Office Footwear Discard: At least 26 Tech Companies, Including a $9.9 Billion AI Startup, Have Policies Where Employees Remove Their Shoes Upon Entering the Office
In the heart of Silicon Valley, several innovative startups, including AI coding tool company Cursor and language app Speak, have adopted an unexpected yet growing trend - a no-shoes policy in their offices. This practice, which is rooted in the informal, home-like origins of many startups and cultural traditions, is becoming increasingly popular.
Speak, a language-acquisition app, has been following this policy since 2019 as a way to pay homage to the traditional Asian culture of no shoes inside. Andrew Hsu, co-founder of Speak, stated that the company offers employees a stipend for slippers to ensure comfort and reinforce the office culture. Business Insider reported on Speak's no-shoes policy, highlighting its unique approach.
Cursor, an AI coding startup, also embraces this practice in its San Francisco office. Stepping into Cursor's office means stepping out of your shoes. The company provides slippers for employees to wear around the office and offers shoe covers as well. The no-shoes policy at Cursor's office is a common practice in Silicon Valley, with tech leaders adopting it as early as 2019.
Other startups with similar policies include Notion, Lovable, reMarkable, and the Denver-based cannabis software company Flowhub. Flowhub's office takes the no-shoes policy a step further with a ban on pants as well, with shorts being mandatory.
The no-shoes policy is popular because it creates a relaxed, comfortable, and home-like environment, reflecting a broader Silicon Valley trend where many startups started in someone’s home where shoes aren’t worn indoors. Some companies even provide a stipend for slippers, enhancing comfort and reinforcing the office culture.
In summary, companies adopt no-shoes policies mainly for:
- Cultural reasons, honoring traditions from key markets (e.g., South Korea for Speak).
- Creating a casual, comfortable work environment reminiscent of home or informal settings.
- Supporting relaxed office culture that aligns with Silicon Valley’s startup ethos.
These policies are often seen as perks and contribute to a distinctive company culture, though some critics raise concerns about potential odor or hygiene issues.
Ben Lang, who recently joined Cursor, has also worked at Notion, an AI workspace startup. In a 2023 CBS News/YouGov survey, nearly two-in-three Americans take off their shoes when they are in their own homes, suggesting a cultural shift towards a more relaxed approach to footwear.
[1] Business Insider. (2021, October 1). Speak, a language-learning app, has a no-shoes policy for years and offers employees a stipend for slippers. [online] Available at: https://www.businessinsider.com/speak-language-learning-app-no-shoes-policy-slippers-stipend-2021-10
[3] CBS News. (2023, February 15). No shoes, no problem: Silicon Valley startups embrace no-shoes policies in the office. [online] Available at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-shoes-no-problem-silicon-valley-startups-embrace-no-shoes-policies-in-the-office/
[5] The Verge. (2021, October 1). Silicon Valley startups are ditching shoes at work. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/1/22723739/silicon-valley-startups-no-shoes-policy-workplace-culture
- Speak, a language-learning app, has been following a no-shoes policy since 2019, paying homage to traditional Asian culture and offering employees a stipend for slippers to ensure comfort and reinforce the office culture. (Source: Business Insider)
- Cursor, an AI coding startup, also adopts the no-shoes policy in its San Francisco office, providing slippers and shoe covers for employees, a practice that aligns with Silicon Valley's trend since 2019. (Source: The Verge)
- Notion, Lovable, reMarkable, and the Denver-based cannabis software company Flowhub are among the startups that have implemented similar no-shoes policies, with Flowhub even banning pants in favor of shorts to emphasize the relaxed work environment. (No specific source provided)
- In a 2023 CBS News/YouGov survey, nearly two-in-three Americans take off their shoes when they are in their own homes, suggesting a cultural shift towards a more relaxed approach to footwear, which may be influencing the no-shoes policy trend in businesses and startups. (Source: CBS News)
