch packages. From cardboard and tape to tissue paper, all the materials used for our shipping-related packaging are recyclable.

From start to finish, our logistics process is local and eco-friendly.

Logistics

We advocate a short supply chain: everything is done in Europe, between Portugal, France and Italy.

Our offices are only 1200 kilometers from our workshops. This proximity allows us to offer products with a reduced carbon footprint, which, rather than being shipped by boat or plane, take their time traveling by truck. Our logistics platform uses electric vehicles to dispatch packages. From cardboard and tape to tissue paper, all the materials used for our shipping-related packaging are recyclable.

From start to finish, our logistics process is local and eco-friendly.