ZEHA. Shaped by history. Defined by character.
ZEHA: Three generations. One sports shoe.
And today? Authentic. Modern. Iconic
I am Alexander Barré – not the fourth generation of the Hässner family, but a generation that grew up with ZEHA. My father was a passionate footballer, and I played in ZEHA shoes myself. They were part of our childhood, our sport, our everyday life.
We didn’t build these shoes – we wore them, lived in them, and loved them.
That passion from back then still drives me today. We brought ZEHA back from the archives – from dusty attics and forgotten factories – and revived the brand in Berlin.
Today, we combine historical designs with a modern mindset – with respect for what came before and responsibility for what we create and leave behind.
100 years of history. Still the original.
ZEHA. Since 1897.
What began in 1897 as a small shoemaker’s workshop evolved into one of the most influential sports shoe brands of its time – and continues its story in Berlin.
ZEHA tells the story of a family, a sport, and the many people who have worn these shoes. From Thuringia to the capital, it traces the journey of a sports shoe that achieved cult status – and carries it proudly to this day.
ZEHA became legendary as the outfitter of numerous Olympic athletes. The unmistakable double stripes still define the characteristic aesthetic of our designs. Every pair of ZEHA leather shoes is designed in Berlin and handcrafted in Portugal using EU-certified leather
Where it all began – and how it continued.
Carl Hässner´s LegacyZEHA shaped sports footwear culture for generations – from a small factory in Thuringia to one of the most renowned brands of its time. After more than 90 years of tradition, production came to an end in 1992 with the fall of the Berlin Wall. But the story didn’t end there. In 2002, we rediscovered the brand, preserved it, and rebuilt it in Berlin.
Today, ZEHA stands for timeless design that blends the iconic double stripes and the athletic heritage of its founding era with a modern lifestyle.
How we work. And what we stand for.
Crafted with care. Made with integrity.
Responsibility beyond the shoe.
At ZEHA, sustainability starts with intention. We work with certified materials, fair production processes, and consciously short supply chains. In Portugal, most of our value creation happens in one place—supported by local partners and responsible manufacturing.
We use resources efficiently: leather offcuts are reused, patterns optimized, and up to 95% of each hide processed. All our shoes are fully repairable and built for long-lasting wear — an essential part of our ecological approach.
Beyond the product, we act responsibly: fair working conditions, short transport routes, and stores and offices furnished largely with vintage pieces that reduce the need for new resources.
The result is a shoe crafted with care, built to last, and made with the smallest footprint possible.
Art. Purpose. Impact.
Where Responsibility Transforms Lives
From the encounter between ZEHA Berlin and Michael Fischer-Art, something greater than art has emerged: it has become a statement of values. The 300 hand-painted Basketballer sneakers reflect courage, heritage and creativity – and express our commitment to supporting social projects that truly make a difference.
With the artistically painted ZEHA Teslas, we also send a clear message against political division and irresponsibility. One of these art cars will be raffled off next year. Every contribution helps – and everyone has the same chance to become part of this movement.
All proceeds go to projects that create real hope. We aim to strengthen places that already change lives – and ensure they can continue to do so in the future.
Limited Artworks
Hand-Painted ZEHA Originals
The 300 hand-painted Basketballer sneakers unite ZEHA’s tradition with the unmistakable visual language of Michael Fischer-Art. Each pair is individually designed and given its own identity, turning the shoe into a unique object with character. With each purchase, you support social initiatives worldwide and strengthen projects that help maintain existing institutions. The edition shows how careful craftsmanship can be enriched by art and how a product can become a meaningful statement. In this way, the proceeds from every pair flow into projects that create lasting impact.
Art on Wheels
The Anti-Tesla Art Cars
Two Teslas painted by Michael Fischer-Art transform mobility into powerful artworks that express our clear standpoint. They serve as a visible statement against political division and stand for responsibility, diversity and social engagement. One of these art cars will be raffled off in 2025, ensuring that everyone has an equal chance to receive this artwork. All proceeds go directly to social projects and initiatives that support people worldwide and create lasting impact. In this way, every kilometer becomes a moment of real change
Helping Together
ShoeAid – Moving More Together
ShoeAid collects and distributes well-preserved shoes to people who urgently need them and cannot afford footwear themselves. This direct support creates opportunities in everyday life, whether for school, work or participation in the community. We also support projects in Cameroon, Kenya and Freiberg that strengthen and stabilize existing institutions. Our focus lies on long-term, sustainable assistance that includes maintenance, repair and ongoing support. In this way, help reaches where it matters and continues to have impact.
STAY TUNDED
