Shoes, those quintessential workplace staples, are taking a backseat as a growing number of Silicon Valley startups embrace a no-shoes policy, transforming office culture in unexpected ways.
Story Snapshot
- Silicon Valley startups are adopting no-shoes policies to foster comfort and creativity.
- The trend is rooted in cultural practices and aims to create relaxed office environments.
- Critics raise concerns about professionalism and hygiene.
- Viral social media posts have reignited interest in this quirky workplace trend.
No-Shoes Policy Gains Traction
In Silicon Valley, where innovation reigns supreme, a new trend is taking hold, not in technology but in footwear—or the lack thereof. Startups such as Cursor, a $9.9 billion AI coding company, are leading the charge by introducing no-shoes policies. Employees leave their shoes at the entrance, opting for socks or slippers as they navigate their workdays. Proponents argue this fosters a more comfortable and creative work environment, countering the often sterile and formal office atmosphere.
The roots of this trend can be traced back to cultural practices in countries like South Korea and Japan, where removing shoes indoors is customary. In Sweden, too, the shoeless tradition is upheld for hygiene and comfort. Silicon Valley’s multicultural tapestry is reflected in these startups, where founders often draw inspiration from their cultural backgrounds or international experiences. Companies like Notion and Gusto were early adopters, setting precedents that are now gaining broader acceptance.
Historical Context and Cultural Influences
Before the pandemic, a few tech companies had already embraced the no-shoes policy, inspired by cultural norms or the personal preferences of their founders. The onset of COVID-19, which forced a massive shift to remote work, made formal office attire—including shoes—seem irrelevant. As employees became accustomed to the comforts of home, the transition back to traditional office environments has been met with some resistance. To entice workers back, startups are leveraging unique perks, including no-shoes policies, to create a more appealing work atmosphere.
Cursor employee Ben Lang’s viral post on social media brought renewed attention to this policy, sparking discussion and debate. The post garnered over 1.1 million impressions, highlighting the curiosity and varying opinions surrounding this unconventional workplace practice. While many applaud the move for its emphasis on comfort and creativity, others voice concerns about hygiene and the erosion of professional boundaries.
Balancing Comfort and Professionalism
The no-shoes policy is not without its detractors. Critics argue that such informality could lead to blurred lines between personal and professional spaces. Questions about hygiene, particularly in shared office environments, remain a sticking point for many. Despite these concerns, the policy’s supporters emphasize its potential to foster a sense of community and enhance creativity—a vital component in the fast-paced, innovative world of startups.
Several companies have taken additional steps to address these concerns. Some, like Speak, another startup with a no-shoes policy, offer “slipper stipends” to ensure employees have comfortable and appropriate footwear. This nod to South Korean culture, where Speak’s first market lies, underscores the cultural homage inherent in these policies.
Implications for Workplace Culture
The no-shoes trend is emblematic of a broader shift towards more informal, employee-centric workplaces. As startups continue to redefine office norms, larger corporations may soon follow suit, though they remain cautious about embracing such radical changes. The potential for increased creativity and collaboration is significant, but so are the challenges of maintaining professionalism and inclusivity.
No shoes? No problem at a growing number of workplaces: You may have to return to the office, but a growing number of businesses are letting you kick off your shoes once you walk in the door https://t.co/JWhce1lUdw pic.twitter.com/b8h5hdDhA8
— Quartz (@qz) October 1, 2025
Industry experts, like Anita Williams Woolley from Carnegie Mellon, highlight the dual nature of informality in the workplace. While comfort can lead to greater creativity and cohesion, it also risks undermining professional boundaries. As this trend gains momentum, companies will need to carefully balance these elements to maintain a productive and inclusive work environment.
